Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demographic structure of a threatened palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) in a fragmented landscape of Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT At the northern limits of the range of the palm species Euterpe edulis there is an endemic ecotype, known as the “Bahia” ecotype, which is distinguished by its reddish crownshaft and low seed production. Unfortunately, little is known about its demographic characteristics. Therefore, we contrasted the density of E. edulis populations in the Una region, in the southern part of the Bahia state, Brazil, with that of other populations of the species in southern and southeastern Brazil. In addition, within the Una region, we compared a long-protected forest fragment (F1) with three recently protected fragments (F2, F3, and F4), in terms of demographic parameters and plant size, in order to determine what influence, if any, time since protection has on E. edulis populations. Population densities within the Una region were higher than in regions where E. edulis populations are stressed by harvesting or intense seed predation but much lower than in regions with well protected populations. Among the Una fragments, density was highest in F1 and lowest in F2. The proportion of individuals at the various developmental stages differed among the fragments (χ²=25.219, df=12,
Tensile Strength of Ti/Mg Alloys Dissimilar Bonding Material Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Dissimilar metal joining between titanium and magnesium alloys was performed by spark plasma sint ering. Metallurgical bonding between pure titanium and magnesium alloys was successfully achieved by diffu sion of Al atom from magnesium alloy side to titanium and formation of Ti 3Al intermetallic layer. A solution treatment on magnesium alloys before bonding resulted in an i ncreased of Al content in Mg matrix, and improved tensile st rength of bonding material. Bonding pressure of 10 MPa was su fficient to obtain a perfect contact between titanium and ma gnesium alloys surface. A good bonding strength was obtaine d when applying bonding time for 1 and 2 hr. Increasing of bonding temperature facilitated a formation of nano-level Ti 3Al intermetallic layer resulted in improvement of bonding strength. The highest bonding strength of 194±15 MPa was obtained in Ti/AZ91 (ST) bonded at 475 oC for 1 hr, which representing 96.3% joint efficiency relative to the magnesium alloy parent metal.
Narrative learning in coding activities: gender differences in middle school

The recent introduction in Italy of Computational Thinking at the primary and secondary levels by the Educational Reform Act (October 2015) raises two critical issues: first, women are underrepresented in the computer field (OECD, 2015a; OECD, 2015b); second, girls lose their interest in computer sciences during adolescence (Gras-Velazquez et al., 2009). Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate gender differences in self-efficacy and engagementthrough educational narrative methods for learning programming at middle school, a period considered critical in the research literature (Bandura, 1997; Pajares & Schunk, 2001a; Pajares & Schunk, 2001b). This is generally due to a decline in the self-efficacy beliefs of girls in science. Although this is an exploratory study, the implications that emerged show the potential of narrative educational activities to serve as a “cognitive bridge” to engage and improve the self-efficacy of the girls in computational thinking activities.
Use of PCR based technologies for risk assessment of a winter cyanobacterial bloom in Lake Midmar, South Africa

Toxic freshwater cyanobacterial blooms are potential health hazards in water supply reservoirs and therefore predicting bloom events is an important goal of monitoring fresh water programmes. The recent identification of the mcy genes in the production of microcystin synthetase for the first time provides an avenue to study microcystin production at a genetic level. This paper reports analysis of a winter cyanobacterial bloom by use of quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA and PP2A methods for detection of strains present and determination of their toxigenicity in Lake Midmar South Africa. We further investigated the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton at different sampling sites and the physical and chemical changes caused in the surface water of Lake Midmar by waterfowl. Our study clearly demonstrates that the interaction between low surface water temperatures and productivity was overshadowed by the response to nutrients and nutrient availability. We also confirmed the presence of the toxic cyanobacterial strains through the use of molecular markers that detect the presence of some of the mcy genes in the mcy gene cluster that is able to synthesize microcystin toxins in Microcystis spp.
Effect of 6-Benzylaminopurine and Abscisic Acid on Gas Exchange, Biochemical Traits, and Minituber Production of Two Potato Cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Possibility of improving physiological traits and minituber yield of potato cultivars (cvs. Agria and Fontane) was investigated by application of plant growth regulators (BAP, ABA and BAP+ABA) at tuber initiation stage. Regardless of the cultivars, Net photosynthesis rate (Np), actual quantum yield (Φ), stomatal conductance (gs) and Transpiration rate (Tr) of BAP-treated leaves were superior to those of the control. For Agria, the greatest Chlorophyll content (Chl) was observed in BAP-treated plants, while the highest Chl for Fontane was observed in ABA-treated plants. Increasing Np and Chl content were associated with higher Soluble Carbohydrate content (SC). BAP+ABA application increased SC of leaflets in both cultivars compared with the control. Tuber Yield per Plant (Y/P), Mean Tuber Weight (MTW), and Tuber Number (TN) were stimulated by foliar treatment of plants with PGRs compared with the untreated ones, but there were significant interactions between cultivar and hormone type. Positive correlation between SC and Y/P (r= 0.97*) and MTW (r= 0.97*) were observed in Agria. Leaf area as well as dry and fresh weight of aerial parts of the BAP+ABA-treated plants were more than the untreated plants and other PGR treatments. These results indicate that either of BAP, ABA, or their combination could be effectively used to improve physiological traits and tuber yield of these cultivars, although, Agria responded more prominently to PGRs than Fontane.
Effect of ultradrying on germination and physiological and biochemical characteristics of Haloxylon persicum

This study was to determine whether the vigor of the Haloxylon persicum seeds can be maintained at a higher level and their storage characteristics can be improved by ultra-dry storage. Moisture content of H. persicum seeds was dried to 7.62, 6.73, 5.23, 4.24, 3.24 and 1.02% in a desiccating container with silica gel, and stored at 25, 4 and -20°C for 12 months. The results showed that the H. persicum seeds became more tolerant to aging condition if they could be dried to below 3.24% of moisture content. Under the same aging condition, the germination of seeds with 3.24% of moisture content decreased greatly, while that of ultra-dry seeds still kept a high level. The dehydrogenase activity of ultra-dry seeds was higher than that of the control (moisture content 3.24%, aging treatment). The results indicated that dehydrogenase, guaiacol peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of the ultra-dry seeds were higher than those of the control seeds. The results demonstrated that an appropriate ultradried H. persicum seeds could persist and ultradrying treatment was an ideal method of seed storage.
Management of stroke in emergency department in relation to blood pressure, blood sugar and use of anti-thrombotic agents

Introduction: Since the Emergency Department (ED) of TUTH lacks uniformity in the treatment of stroke patients, it is assumed that these patients do not receive standard treatment in terms of reduction of blood pressure (BP), control of hyperglycemia and treatment with antithrombotic agents. Our hospital-based study aims to assess the mean stay of stroke patients in the ED and the level of optimal treatment they are getting. Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study among 82 patients diagnosed as CVA in the ED (who later got admitted), was carried out using medical records. History, clinical examinations, investigations and treatment given were analysed to gather relevant information. Results: Mean age of occurrence of stroke in the inpatients visiting ED was found to be 62.4 years. Average duration of stay in the ED before admission was 13 hours. Ischaemic stroke was almost four times more common than haemorrhagic stoke. All the patients with haemorrhagic stroke who had indication for reduction in BP received antihypertensive medications. However, 28% of the patients with ischaemic stroke, eventhough having indication for BP reduction, did not receive antihypertensives. Out of 11 patients who had an indication for reduction in blood sugar, only one patient (9%) received treatment with insulin. Only 52% of the patients who had ischaemic stroke received treatment with aspirin. Conclusions: There is lack of uniformity regarding the treatment of stroke in terms of blood pressure reduction, hyperglycemia and antithrombotic treatment. A standard protocol needs to be developed in order to bring uniformity and efficiency in the treatment of stroke. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/joim.v32i1. 3995 Journal of Institute of Medicine , April, 2010; 32:1 pp.11-14
Mean-Reversion Across MENA Stock Markets: Implications for Derivative Pricing

This paper investigates the mean reversion patterns in MENA stock markets. Following Fama and French (1988) and Lo and Mackinlay (1988) and using recent stock market data between 1995 and 2000 on Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Turkey we find evidence of mean reversion in Turkey with mixed results for the remaining MENA stock markets. The paper then introduces a non-parametric model to estimate the reverting mean and speed of reversion. The highest reverting mean is noted for Turkey, followed by Egypt, then Morocco, with Jordan ranking last. Monte Carlo simulations show consistent increases in the volatility of MENA stock returns as the speed of reversion slows. Our results have an important bearing on the pricing of equity derivatives in MENA and are useful for investors employing tactical asset allocation strategies. JEL: G100, G120, G130
MEK inhibition enhances oncolytic virus immunotherapy through increased tumor cell killing and T cell activation

Combining oncolytic virus and a MEK inhibitor augments immune-mediated therapeutic responses in melanoma and enhances sensitivity to PD-1 blockade in mice. Enabling immunotherapy with an oncolytic virus Immunotherapy treatments have been pioneered in the setting of melanoma, and although subsets of patients are able to survive long term, some tumors are resistant. Bommareddy and colleagues inquired whether combining certain treatments may lead to even better therapeutic responses. They examined two approved therapies, an oncolytic herpesvirus and a MEK inhibitor. This combination led to increased survival in mouse melanoma models, which was further extended with the addition of PD-1 blockade. The immune response behind this enhanced antitumor activity was dissected. The results of these studies suggest that combining these treatments may be beneficial for patients with melanoma. Melanoma is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy, but advances over the past decade have resulted in multiple new therapeutic options, including molecularly targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a herpes simplex type 1 oncolytic virus, and trametinib is a MEK inhibitor approved for treatment of melanoma. Therapeutic responses with T-VEC are often limited, and BRAF/MEK inhibition is complicated by drug resistance. We observed that the combination of T-VEC and trametinib resulted in enhanced melanoma cell death in vitro. Further, combination treatment resulted in delayed tumor growth and improved survival in mouse models. Tumor regression was dependent on activated CD8+ T cells and Batf3+ dendritic cells. We also observed antigen spreading and induction of an inflammatory gene signature, including increased expression of PD-L1. Triple therapy with the combination of T-VEC, MEK inhibition, and anti–PD-1 antibody further augmented responses. These data support clinical development of combination oncolytic viruses, MEK inhibitors, and checkpoint blockade in patients with melanoma.
Protecting sediment-sensitive aquatic species in mountain streams through the application of biologically based streambed sediment criteria

Abstract We evaluated several lines of evidence to identify bedded fine sediment levels that should protect and maintain self-sustaining populations of native, sediment-sensitive aquatic species in the western US. To identify these potential criterion values for streambed sediments ≤0.06 mm (fines) and ≤2 mm (sand and fines) diameter, we examined: 1) the range of areal % fines and areal % sand and fines values at 169 least-disturbed reference sites in our sample, 2) sediment tolerance values calculated for a selection of sediment-sensitive aquatic vertebrate and macroinvertebrate taxa for both particle size ranges, 3) quantile regression predictions of the declines in vertebrate and macroinvertebrate Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBIs) at progressively higher ambient levels of streambed sediment from synoptic survey data acquired in 557 mountain stream sampling sites in 12 western states, 4) a literature review of the effects of sand and fines on the survival of salmonid eggs to hatching, and 5) a literature review of studies that quantitatively linked macroinvertebrate response to the pertinent size ranges of streambed sediment in mountain streams. Predicted maximum vertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) declined 4.4 points (SE = 1.0) and macroinvertebrate IBI declined 4.0 points (SE = 0.60) for each 10% increase in % fines. Similarly, for each 10% increase in % sand and fines, the predicted maximum vertebrate IBI decreased 3.7 points (SE = 0.50) and macroinvertebrate IBI decreased 3.0 points (SE = 0.50). Combining all lines of evidence, we concluded that for sediment-sensitive aquatic vertebrates, minimum-effect sediment levels were 5% and 13% for % fines and % sand and fines, respectively, both expressed as areal percentages of the wetted streambed surface. For aquatic macroinvertebrates, minimum-effect levels for the 2 sediment size classes were 3% and 10%, respectively. We encourage managers to consider these biologically based minimum-effect values when developing sediment criteria for mountain streams. Quantifying and comparing both vertebrate and macroinvertebrate assemblage responses to streambed sedimentation informs the criteria-setting process and allows managers to set stream restoration priorities.
Study on the level of natural humoral im- munity in turkey-broilers with muscular dys- trophy, reared under conditions of either animal welfare or stress

Le but de cette etude est de reproduire d'une facon experimentale la dystrophie musculaire chez 40 dindonneaux d'elevage industriel eleves dans les conditions de bien-etre ou de stress et d'etudier la concentration de lysozyme et l'activite de la voie alterne d'activation du complement dans le serum sanguin. La dystrophie musculaire etait provoquee par l'adjonction de 4% de graisse au chiffre oxydant 5 a un concentre de demarrage pour des dindonneaux equilibre mais pauvre en vitamine E et en selenium (Se). Les dindonneaux ont ete divises en 4 lots : le lot I - temoins, eleves dans les conditions de bien-etre; le groupe II - temoins, eleves dans les conditions de stress; le groupe III - des dindonneaux malades, eleves dans les conditions de bien-etre et le groupe IV - des dindonneaux malades, eleves dans les conditions de stress. Les resultats montrent nettement que la concentration de lysozyme dans le serum sanguin est notablement plus elevee chez les dindonneaux avec une dystrophie musculaire experimentale par rapport aux oiseaux sains. Chez les dindonneaux eleves dans les conditions de stress la concentration de lysozyme est elevee mais en moindre mesure. L'activite du complement est aussi notablement plus elevee chez les dindonneaux malades que chez les sains.
Integrating within-species variation in thermal physiology into climate change ecology

Accurately forecasting the response of global biota to warming is a fundamental challenge for ecology in the Anthropocene. Within-species variation in thermal sensitivity, caused by phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation of thermal limits, is often overlooked in assessments of species responses to warming. Despite this, implicit assumptions of thermal niche conservatism or adaptation and plasticity at the species level permeate the literature with potentially important implications for predictions of warming impacts at the population level. Here we review how these attributes interact with the spatial and temporal context of ocean warming to influence the vulnerability of marine organisms. We identify a broad spectrum of thermal sensitivities among marine organisms, particularly in central and cool-edge populations of species distributions. These are characterized by generally low sensitivity in organisms with conserved thermal niches, to high sensitivity for organisms with locally adapted thermal niches. Important differences in thermal sensitivity among marine taxa suggest that warming could adversely affect benthic primary producers sooner than less vulnerable higher trophic groups. Embracing the spatial, temporal and biological context of within-species variation in thermal physiology helps explain observed impacts of ocean warming and can improve forecasts of climate change vulnerability in marine systems. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Physiological diversity, biodiversity patterns and global climate change: testing key hypotheses involving temperature and oxygen’.
Intrinsic antecedents of academic research productivity of a large South African university

Across different contexts, the human resources literature suggests that a range of intrinsic factors – typically measured as psychographic, or intrinsic, variables – are antecedents of individual job performance. What is not clear from this literature, however, is the relative contribution of different dimensions of these factors to research output as a measure of individual job performance in the South African academic context. This research seeks to address this lack of knowledge. A large South African university was comprehensively sampled. Structural equation modelling was used to test a model of these relationships predicted by this body of theory. The fi ndings contest certain predictions of seminal theory. This context is found to potentially be atypical of other work contexts. It is argued that certain theory and research fi ndings might not all necessarily generalise into this context because (i) research productivity as a form of job performance may differ from other forms of job performance, and (ii) a cohort of academics may differ from other professional cohorts in other contexts. New insights into the antecedents of research productivity in this context are offered, and recommendations are made for how academics might increase their research productivity. Key words : job performance, South Africa, research productivity, human resources management
Will giant polar amphipods be first to fare badly in an oxygen-poor ocean? Testing hypotheses linking oxygen to body size

It has been suggested that giant Antarctic marine invertebrates will be particularly vulnerable to declining O2 levels as our ocean warms in line with current climate change predictions. Our study provides some support for this oxygen limitation hypothesis, with larger body sizes being generally more sensitive to O2 reductions than smaller body sizes. However, it also suggests that the overall picture is a little more complex. We tested predictions from three different, but overlapping, O2-related hypotheses accounting for gigantism, using four Antarctic amphipod species encompassing a wide range of body sizes. We found a significant effect of body size, but also of species, in their respiratory responses to acutely declining O2 tensions. The more active lifestyle of intermediate-sized Prostebbingia brevicornis was supported by a better respiratory performance than predicted by the oxygen limitation hypothesis alone, but consistent with the symmorphosis hypothesis. We suggest that giant polar amphipods are likely to be some of the first to fare badly in an O2-poor ocean. However, the products of past evolutionary innovation, such as respiratory pigments that enhance O2-transport and novel gas exchange structures, may in some species offset any respiratory disadvantages of either large or small body size. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Physiological diversity, biodiversity patterns and global climate change: testing key hypotheses involving temperature and oxygen’.
Physiological diversity, biodiversity patterns and global climate change: testing key hypotheses involving temperature and oxygen

Documenting and explaining global patterns of biodiversity in time and space have fascinated and occupied biologists for centuries. Investigation of the importance of these patterns, and their underpinning mechanisms, has gained renewed vigour and importance, perhaps becoming pre-eminent, as we attempt to predict the biological impacts of global climate change. Understanding the physiological features that determine, or constrain, a species' geographical range and how they respond to a rapidly changing environment is critical. While the ecological patterns are crystallizing, explaining the role of physiology has just begun. The papers in this volume are the primary output from a Satellite Meeting of the Society of Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, held in Florence in July 2018. The involvement of two key environmental factors, temperature and oxygen, was explored through the testing of key hypotheses. The aim of the meeting was to improve our knowledge of large-scale geographical differences in physiology, e.g. metabolism, growth, size and subsequently our understanding of the role and vulnerability of those physiologies to global climate warming. While such an aim is of heuristic interest, in the midst of our current biodiversity crisis, it has an urgency that is difficult to overstate. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Physiological diversity, biodiversity patterns and global climate change: testing key hypotheses involving temperature and oxygen’.
Named Entity Recognition, Linking and Generation for Greek Legislation

We investigate named entity recognition in Greek legislation using stateof-the-art deep neural network architectures. The recognized entities are used to enrich the Greek legislation knowledge graph with more detailed information about persons, organizations, geopolitical entities, legislation references, geographical landmarks and public document references. We also interlink the textual references of the recognized entities to the corresponding entities represented in other open public datasets and, in this way, we enable new sophisticated ways of querying Greek legislation. Relying on the results of the aforementioned methods we generate and publish a new dataset of geographical landmarks mentioned in Greek legislation. We make available publicly all datasets and other resources used in our study. Our work is the first of its kind for the Greek language in such an extended form and one of the few that examines legal text in a full spectrum, for both entity recognition and linking.