Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Presence of Mycorrhizal Fungal Hyphae Rather than Living Roots Retards Root Litter Decomposition

Although both living roots and mycorrhizal fungi are well known to interact with saprotrophic microbes to affect litter decomposition, their relative importance is largely unclear. Here, a two-year pot experiment was conducted with two ectomycorrhizal (Pinus elliottii and Pinus massoniana) and four arbuscular mycorrhizal (Cinnamomum camphora, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Michelia maudiae and Schima superba) subtropical tree species to evaluate the relative effects of living roots and mycorrhizal fungal hyphae on their own root litter decomposition and to test whether these effects differed between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal trees. To achieve these objectives, litterbags with 50-µm and 1-mm mesh sizes filled with root litter of a given tree species were simultaneously installed in pots planted with the same species and unplanted pots filled with composite soil for all species. Effects of living roots alone were calculated as differences in root litter decomposition between 50-µm and 1-mm mesh litterbags installed in planted pots. Mycorrhizal hyphal effects were calculated as differences in root litter decomposition between 50-µm litterbags installed in planted and unplanted pots. The presence of mycorrhizal fungal hyphae significantly reduced root litter mass loss and inhibited the activities of β-glucosidase and phenol oxidase, while effects of living roots alone were non-significant when all tree species were pooled and inconsistent at the tree species level. Mycorrhizal fungal hyphae induced decreases in root litter mass loss that were markedly related to their inhibitory effects on β-glucosidase and phenol oxidase activities. When tree species were grouped by their mycorrhizal types, non-significant differences were observed between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal trees in their living root or mycorrhizal fungal effects on root litter decomposition. These findings highlight the important roles of mycorrhizal fungi in mediating litter decomposition via interacting with saprotrophic microbes and suggest that changes in tree carbon allocation to mycorrhizal fungi owing to global change may affect soil carbon storage.
Neuromuscular Disease Diagnostics using Fuzzy Concepts and EBP-NN based Expert System

This paper deals with an Expert System which has been developed to diagnose the neuromuscular disorders by using the time domain and frequency domain parameters of the Motor Unit Action Potential (MUAP) and the symptoms of a patient. The timedomain and frequency domain parameters and the symptoms are fuzzified to bring in the procedure of the diagnostics exactly in line with the process being adopted by the Human Experts. The time domain and frequency domain parameters are handled by distance measure criteria while the symptoms are handled by Error Back Propagation-Neural Network (EBP-NN). The final diagnostics is carried out by taking an overall view of the diagnostics made individually from time and frequency domain parameters and the symptoms. The system has been tested using MUAP data of Normal (NOR) muscle as well as of muscles with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Myopathy (MYO) disorders. The test results are highly encouraging and after carrying out exhaustive testing in the clinical environment, the developed system can be reliably used for the diagnostics in neurology sections in the hospitals/healthcare centres.
Unsupervised visual object categorization

Lappeenranta University of Technology Faculty of Technology Management Degree Program of Information Technology Teemu Kinnunen Unsupervised visual object categorization Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science in Technology 2008 73 pages, 40 figures, 20 tables and 6 appendices. Examiners: Professor Heikki Kalviainen Professor Joni Kamarainen
Effects of herd diet, protein fortification and coagulation conditions on in-vat curd syneretic properties and ripening profiles of Maasdam cheese

Title Effects of herd diet, protein fortification and coagulation conditions on in-vat curd syneretic properties and ripening profiles of Maasdam cheese Author(s) Panthi, Ram Raj Publication date 2018 Original citation Panthi, R. R. 2018. Effects of herd diet, protein fortification and coagulation conditions on in-vat curd syneretic properties and ripening profiles of Maasdam cheese. PhD Thesis, University College Cork. Type of publication Doctoral thesis Rights © 2018, Ram Raj Panthi. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
A Review Study on Different Plants in Malvaceae Family and Their Medicinal Uses

Medicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesise hundreds of chemical compounds for functions including defence against insects, fungi, diseases, and herbivorous mammals. Numerous phytochemicals with potential or established biological activity have been identified. However, since a single plant contains widely diverse phytochemicals, the effects of using a whole plant as medicine are uncertain. Further, the phytochemical content and pharmacological actions, if any, of many plants having medicinal potential remain unassessed by rigorous scientific research to define efficacy and safety [1]. In the United States over the period 1999 to 2012, despite several hundred applications for new drug status, only two botanical drug candidates had sufficient evidence of medicinal value to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. A medicinal plant is a plant that is used to attempt to maintain health, to be administered for a specific condition, or both, whether in modern medicine or in traditional medicine. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimated in 2002 that over 50,000 medicinal plants are used across the world [2]. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew more conservatively estimated in 2016 that 17,810 plant species have a medicinal use, out of some 30,000 plants for which a use of any kind is documented [3]. In other systems of medicine, medicinal plants may constitute the majority of what are often informal attempted treatments, not tested scientifically [4]. The World Health Organization estimates, without reliable data, that some 80 percent of the world’s population depends mainly on traditional medicine (including but not limited to plants); perhaps some two billion people are largely reliant on medicinal plants [4]. The use of plant-based materials including herbal or natural health products with supposed health benefits, is increasing in developed countries [5]. This brings attendant risks of toxicity and other effects on human health, despite the safe image of herbal remedies [6]. Herbal medicines have been in use since long before modern medicine existed; there was and often still is little or no knowledge of the pharmacological basis of their actions, if any, or of their safety. The World Health Organization formulated a policy on traditional medicine in 1991, and since then has published guidelines for them, with a series of monographs on widely used herbal medicines [7]. Abstract
Prediction of M-Commerce User Behavior by a Weighted Periodical Pattern Mining

2 Abstract: The rapid advance of wireless communication technology M-Commerce is not only being widely accepted but also it is being more used as a popular way of business / commerce done by portable devices. It is becoming an interesting to find patterns and prediction of mobile user behaviors such as their location and purchase transactions in mobile commerce effectively to provide the service. In this paper, it provides a more efficient service to the mobile commerce users by applying weighted frequent pattern and periodical pattern for prediction of purchase behavior of mobile users. The Mobile commerce Explorer consists of five major components: 1) Similarity inference model 2) Mobile Commerce Behavior Predictor (MCBP) 3) Weighted Mobile Commerce Behavior Predictor (WMCBP) 4) Weighted Mobile Commerce Behavior Periodical Predictor (WMCBPP) 5) Performance Evaluation. In a weighted frequent pattern method, by applying unique weights for each of the itemset and find the closest pattern along with support value. In addition, temporal periodical pattern method is used to find the frequent user behavior in all time intervals of the transaction including the weight of the each item set and support value of the user for an item. Finally, the percentage of precision and recall is measured by comparing the various methods to prove the efficiency of the proposed pattern mining and prediction.
Detection of 16S rDNA of Thai Isolates of Bacterium-Like Organisms Associated with Greening Disease of Citrus

Citrus greening disease caused by bacterium-like organisms (BLO; greening organisms: GOs) is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus in Thailand. An efficient and reliable detection method of the pathogen is urgently needed for the control of the disease. Recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for amplifying the 16S rDNA :fragment of the GOs has been developed by Jagoueix et al. (1994; Int. ]. Syst. Bacteriol. 44: 379-386). We applied the method for the detection of Thai GO isolates, Nakorn-Pathum, Rangsit and Nan isolates, and succeeded in detecting the 16S rDNA fragments of the Thai isolates. Sequence analysis of the amplified 16S rDNA :fragment of the Nakorn-Pathum isolate revealed that the isolate is very close to the Indian isolate of liberobacter phylogenetically. By simplifying the DNA extraction procedure, we were able to obtain DNA for PCR within 20 min, and detect the GO within 4.5 hr. Additional key words : citrus greening, liberobacter, 16S rDNA, PCR, rapid diagnosis 1 2 JIRCAS ]. No.3, 1996
Rapid range shifts in African Anopheles mosquitoes over the last century

Facing a warming climate, many tropical species-including the arthropod vectors of several infectious diseases-will be displaced to higher latitudes and elevations. These shifts are frequently forecasted for the future, but rarely documented in the present day. Here, we use one of the most comprehensive datasets ever compiled by medical entomologists to track the observed range limits of African malaria mosquito vectors (Anopheles spp.) from 1898 to 2016. Using a simple regression approach, we estimate that these species’ ranges gained an average of 6.5 meters of elevation per year, and the southern limits of their ranges moved polewards 4.7 kilometers per year. These shifts are consistent with the local velocity of climate change, and might help explain the incursion of malaria transmission into new areas over the past few decades. Confirming that climate change underlies these shifts, and applying similar methods to other disease vectors, are important directions for future research.
Decision-making Tools and Memetic Algorithms in Management and Linear Programming Problems

Operational Research uses a set of tools based on scientific research principles to achieve rational and meaningful management decisions. This article tries to give solution to a highly complex Linear Programming problem by using Simplex method, Solver and a hybrid prototype which combines the theories of Genetic Algorithms with a new local search heuristic technique. Hybridization of these two techniques is becoming known as Memetic Algorithm. Additionally, this article tries to present different techniques to support management decision-making, with the intention of being used increasingly in the business environment sustaining, thus, decisions by mathematics or artificial intelligence and not only by experience.
An independent window-access scheme for an input-buffered fast packet switching fabric

An independent window-access (IWA) scheme is proposed, and several properties of an an input-buffered fast packet switching fabric with the IWA scheme are given and its performance is analyzed. The results obtained show that the IWA scheme has better performance than the traditional window-access scheme. The computer simulation results are seen to be in good agreement with the analytical results.
A population-based temporal logic gate for timing and recording chemical events

Single-cell bacterial sensors have numerous applications in human health monitoring, environmental chemical detection, and materials biosynthesis. Such bacterial devices need not only the capability to differentiate between combinations of inputs, but also the ability to process signal timing and duration. In this work, we present a two-input temporal logic gate that can sense and record the order of the inputs, the timing between inputs, and the duration of input pulses. The temporal logic gate design relies on unidirectional DNA recombination with bacteriophage integrases to detect and encode sequences of input events. When implemented in a chromosomally-modified E. coli strain, we can utilize stochastic single cell responses to predict overall heterogeneous population behavior. We show that a stochastic model can be used to predict final population distributions of this E. coli strain, and thus that final differentiated sub-populations can be used to deduce the timing and duration of transient chemical events.
Evaluation of Crop Tolerance and Weed Control in Corn and Grain Sorghum with Atrazine Replacements

Atrazine is a foundational herbicide for weed control in both corn (Zea mays L.) and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production. However, studies have shown that while atrazine may be an effective herbicide for preemergence and postemergence control of weeds, it also has risks. The low Koc of atrazine as well as its extensive use over the past 50 years have led it to become the most common groundwater contaminant near agricultural soils. Given these findings, atrazine has faced severe scrutiny while under consideration for reregistration. In the event that atrazine is not reregistered, corn and grain sorghum producers will be forced to seek alternative herbicides for weed control. Therefore, research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to test the tolerance of corn and grain sorghum to other photosystem II-inhibiting herbicides in combination with other herbicides and also to test weed control with and without atrazine in corn production systems. When applied preemergence in grain sorghum, all PSII herbicides tested reduced grain sorghum yield compared to atrazine treatments. However, when applied postemergence, diuron, fluometuron, linuron, metribuzin, prometryn, propazine, and simazine did not cause grain sorghum to suffer yield loss when compared to atrazine-containing treatments. When applied preemergence in corn, diuron, linuron, metribuzin, and simazine did not cause yield loss to corn when compared to atrazine. However, when applied postemergence in corn, only corn treated with metribuzin and simazine yielded comparable to corn treated with atrazine. Weed control studies displayed that Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats), pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.), and broadleaf signalgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. ] can all be controlled without atrazine; however, weed density was low in these studies. This research demonstrates some potential PSII-inhibiting herbicides should be further evaluated to assist corn and grain sorghum producers in controlling weeds if atrazine is not reregistered or its use is severely limited.
Improving Combinatorial Methods to Optimise Efficient Test Suite Generation

Complex software systems typically contain many components that often take a broad range of input variables. Exhaustive system testing will reveal defects by exercising all combinations of components and variables. Since exhaustive testing of this sort often takes too long to plan and execute, more efficient methods are required that optimise requirement and code coverage against test effort. Pair-wise testing is one of many 'black-box' techniques that can help solve this problem, but it is often necessary to add tests beyond pair-wise to increase coverage while balancing the test generation efficiency. We have created a configurable tool to generate not only pair-wise, but also 3-wise, 4-wise n-wise test suites to increase coverage. The tool iterates through component combination thresholds to determine the suite with the fewest test cases for each test scenario. This experience report will present our findings when the tool was used to test a set of features in a real world release of a data integration application.
Research on Vortex-Based Fluid Animation

Fluid animation has always been one of the most interesting and challenging projects. Fluid simulation based on physical methods can get vivid result. With its unparallel advantage of simulating incompressible fluid, vortex method is one of the most efficient methods. This paper mainly introduces the classification of vortex methods, draws a conclusion of previous study of vortex methods and makes a comparison between them.
Phage Therapy Against Biofilm of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolated from Zakho Hospital Samples

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes infection in human, especially in immunocompromised patients. About 80% of nosocomial infection caused by K. pneumoniae is due to multidrug-resistant strain. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains necessitates the exploration of alternative antibacterial therapies, which led to studying the ability of viruses that infect the bacteria (known as bacteriophage) to treat infection with K. pneumoniae. Bacterial biofilm which are crucial in the pathogenesis of much clinically important infection and are difficult to eradicate because they exist resistant to many antimicrobial treatment. Biofilm formation by K. pneumoniae is responsible for the catheter associated infection such as urinary tract infection and respiratory tract infection due to the colonization of the polymeric surface by forming multilayered cell cluster embedded in extracellular materials. In this study K. pneumoniae isolated from the hospital environment and characterized it and form the biofilm of that organism by microplate quantitative assay. Similarly bacteriophage specific for K. pneumoniae isolated from river water. The aim of work is the use of bacteriophage as a possible alternative for the treatment of bacterial infection of K. pneumoniae. We showed that biofilm is reduced by isolated phages by the comparative account of colony-forming unit versus plaque-forming unit. The result of this study, therefore, suggests that the timing of starting the phage therapy after initiation of infection significantly contributes toward the success of the treatment.
Reciprocal crosses in early maturing x high yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Jasmine, Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton cv. Udupi Mallige belonging to family Oleaceae, is a fragrant commercial flower crop of coastal Karnataka. Udupi Mallige is being cultivated in homestead gardens and is concentrated in the surrounding villages of Shanakarpura, in Udupi district. The crop has been tagged under Geographical Indication (GI) due to its unique fragrance and quality flowers from Udupi region. Udupi Mallige is extensively used in religious functions and perfumery industry as it is having mild fragrance, which gives a feeling of optimism, euphoria and confidence. Its fragrance is also known to cure depression, nervous exhaustion and stress. Udupi Mallige which has been recognised internationally for its fragrance has got potential demand for export market, especially to Gulf countries. The crop flowers thought the year and the peak flowering is observed during March-April (on season). There is a demand for Udupi Mallige flowers during October to February (off season), as most of the religious functions and marriage ceremonies tend to occur during off season. At present there are about 20,000 farmers cultivating this crop in small and marginal land holdings (0.02 to 0.2 acres). The retrospect of trend in area and production statistics of Udupi district from 2008-09 to 2016-17 reveals marginal decline in crop area. But this crop has been extended to neighbouring districts of the state. Studies on Udupi Mallige with respect to production of quality planting material, techniques for enhancing flower production during off season and increasing the keeping quality of the flowers is very limited. The review on the production techniques on Udupi Mallige gives good scope for exploring in the area of research and development in the future.
The Influence of Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima on Habitat Structure and Function in a Changing Environment in the Chesapeake Bay

In shallow coastal habitats, seagrasses modify the environment by baffling currents and anchoring sediments, and the ir canopies provide habitat for marine animals. In the lower Chesapeake Bay, the historically dominant Zostera morina is dying back due to poor water quality and high summertime temperatures, and is being replaced in some areas by native Ruppia maritima, which has a greater tolerance for high temperatures. Z. marina is a more robust species and has greater biomass per unit area than R. maritima. Because a continued decline of Z. marina w ith replacement by R. m aritima could result in changes in ecosystem services, plant biomass, epifaunal assemblages and sediment dynamics were studied at two intervals during the summer of 2013, at three sites where both species occur and R. maritima abundance has been expanding. The objective o f this study was to analyze the ability o f R. m aritima to ameliorate the detrimental effects o f Z. marina loss. At two of the three sites evaluated, there were more fine sediments inside Z. marina dominated areas than R. maritima dominated areas, suggesting Z. marina is more effective at trapping sediment than R. maritima. In June at tw o o f the three sites, Z. marina contained more epifauna than R. maritima, suggesting that Z. marina provides a better habitat than R. m aritima in the early summer. In August however, when Z. marina typically dies back and R. m aritima increases, epifaunal abundances become inconsistent. Although the quality of ecosystem services o f Z. marina may be higher than that o f R. maritima, R. m aritima still possesses the ability to trap sediment and provide habitat, and should be considered as a partial replacement for Z. marina and a potential Chesapeake Bay seagrass restoration option.