Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, with pheromone traps: five years of experience in Sicily.

Red Palm Weevil adults are attracted by a male aggregation pheromone. During 2006 and 2008, we placed pheromone traps in different infested sites of Eastern Sicily for monitoring the population dynamics of the insect. Traps consisted of a 15-liter plastic bucket and contained the pheromone and an emulsion of water and mineral oil. No food baits were added. The pheromone was changed every 2 months. In the period 2010-12 we compared the captures in urban area and in nurseries in order to assist the spray decision for protecting plots of different palm species. In the same period we compared red and black colored traps. Starting from 2012, monitoring traps have been placed on the whole regional territory as planned in the Regional Action Plan.
Increasing Grazing in Dairy Cow Milk Production Systems in Europe

In temperate regions of Europe where grass grows for most of the year, grazed pasture is the lowest cost feed for milk production. Grazed pasture can make a contribution to dairy cow feeding systems in other parts of Europe, but is less important. While there are many challenges to maintaining or increasing the proportion of grazed grass in dairy cow diets, there are also opportunities to increase its contribution. Grass use and quality can be challenging for several reasons, including the cow and sward interaction, and factors influencing dry matter intake. Adapting grazing management strategies can provide opportunities for incorporating grazing and perhaps increase grazing in dairy cow milk production systems. Pasture management tools and techniques offer the opportunity to increase herbage use at grazing. While there are many benefits of grazing including economic, environmental, animal welfare and social, there are also the challenges to maintaining grazed pasture in dairy cow diets. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the challenges and opportunities for grazing in dairy milk production systems.
Evaluation of Individual Distance-Independent Diameter Growth Models for Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Trees under Multiple Thinning Treatments

Understanding the tree growth process is essential for sustainable forest management. Future yields are affected by various forest management regimes such as thinning; therefore, accurate predictions of tree growth are needed under various thinning intensities. This study compared the accuracy of individual-level distance-independent diameter growth models constructed for different thinning intensities (thinning intensity-dependent multiple models: TDM model) against the model designed to include all thinning intensities (thinning intensity-independent single model: TIS model) to understand how model accuracy is affected by thinning intensity. We used long-term permanent plot data of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) stands in Japan, which was gathered from four plots where thinning was conducted at different thinning intensities: (1) intensive (41% and 38% of trees removed at 25 and 37 years old, respectively), (2) moderate (38% and 34%), (3) light (32% and 34%), and (4) no thinning. First, we specified high interpretability distance-independent competition indices, and we compared the model accuracy both in TDM and TIS models. The results show that the relative spacing index was the best competition index both in TDM and TIS models across all thinning intensities, and the differences in the RMSE (Root mean square error) and rRMSE (relative RMSE) in both TDM and TIS models were 0.001–0.01 cm and 0.2–2%, respectively. In the TIS model, rRMSE varied with thinning intensity; the rRMSE was the lowest for moderate thinning intensity (45.8%) and the highest for no thinning (59.4%). In addition, bias values were negative for the TIS model for all thinning intensities. These results suggest that the TIS model could express diameter growth regardless of thinning intensities. However, the rRMSE had varied with thinning intensity and bias had negative values in the TIS model. Therefore, more model improvements are required for accurate predictions of long-term growth of actual Japanese cedar stands.
Root fungi in wild strawberry: root colonization depends on host inbreeding

Question: What is the effect of level of host inbreeding on fungal root colonization? Hypothesis: Selfed plants are poorer hosts than outcrossed ones and should be less intensively colonized. Organism: Hermaphroditic individuals of the self-compatible wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana (Rosaceae). Methods: Selfed and outcrossed progeny were grown at three resource levels. Plants were scored for vegetative size, leaf disease, and root fungi in semi-natural conditions. Results: Hyphal colonization was greater in outcrossed than in selfed plants, but the effect was marginal for vesicular colonization. Neither resource level nor maternal genotype influenced the effect of plant inbreeding on colonization. But fungi associated with plants in high resources produced more vesicles. Inbreeding depression in plant vegetative size was positively correlated with cross differential root colonization.
CWWQI on the Evaluation of Effluent Wastewater from Al-Dora Refinery WWTP

This study aimed to evaluate effluent wastewater form Al-Dora refinery wastewater treatment plant (DWWTP). The quality of wastewater for agricultural irrigation was evaluated using Canadian Wastewater Quality Index (CWWQI). Seven physical, chemical and biological parameters, namely, pH, SO4, Cl−, phenol, COD, BOD5 and TDS were analyzed from April 2018 to March 2019. Results of CWWQI referred to variation in the acceptability of the treated wastewater for reuse in crop irrigation. The treated wastewater had CWWQI of 80.19, which reflects good quality. Hence, the treated wastewater was suitable for irrigation of many crops.
Commentary: Pathophysiological Role of Histamine H4 Receptor in Cancer: Therapeutic Implications

The past two decades have witnessed a substantial increase in our understanding of histamine interaction and functions. The main factor propelling pharmacological interests in histamine research is its pleiotropic pathophysiological actions, which have led to the development and marketing of many successful medications for immune and gastrointestinal disorders (Tiligada and Ennis, 2020). A large body of research evidence has recently revealed a crucial role of histamine in cancer-related processes such as cell cycle and proliferation, apoptosis and invasion (Massari et al., 2020). Moreover, the discovery of the latest G protein-coupled receptor of histamine, histamine H4 receptor (H4R), and its potent immunomodulatory effect, has opened up new perspectives in cancer research (Massari et al., 2020). Besides its distribution on immune cells, H4R was also differentially expressed in a wide variety of cancers, cancer models, and tumor cell lines. In this regard, we read with great interest the elegant work of Nicoud et al., which comprehensively reviewed the recent research on the pathophysiological role of H4R in cancer (Nicoud et al., 2019). The authors summarized the current knowledge on H4R pharmacology, clinical applications, and differential expression in many in vitro and in vivo experimental models of cancer as well as in cancer patient cohorts. Importantly, authors concluded that numerous preclinical data indicated with no doubt the participation of H4R in tumor progression and signify the potential of exploiting this receptor for cancer treatment. In this respect, we would like to briefly highlight the involvement of H4R in oral (or mobile) tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), which however was not covered in this review. OTSCC is the most commonmalignancy in the oral cavity, whichmainly arises in the lateral borders of tongue and shows a swift metastasis to the regional lymph nodes. The prognosis of OTSCC, despite the improvement in cancer therapy, remains low (the 5-year survival rate is about 50%) without major improvements in survival within the past decades (Chen et al., 2018). Indeed, early diagnosis and effective treatments, with less off-target effects, are imperative to improve the survival rates of OTSCC patients (Chen et al., 2018). Thus, there is an urgent need to identify, test, and develop new effective therapeutic targets for OTSCC. Histamine and H4R showed differential immunoexpression in the
Insect photoperiodism: effects of temperature on the induction of insect diapause and diverse roles for the circadian system in the photoperiodic response

This review considers the effects of temperature on insect diapause induction and the photoperiodic response, and includes constant temperature, temperature cycles, pulses and steps in daily light–dark cycles, constant darkness and in constant light, all with reference to various circadian‐based “clock” models. Although it is a comparative survey, it concentrates on two species, the flesh fly Sarcophaga argyrostoma and its pupal parasite Nasonia vitripennis, which possess radically different photoperiodic mechanisms, although both are based upon the circadian system. Particular attention is given to the effects of daily thermoperiod in darkness and to low and high temperature pulses in conjunction with a daily light–dark cycle, treatments that suggest that S. argyrostoma “measures” night length with a “clock” of the external coincidence type. However, N. vitripennis responds to seasonal changes in photoperiod with an internal coincidence device involving both “dawn” and “dusk” oscillators. Other species may show properties of both external and internal coincidence. Although the precepts of external coincidence have been well formulated and supported experimentally, those for internal coincidence remain obscure.
The relationship between brand equity and intention to buy: the case of convenience stores

The research aims to identify the components of brand equity that affect consumer purchasing intentions and measure the effect of brand equity components on the intention of consumer purchases at the convenience stores in Ho Chi Minh City. The authors conduct the group discussions, expert discussion, and then analyze data from 200 valid questionnaires with four components of brand equity, namely perceived quality, brand loyalty, brand association, brand awareness. The results of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) show that all four elements have a positive effect on the customer' intention to purchase in the convenience store of Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, the brand association factor has the strongest influence, followed by perceived quality, brand awareness, and brand loyalty. This research contributes that the results confirm the theory of Aaker (1991), Brown and Stayman (1992), Cobb-Walgren et al. (1995), MacKenzie (1986) in the new context of convenience stores in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Besides, the study gives some recommendations to help convenience stores improve the elements of brand equity and it, to enhance attraction for consumers.
Design of a Robust Adaptive Controller for the Pitch and Torque Control of Wind Turbines

In this paper, robust adaptive control is designed for pitch and torque control of the wind turbines operating under turbulent wind conditions. The dynamics of the wind turbine are formulated by considering the five degrees of freedom system (rotor angle, gearbox angle, generator angle, flap-wise deflection of the rotor blade, and axial displacement of the nacelle). The controller is designed to maintain the rotor speed, maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of the wind turbine, and reduce the loads due to high wind speeds. Gaussian probability distribution function is used for approximating the wind speed, which is given as the disturbance input to the plant. The adaptive control algorithm is implemented to 2 MW and 5 MW wind turbines to test the robustness of the controller for varying parameters. The simulation is carried out using MATLAB/Simulink for three cases, namely pitch control, torque control, and the combined case. A case study is done to validate the proposed adaptive control using real wind speed data. In all the cases, the results indicate that the rotor speed follows the reference speed and show that the designed controller gives a satisfactory performance under varying operating conditions and parameter variations.
Property relationships between spruce logs and structural timber

This paper summarises the comparison between log properties and resulting structural timber properties. The establishment of these relationships is a first step to place the grading as early as possible in the production process, if possible directly on the log. To find out what should be detected on the log, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) based on longitudinal frequency, the number of resin pockets and the value for spiral grain were detected. Relationships are established to the corresponding properties on the structural timber produced out of it and to visual log grades commonly used in Austria. This paper discusses advantages and disadvantages of these properties on 85 spruce logs. The MOE based on longitudinal frequency showed high potential whereas the number of resin pockets and the value of spiral grain only helped to identify timber unsuitable for construction.
Supplemental family leave provision and employee performance: Disentangling availability and use

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the provision of supplemental family leave elicits higher work effort and extra-role behavior in employees. Drawing on arguments derived from signaling theory we test whether the beneficial effects of providing longer or better paid family leave on performance exist for all employees, or whether they are limited to the group who either took advantage of the supplemental leave in the past or is likely to do so in the future. In addition, the mechanism proposed by organizational support theory by which supplemental leave is expected to affect employee performance - by increasing affective organizational commitment - is tested. The hypotheses developed are tested using European multilevel organization-data (Van der Lippe et al., 2016a) on 11,011 employees in 869 departments or teams, and 259 organizations. The results indicate that perceived availability of supplemental family leave relates positively to employees’ contextual performance, partially by increasing organizational commitment. This effect is found irrespective of actual use of family leave and is not moderated by characteristics relating to future use such as having young children, being of childbearing age or being female.
Farnesoid X receptor and reproduction

Farnesoid X alpha receptors (FXRα or NR1H4) are present in male and female reproductive tissues. The aim of the present review is to describe those actions of the most relevant ligands of FXRα on reproduction and the interaction of this receptor with other nuclear receptors, for understanding the possible role of FXRα in reproductive events. Thus, although the relevance of the FXRα on reproduction is widely unknown, its endogenous ligands like farnesol, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and cholate acid (CA) participate in proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and steroidogenesis in reproductive tissues. In these tissues FXRα modulates estrogen and androgen actions. Since FXRα is stretched related to other nuclear receptors, also present in reproductive tissues, such as the liver X receptors (LXR), peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR), liver receptors homolog-1 (LRH-1), small heterodimer partner (SHP), and dosage-sensitive sex reversal (DAX1), the FXRα actions on reproductive tissues might be directly or indirectly mediated by its interaction with these nuclear receptors.
Remote photoacoustic tomography using diode-array and speckle-analysis

Photoacoustic imaging is a new, rising imaging technique which combines high penetration depth with a good image contrast. It is demonstrated for the first time that remote photoacoustic sensing by speckle-analysis can be performed in the MHz-sampling range using a low-resolution diode array by showing experimental results. Phantoms and ex-vivo samples are measured in transmission-mode. In addition, the detection sensitivity of the new system is estimated. The new technique might help in future to broaden the applications of photoacoustics in special applications like wound imaging, endoscopy or guiding laser surgeries.
DIAGNÓSTICO MICROBIOLÓGICO DA MASTITE BOVINA

O principal objetivo do diagnostico microbiologico da mastite e oferecer resultados rapidos e seguros ao veterinario, para que ele possa identificar problemas do rebanho e tomar decisoes a respeito de casos individuais. Diversos aspectos sao fundamentais para que o resultado do exame microbiologico seja reprodutivel e confiavel. Procedimentos padronizados foram publicados por International Dairy Federation (IDF, 1981) e National Mastitis Council (Oliver et al. 2004, Hogan et al. 2005). As padronizacoes detalham os procedimentos que devem ser seguidos, indicando, entre outros, o meio de cultivo a ser usado, volume de leite a ser inoculado para o isolamento, temperatura e tempo de incubacao e testes para identificacao de patogenos. Outro aspecto extremamente importante para a garantia da confiabilidade do exame e a coleta e conservacao das amostras de leite. E tambem indispensavel que o microbiologista responsavel pelo diagnostico laboratorial tenha conhecimento sobre os agentes causadores da mastite, a fonte de infeccao e a transmissao destes agentes no rebanho leiteiro. Esse conhecimento e necessario para a correta interpretacao dos microrganismos isolados de modo a gerar informacoes uteis para o controle da doenca.
PENGARUH LATIHAN SIRKUIT DENGAN INTERVAL ISTIRAHAT TETAP DAN MENURUN TERHADAP KOMPOSISI TUBUH PEMAIN BOLA VOLI PUTRI

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan menguji ada tidaknya perbedaan pengaruh jenis latihan sirkuit dengan interval istirahat tetap dan menurun terhadap komposisi tubuh pemain bola voli putri. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan Metode eksperimen semu ( quasi eksperimen ). Analisis data menggunakan analisis kuantitatif kelompok perlakuan menggunakan jenis latihan sirkuit dengan interval istirahat tetap dan menurun terhadap IMT (indeks masa tubuh dan lemak tubuh). Subjek dalam penelitian ini pemain bola voli baja 78 yang berjumlah 36 orang. Hasil pengukuran menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan latihan sirkuit interval dengan istirahat tetap dan kontrol sama-sama tidak menunjukkan peningkatan yang berarti antara pretest dan posttest sedangkan pada pengukuran IMT perlakuan latihan sirkuit dengan interval menurun menunjukkan peningkatan yang berarti. Effect of circuit training with fixed and decreased resting interval on body composition of female volleyball players Abstract This study aims to examine and test whether there are differences in the effect of circuit training types with fixed and decreased resting interval on the body composition of female volleyball players. This research is a quantitative research with quasi-experimental method. The data analysis used quantitative analysis of the treatment group using a type of circuit training with fixed and decreased rest intervals for BMI (body mass index and body fat). Subjects in this study were “baja 78” volleyball players totaling 36 people. The measurement results showed that the treatment of interval training circuits with constant rest and control equally did not show a significant increase between pretest and posttest whereas the measurement of BMI treatment circuit training with a decreased interval showed a significant increase.
Phytochemical composition and toxicity of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus

The phytochemical composition and toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus was investigated over a 96-h exposure period. The aqueous extract of the pods was freeze-dried and screened for its phytochemical constituents. This revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, steroids and triterpenes, tannins, carbohydrates and flavonoids but no anthraquinones and fixed oils. The fish were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract in a static acute toxicity bioassay. The exposed fish showed initial signs of agitated and erratic movements followed by signs of respiratory distress and abnormal nervous compromise, including mortality in some of the exposed fish. No such obvious signs of toxicity were recorded in the unexposed control fish. The appearance and intensity of the signs were both concentrations and exposure period-dependent. Mean mortality was significantly (p<0.05) related to extract concentrations and exposure period. The median lethal concentration of the extract in exposed fish over the 96-h exposure period was calculated to be 115.38 mg/l. Parkia biglobosa pods contained some toxicologically active constituents that can be meaningfully exploited to harvest fish from water bodies. However, this should be done with great care as the abusive use (higher concentrations) of this extract could result in extract residues in the exposed fish that might pose a risk to the consumers of such fish. Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Parkia biglobosa pods, phytochemical constituents, toxicity.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Hodgkin's Lymphoma

In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge on microRNA (miRNA) expression, function and putative clinical value in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). HL is the second most common lymphoma subtype, and mainly affects young adults or elderly. Malignant cells in HL are scarce, usually less than 1%, and these cells are of B-cell origin. As miRNAs are involved in almost all known biological processes, deregulation of miRNAs is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HL. MiRNA expression studies have been performed on HL cell lines, laser microdissected tumor cells, and total tumor tissue sections. Despite the use of different tissue specimens, a reasonable overlap has been found in the differentially expressed and highly abundant miRNAs. The most consistent highly expressed miRNAs include several known cancer-related miRNAs, for example, miR-16, miR-20a, miR-21, and miR-155. Functional studies on (deregulated) miRNAs in HL are performed for a limited number of miRNAs, but multiple functional target genes have been identified. Inhibition or overexpression of individual miRNAs in HL resulted in altered expression of target genes that are involved in apoptosis, proliferation, cytokine production, or plasma cell differentiation. In addition, low miR-135a levels in HL tumor cells are associated with low disease-free survival and high relapse rates. These miRNAs are potential novel therapeutic targets or prognostic markers. However, more studies are needed to identify possible clinical applications for miRNAs in HL.
Efficiency and Consistency Assessment of Value at Risk Methods for Selected Banks Data

The study assesses Value at Risk (VaR) methods with respect to their efficiency and consistency in selected banks of the Nigeria Stock Market. The daily data on share prices of each bank was used from 2006 to 2018. The Value at Risk of each bank was estimated and the predictive performance of each method was assessed using the Failure Ratio and the Confidence Interval. The quality of each method was assessed based on the efficiency and consistency of the estimates. The VaR of each bank was estimated using Historical Simulation, Kernel Estimator, Empirical Estimator and Weighted Mean methods. The weighted mean method had the least estimates while Kernel estimator method had the highest estimates. The Failure Ratio and Confidence Interval show that Historical and Empirical methods had the least number of rejections at both confidence levels. The efficiency and consistency of the various methods shows the Historical Simulation and Weighted mean method had the minimum mean square errors (MSE). The Banks A, D and E gives an efficient and consistent result with Historical Simulation while B and C, is more efficient and consistent with weighted mean method.