Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insecticidal activities of ethanol extracts from thirty Chinese medicinal plants against Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Chinese medicinal plants extracts of a group of 30 species from 20 different botanical families, were screened for contact toxicity and antifeedant activities against Spodoptera exigua. The extracts from eight of the Chinese medicinal plants showed strong activity against the insect. The most effective plant extracts were from Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. , Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. and Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant. Three of the extracts exerted strong antifeedant activity to the insect.
Mimicry and Deception in Pollination

Many flowers produce rewards, usually nectar or pollen or both. C. K. Sprengel (165), the founder of modern floral biology, was the first to report that flowers do not always reward pollinators; his observations were on the genus Orchis. Subsequent authors (7; 51; 66; 97; 99; 105; 186, p. 21; 195) have discussed various aspects of deceitful flowers that attract pollinators by resembling rewarding flowers or other objects.
Corporate Social Responsibility for climate change using social contracts: A new research agenda

Climate change is one of the long persisting problems in the past few decades. Political leaders, world organizations, corporate sector and the citizens are affected by the climate change. The catastrophic effect of climate change is the increasing frequency and magnitude of disasters across the globe. Hence, this is a global problem which needs a global solution. The main aim of this paper is to propose a model for disaster mitigation which can be sustainable. The study uses a systematic literature review approach which includes the articles published in different databases. The output proposed a new conceptual model using a social contract theory where there is a holistic approach and each one takes up the responsibility to mitigate disaster between all the stakeholders. The study aligns with one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) set by the United Nations (UN).
EFFECTS OF SCALEY-LEG MITE INFESTATIONS ON BODY CONDITION AND SITE FIDELITY OF MIGRATORY WARBLERS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Abstract Rates of infestation by the scaley leg mite (Knemidokoptes jamaicensis) were examined on two overwintering Nearctic-Neotropical migrants, Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) and Prairie Warbler (D. discolor), in low-elevation desert thorn scrub and high-elevation pine forest in the Dominican Republic. Ectoparasites were common on birds in the dry thorn scrub where birds roosted communally, but were never found on birds in the moister pine forest where communal roosting was not detected. Prevalence of ectoparasites varied between years and generally increased in prevalence within winters, with mean rates of infestation reaching as high as 25% among Palm Warblers in late-winter. Parasitized Palm Warblers showed significant decreases in mean pectoral muscle mass scores indicating a negative effect on body condition and physiological stress. Infestation had a significant effect on overwinter site persistence and annual return rates; no infected individuals ever returned the following year. Results of a path analysis indicated that mite infestation was more important than general physiological condition (as represented by pectoral muscle score) in determining annual return. Data suggest that environmental variables and host behavior may affect parasite infestation rates, and further attention should be given to the potential contribution of parasite infestation to winter limitation of avian populations.
Diplodia seriata, the anamorph of "Botryosphaeria" obtusa

The correct name to use for the anamorph of Botryosphaeria obtusa has been uncertain for many years. Since the genus name Botryophaeria is no longer available for this fungus the question of the correct Diplodia anamorph name must be resolved. Therefore, the aims of this work were to determine the correct name to apply to the anamorph of "B. " obtusa through a study of relevant type specimens. The phylogenetic relationship of the species to its nearest relatives, and phylogenetic variation within the species were determined through a study of ITS sequence data. The species was shown to be relatively homogenous, cosmopolitan and plurivorous. The name Diplodia seriata was shown to be the oldest suitable name available. An epitype specimen is designated.
Bursts and variability of beta oscillations mediate the effect of anxiety on motor exploration and motor learning

Anxiety, a psychological and physiological response to a future unpredictable threat, often results in sub-optimal motor performance and learning. Based on the evidence that state anxiety leads to ritualistic behavior (repetition, redundancy, rigidity of movements), and given the increasingly recognized relevance of movement variability for motor learning, we tested the hypothesis that state anxiety impairs motor learning through a reduction in behavioral variability. Furthermore, we predicted that this reduction is driven by changes in neural variability across premotor and motor cortex. In an electroencephalography (EEG) study, three groups of participants completed a reward-based motor sequence learning paradigm, with separate phases for motor exploration (baseline, sequence1) and reward-based learning (sequence2). Anxiety was manipulated either during baseline or learning. Our results demonstrate that anxiety at baseline reduces motor variability, undermining subsequent reward-based learning. Anxiety during reward-based learning did not affect motor variability, nor did it impair learning. A second experiment confirmed that removal of baseline motor exploration led to anxiety diminishing reward-based learning, thus supporting the relevance of unconstrained exploration for successful motor learning. EEG analysis revealed that changes in the variability of sensorimotor beta oscillations (13-30Hz) mediated the effects of anxiety on motor variability. Moreover, bursts of sensorimotor beta oscillations, a marker of physiological beta, lasted longer under the effect of anxiety, resembling recent findings of pathophysiological beta in movement disorders. Our findings suggest that changes in variability and burst duration in sensorimotor beta oscillations represent a neural mechanism through which anxiety constrains movement variability, with detrimental consequences for motor learning.
STUDY OF ENDOPARASITES OF RODENTS AND THEIR ZOONOTIC IMPORTANCE IN AHVAZ, SOUTH WEST IRAN

During an investigation on the endoparasites of rodents in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province, south west Iran, a total of 90 rodents including 14 Mus musculus,4 Rattus rattus and 72 R. norvegicus were trapped from different localities of Ahvaz and its suburbs, during 19982000, using live traps. Examination of different tissues, identification of parasite species and serological tests were carried out in School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research. Results showed that the variation among helminth species was wide especially those which arthropods are involve in their life cycles. The most prevalent species of rodents was R. norvegicus in which Trypanosoma lewisi and Trichosomoides crassicauda were the most prevalent species of protozoan and helminth parasites, respectively. Gongylonema monigi, Streptopharagus kuntzi and Rictularia ratti from R.norvegicus and G. neoplasticum from both R. norvegicus and R. rattus are reported for the first time in Iran. Report of Physocephalus sexalatus from R.norvegicus apparently comprises an new host species in the world. The public health importance of zoonotic species are discussed.
Governance, product market competition and agency costs: evidence from the UAE

Relying on two years' observations of 74 United Arab Emirates (UAE) listed firms, we examined the association between governance mechanisms (board size, audit committee, percentage of independent non-executive directors, external auditor, firm leverage and product market competition) and agency costs while controlling for firm size and industry type. We also utilised four different proxies to measure agency costs (asset utilisation, audit fees, expenses ratio and free cash flow measures) to test whether the effect of product market competition on agency costs is substitutive or complementary to internal governance mechanisms. The results show that the percentage of independent non-executive directors and type of external audit significantly influence proxies of agency costs when product market competition is factored out. However, this effect disappears when regressions include product market competition, suggesting that the competitive position of a firm has a substitutive effect to internal governance mechanisms.
Combining Bioimpedance and Myographic Signals for the Assessment of COPD During Loaded Breathing

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic conditions. The current assessment of COPD requires a maximal maneuver during a spirometry test to quantify airflow limitations of patients. Other less invasive measurements such as thoracic bioimpedance and myographic signals have been studied as an alternative to classical methods as they provide information about respiration. Particularly, strong correlations have been shown between thoracic bioimpedance and respiratory volume. The main objective of this study is to investigate bioimpedance and its combination with myographic parameters in COPD patients to assess the applicability in respiratory disease monitoring. We measured bioimpedance, surface electromyography and surface mechanomyography in forty-three COPD patients during an incremental inspiratory threshold loading protocol. We introduced two novel features that can be used to assess COPD condition derived from the variation of bioimpedance and the electrical and mechanical activity during each respiratory cycle. These features demonstrate significant differences between mild and severe patients, indicating a lower inspiratory contribution of the inspiratory muscles to global respiratory ventilation in the severest COPD patients. In conclusion, the combination of bioimpedance and myographic signals provides useful indices to noninvasively assess the breathing of COPD patients.
KSNR Clinical Consensus Statements: Rehabilitation of Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Clinical consensus statements (CCSs) aim to improve care for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and reduce the variability of rehabilitation methods in clinical practice. A literature search was conducted to find available evidence on the rehabilitation of patients with PD and to determine the scope of CCSs. The selection of PD rehabilitation domains and key questions was done using the modified Delphi method in 43 expert panels. These panels achieved a consensus on 11 key questions regarding rehabilitation assessment and goal setting, gait and balance, activities of daily living, and swallowing and communication disorders. After the completion of an agreement procedure, 11 key consensus statements were developed by the consensus panel. These statements addressed the needs of rehabilitation as a continuum in patients with PD. They included the appropriate rehabilitation initiation time, assessment items, rehabilitation contents, and complication management. This agreement can be used by physiatrists, rehabilitation therapists, and other practitioners who take care of patients with PD. The consensus panel also highlighted areas where a consensus could not be reached. The development of more focused CCS or clinical practice guidelines that target specific rehabilitation approaches is considered the next needed step.
Soil potassium—crop response calibration relationships and criteria for field crops grown in Australia

Abstract. The Better Fertiliser Decision for Crops (BFDC) National Database holds historic data for 356 potassium (K) fertiliser rate experiments (431 treatment series) for different rain-fed grain crops and soil types across Australia. Bicarbonate-extractable K (Colwell soil-test K) is the most extensively used soil test reported in the database. Data are available for several crop species grown on a range of soil types from all states except Tasmania. Species represented and number of treatment series in the database are: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 254; barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 5; canola (Brassica napus L.), 130; lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), 32; sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), 10; sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), 5; and faba bean (Vicia faba L.), 2. About 77% of the available soil-test K (STK) data on wheat, canola, and lupin are from Western Australia. The usual sampling depth of 0–10 cm is recorded for all treatment series within the database, while 68% of experiments have STK information from other soil horizons down the profile, usually in 10-cm increments. The BFDC Interrogator, a comprehensive data search and calibration support tool developed for use with the BFDC National Database, was used to examine STK–yield relationships for each crop across Australia, with more detailed analysis by state/region and then by soil type if data were available. The BFDC Interrogator was used to determine a critical STK concentration to achieve 90% of the maximum relative yield (90%RY) for each crop species, with a critical range (determined by the 70% confidence limit for the 90%RY) also reported. The STK for 90%RY for wheat was 40–41 mg/kg on Tenosols and Chromosols, ∼49 mg/kg on Kandosols, and ∼64 mg/kg on Brown Ferrosols. There was some evidence of critical values increasing with increasing crop yield and on soils with no acidity constraints to root growth, with effects presumably driven by increased crop K demand. The STK for 90%RY for canola, grown mainly on Tenosols, was similar to that for wheat, ranging from 43 to 46 mg K/kg, but for lupin, also grown mainly on Tenosols, the STK for 90%RY was a relatively low ∼25 mg K/kg. Data for sunflower were limited and the STK for 90%RY was poorly defined. A comparison of critical STK concentrations for different crops grown on Tenosols suggested that critical ranges for 90%RY of lupin (22–27 mg K/kg) were significantly lower than that for wheat (32–52 mg K/kg) and canola (44–49 mg K/kg). Critical STK values were not determined for sorghum and faba bean.
Effect of seed weight on coleoptile dimensions in barley.

The relationships between seed weight and coleoptile size were studied in seven cultivars and two F2 populations of winter barley (Hordeum sativum Jess.). Variability for seed weight within a cultivar does not affect variability for coleoptile length; the differences in seed weight within a cultivar affect both coleoptile basal width and coleoptile fresh weight. When cultivars differing in seed weight are compared, there is no indication of any relationship between seed weight and either coleoptile length or coleoptile fresh weight. Removal of part of the endosperm did modify the relationship between seed weight and coleoptile size: the within-cultivars regression analysis showed that the weight of mutilated seeds significantly affected coleoptile length.
Assessment of trap plants to regulate numbers of the European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis, on late‐season strawberries

Various species of plants in the family Asteraceae were shown to be hosts for the European tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis and one, Matricaria recutita, was chosen as a potential trap plant for adults of this capsid species on their migration into fields of late‐season strawberries from other host plants in July. There was a delay in the build‐up of populations of nymphs of L. rugulipennis on strawberries surrounded by a barrier strip of M. recutita compared to those without a barrier, but overall there were no consistent reductions in populations of the pest. Numbers of L. rugulipennis on the trap plant were small until late August. In a similar experiment using an alternative trap plant, Medicago sativa, no significant reductions in the numbers of L. rugulipennis were found on strawberries with the trap barrier, despite large numbers of the pest insect being found on this trap plant.
A REVISION OF THE EARLY TRIASSIC “CAPITOSAURS” (STEGOCEPHALI, STEREOSPONDYLI) FROM MADAGASCAR, WITH REMARKS ON THEIR COMPARATIVE ONTOGENY

Abstract The “capitosaurs” from the Lower Triassic of Madagascar are revised. Benthosuchus madagascariensis Lehman, 1961, and Wetlugasurus milloti Lehman, 1961, are combined in the new combination Watsonisuchus madagascariensis on the basis of the most complete growth series among capitosaurians. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the genus Watsonisuchus is justified, although its species W. madagascariensis is not the most derived within the genus. The skull growth of W. madagascariensis clearly shows an allometric trend, but the fact that adults have more dermo-sensory grooves than juveniles suggests surprisingly that they may have become progressively more aquatic during growth. The ontogeny of W. madagascariensis is compared with that of other temnospondyls. Different longirostrine conditions are observed in Permian and Triassic stereospondylomorphs (archegosaurians and capitosaurians, respectively). They are interpreted as convergences rather than are a synapomorphy of the clade.
Foraging Strategies of Ants

integrated groups. Therefore, a great challenge in the socioecology of foraging is to explain how the behavior of such a potentially large and complex system as an ant colony emerges as a function of the properties of its individual components. The task of studying foraging in ants in simplified by the fact that foragers, owing to their sterility, may do little more than forage during their tenure as food harvesters. However, eusociality penetrates virtually every facet of foraging strategy and adds additional complicating social dimensions to its analysis. Individual and social processes of foraging can be categorized into com­ ponents to facilitate the analysis of foraging at the level of the single worker, the colony, or the integration of both (Table 1). A generalized ethogram of forager behavior can be described to illustrate these processes. A forager leaves the nest entrance in either a random or a consistent direction. A travel phase ensues, during which the worker maintains a constant compass bearing and moves directly away from the nest. At some point during the travel phase the forager shows a high frequency of turning, marking the beginning of search. During search, food resources are encountered and selected based upon a forager's physical caste, age, and prior experience, the trip distance, thermal stress, resource quality, and the colony's current nutritional status. Depending on the ant species and the size, density, or quality of the food, the forager may communicate information to nestmates about its location and recruit additional foragers. Summing the above-described individual
Effect of pH on the preparation of edible films based on fish myofibrillar proteins

ABSTRACT: Transparent and flexible edible/biodegradable films were successfully made from myofibrillar proteins of blue marlin meat. The effect of pH of film-forming solutions on film formation, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), water vapor permeability (WVP), light transmission, transparency, film solubility, protein solubility and enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated. Myofibrillar protein-based films were formed within pH 2–3 and 7–12, whereas films were not formed between pH 4 and 6 because of the poor protein dispersion around the isoelectric point. TS of the films was higher when prepared at the acidic (pH 2, 3) and alkaline (pH 11, 12) conditions, whereas EAB was almost constant irrespective of pH. On the whole, the pH of film-forming solutions had no effect on WVP, light transmission, film solubility and enzymatic hydrolysis. WVP of myofibrillar protein films were slightly lower than those of other protein-based edible films and higher by one to three orders of magnitude than those of synthetic films. The films prepared at lower or higher pH, which had a more stable protein network, possessed superior transparency close to synthetic films.
BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF A BUCCINID WHELK (GASTROPODA, NEOGASTROPODA) AT THE ENDEAVOUR VENTFIELDS OF JUAN DE FUCA RIDGE, NORTHEAST PACIFIC

The newly described buccinid gastropod Buccinum thermophilum Harasewych & Kantor, 2001 is currently known only at hydrothermal vents of the Endeavour Segment of Juan de Fuca Ridge. Collected specimens from three vents show differences in shell features (colour, erosion, scarring) and size distributions. Such distinctions suggest that this buccinid forms resident, localised populations with limited inter-vent migration. Snail abundance in images taken every 31 hours varied markedly over time but showed no correlation with emerging fluid temperatures. Stomach contents indicate that this buccinid is an active predator and opportunistic scavenger with a broad diet. Substratum use did not differ significantly from availability but short-term, small aggregations occur, perhaps for mating and to exploit patchy prey. Majid crabs are active predators of these snails. Egg masses are similar to those described for other buccinids with over 200 egg-filled sacs in a mass; it was not possible to differentiate food eggs from embryos as all eggs underwent multiple divisions. Size-frequency distribution from the adults and the lack of advanced embryos in summer-collected egg masses provide some evidence of seasonality in reproduction.
Requirements of digestible methionine + cystine for broiler chickens at 1 to 42 days of age

The objective of this work was to estimate requirements of digestible methionine + cystine for broiler chickens from 1 to 42 days of age. It was carried out four experiments for each one of the following phases: pre-initial, initial, growing and final. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with six treatments and six replicates. Treatments consisted of a basal feed for each phase, deficient in digestible methionine + cystine and supplemented with DL-methionine to supply six levels of digestible methionine + cystine, resulting in different digestible methionine + cystine:digestible lysine ratios. In the pre-initial phase, levels of digestible methionine + cystine did not influence feed intake and feed conversion. However, weight gain responded in a quadratic way. In the initial phase, levels of digestible methionine + cystine had decreasing linear effect on feed intake whereas weight gain and feed conversion were influenced in a quadratic manner. In the growth and final phases, feed intake was not influenced by levels of digestible methionine + cystine, but weight gain and feed conversion presented quadratic response. The levels of 0.873; 0.755; 0.748 and 0.661% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diet or the daily intake of 183; 575; 1,104 and 1,212 mg of digestible methionine + cystine are recommended for the pre-initial, initial, growth and final phases, respectively, which corresponds to the ratios of 71; 70; 76 and 72% of digestible methionine + cystine to digestible lysine.
Identification of metallo-β-lactamase from a clinical isolate at Saint Camillle medical Center of Ouagadougou/ Burkina Faso.

A metallo-b-lactamase was identified from a clinical sample. The host bacteria was identified to be Chryseobacterium Indologenes . This preliminary characterization of the enzyme is reported here. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (3), pp. 286-288, 2005