Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating age of carnivores from the Pantanal region of Brazil

Abstract Conservation and management of animal populations often require knowledge about the age structure, but this information is usually difficult to discern. We propose a method to estimate the age of carnivores based on dental condition and body size measurements, and we apply the method to populations of brown-nosed coatis Nasua nasua and crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous in the Brazilian Pantanal. We sexed, weighed and measured 31 coatis and 45 foxes of known-age, and characterized and quantified their pattern of dental eruption and wear for the construction of a teeth condition index. Scores of the first factors of a principal component analysis including data on six body size measurements and the teeth condition index of the individuals were then used in a discriminant analysis to generate functions that can be used for estimating age of animals of unknown age. Models were validated using subsets of individuals of known age through a 3-fold cross validation process. The first functions accounted for over 90% of the discriminatory power for both species. Whereas in coatis, the first function was mainly explained by the body size measurements, in crab-eating foxes it was represented mainly by the teeth condition index. During model validation, individuals were on average classified with 88 and 80% average confidence for coatis and foxes, respectively. Our method is as accurate as other methods that are commonly applied to assess age, but less subjective. While it requires animal capturing, it is less invasive than methods requiring tissue removal such as analyses of teeth cementum annuli. The method we outlined can be used for age estimation of other populations, as long as the models are validated with a subset of animals from the region studied. It could also be useful as a model for estimating age of other carnivore species.
Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Marine Environments: Role of the Corrosion Product Layer

This article presents a synthesis of recent studies focused on the corrosion product layers forming on carbon steel in natural seawater and the link between the composition of these layers and the corrosion mechanisms. Additional new experimental results are also presented to enlighten some important points. First, the composition and stratification of the layers produced by uniform corrosion are described. A focus is made on the mechanism of formation of the sulfate green rust because this compound is the first solid phase to precipitate from the dissolved species produced by the corrosion of the steel surface. Secondly, localized corrosion processes are discussed. In any case, they involve galvanic couplings between anodic and cathodic zones of the metal surface and are often associated with heterogeneous corrosion product layers. The variations of the composition of these layers with the anodic/cathodic character of the underlying metal surface, and in particular the changes in magnetite content, are thoroughly described and analyzed to enlighten the self-sustaining ability of the process. Finally, corrosion product layers formed on permanently immersed steel surfaces were exposed to air. Their drying and oxidation induced the formation of akaganeite, a common product of marine atmospheric corrosion that was, however, not detected on the steel surface after the permanent immersion period.
Clinician Perspectives on the Design and Application of Wearable Cardiac Technologies for Older Adults: Qualitative Study

Background New wearable devices (for example, AliveCor or Zio patch) offer promise in detecting arrhythmia and monitoring cardiac health status, among other clinically useful parameters in older adults. However, the clinical utility and usability from the perspectives of clinicians is largely unexplored. Objective This study aimed to explore clinician perspectives on the use of wearable cardiac monitoring technology for older adults. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semistructured focus group interviews. Clinicians were recruited through purposive sampling of physicians, nurses, and allied health staff working in 3 tertiary-level hospitals. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify themes. Results Clinicians representing physicians, nurses, and allied health staff working in 3 tertiary-level hospitals completed 4 focus group interviews between May 2019 and July 2019. There were 50 participants (28 men and 22 women), including cardiologists, geriatricians, nurses, and allied health staff. The focus groups generated the following 3 overarching, interrelated themes: (1) the current state of play, understanding the perceived challenges of patient cardiac monitoring in hospitals, (2) priorities in cardiac monitoring, what parameters new technologies should measure, and (3) cardiac monitoring of the future, “the ideal device. ” Conclusions There remain pitfalls related to the design of wearable cardiac technology for older adults that present clinical challenges. These pitfalls and challenges likely negatively impact the uptake of wearable cardiac monitoring in routine clinical care. Partnering with clinicians and patients in the co-design of new wearable cardiac monitoring technologies is critical to optimize the use of these devices and their uptake in clinical care.
Studies on Cytological Changes Induced by Muriate of Potash in Allium cepa

The cytological abnormalities produced by muriate of potash were evaluated using Allium cepa root meristem assay. Studies using different concentrations of the fertilizer showed that concentrations ranging from 200 ppm to 2000 ppm produced significant increase in chromosomal aberrations and other abnormalities over the control. This study indicates that the fertilizer is capable of upsetting normal cell divisions if excessive amounts are present in the soil.
Staying tuned: grasshoppers from noisy roadside habitats produce courtship signals with elevated frequency components

Summary 1. Anthropogenic noise is known to affect acoustic signal production in birds, frogs and mammals. These animals use different mechanisms to adjust their signals to elevated background noise levels (increase in signal amplitude, shift to higher frequencies, etc.). Previous studies have concentrated on behaviourally plastic changes in signal production as a result of elevated background noise levels. To our knowledge, long-term effects of anthropogenic noise on signal production have not yet been investigated. Moreover, strategies of invertebrate species to ensure acoustic signal transmission under anthropogenic noise have not been examined, so far. 2. We tested whether and how male Chorthippus biguttulus grasshoppers from noisy roadside habitats may adjust acoustic courtship signals to elevated background noise levels, compared with conspecifics from quiet control habitats. In this species, sexually selected male courtship signals serve to attract potential mating partners, which make the undisturbed transmission of signals in habitats with increased background noise levels crucial for male reproductive success. 3. Compared to males from control populations, males from roadside habitats produced songs with a significantly higher local frequency maximum under standardized, quiet recording conditions. This local frequency maximum (in the range of c .6 –9 kHz) overlaps with low-frequent road noise that has the potential to degrade or mask this part of the signals’ frequency spectrum. 4. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that insects from noisy habitats produce different acoustic signals than conspecifics from quiet habitats, possibly using a more permanent mechanism for signal adjustment than behavioural plasticity, which was found in different bird species adjusting to high background noise levels. Such an effect of anthropogenic noise has not been shown for any invertebrate species before, and our results suggest that similar strategies to avoid degradation or masking by noise (i.e. increase in carrier frequency) are used over a wide range of taxa, including both, vertebrates and invertebrates.
Quality Management Practices of Intensive Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Farming: A Study of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Continuous warnings on quality and food safety of shrimp products from importers have led to increases in port rejections. This has increased awareness amongst Vietnamese farmers for conducting shrimp farming according to specific certification guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the situation of quality control and effectiveness of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in Vietnam (VietGAP) for intensive shrimp systems by making a comparison between VietGAP and non-GAP applied farms. The farmers in the GAP system performed well on seven control points related to quality management, especially regarding reservoir construction, water monitoring, and chemical use. Of the farms, 49% reported disease, and the ratio of safety rejections was low. The farmers in non-GAP farms appeared to have weak practices in quality control with high usage of antibiotics, leading to 64% of farmers reporting disease and 20% of tested shipments being rejected. The VietGAP applied system has the potential to deal with disease and quality problems to increase export opportunity for Vannamei shrimp. However, VietGAP does not generate a high price premium in itself because it is not a recognized certificate in the global markets. The results reinforce previous findings regarding eco-certification and how it can be a useful tool to reduce small-scale producers’ risk, even though it does not necessarily generate a price premium.
Bias Literacy for Gender Equity: A Brief Intervention

Although higher education promotes the advancement of women, the number of women in executive leadership positions has remained stagnant over the last decade. Research has suggested that gender inequity frequently arises from implicit or unconscious bias. This mixed-methods study illustrates the results of a 1-hour bias literacy workshop that provided strategies to mitigate unconscious bias for 67 graduate students, including K-12 and higher education administrators. Results demonstrated significant pre-post differences for the Perceived Constraints Scale (p = .05) which suggested that one month after the workshop, participants still perceived greater constraints with implicit bias and decision-making. Qualitative findings indicated that participants reported increased awareness because of the use of the implicit association test, illustrating Stage 2 (Contemplation) within Prochaska’s Stages of Change model. This study suggests that the strategies provided by this brief workshop are important for future interventions regarding implicit bias.
Repeatability in Forest Gap Research: Studies in the Great Smoky Mountains

D. Piliero contributed in various phases of the project; M. Slatkin, D. Piftero, P. Balvanera, G. Dyer, W. Platt, R. Garcia, and two anonymous reviewers critically read the manuscript and suggested valuable improvements; A. Mendoza, R. Garcia-Barrios, A. Lopez, J. Nufiez, and R. Dirzo helped us with the field work. This project was partially supported by a CONACyT grant to J. Sarukhdn, and the Estaci6n de Biologia Tropical Los Tuxtlas, U.N.A.M. and an U.N.A.M. masters scholarship to E. Alvarez-Buylla.
Predatory activity and spatial pattern: the response of generalist carabids to their aphid prey

1. The spatial distribution of cereal aphids infesting a field of winter wheat during the population establishment, development and decline phases were studied using a field-scale grid of sampling locations. 2. The distribution of two generalist predators, Pterostichus melanarius and P. madidus, were sampled contemporaneously. 3. Using spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE), spatial pattern in the aphid population, predator activity-density, predator hunger and aphid predation was detected and mapped. 4. We tested the hypothesis that carabids and aphids were spatially associated with one another through predation. Aphid predation by individual beetles was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and hunger was assessed by measurement of foregut weights. 5. Initially, there was a strong spatial dissociation between aphids and P. melanarius activity-density. While the aphid population was increasing there was a strong spatial association between aphids and both P. melanarius and P. madidus activity-density. During aphid population decline there was no measurable association between aphids and predatory activity-density. 6. Predation of aphids was strongly locally associated with predator activity-density on all sample dates for both predator species, regardless of the association with aphid spatial pattern. 7. Areas within the field most isolated from P. melanarius predation had the highest rates of aphid population increase. 8. Although the proportion of P. melanarius individuals consuming aphids was much lower compared to P. madidus, it was concluded that it was a more effective biological control agent due to its comparative abundance.
A revision of Dactylaria , with description of D. tunicata sp. nov. from submerged wood in Australia

Dactylaria tunicata sp. nov. from submerged wood in a freshwater stream from Australia is described and illustrated. It differs from all previously described species of Dactylaria in having uniseptate conidia with a hyaline sheath. The 41 species of Dactylaria accepted by de Hoog are listed together with a further 41 validly published species of Dactylaria post de Hoog. A taxonomic key to 37 of the 41 post de Hoog species is provided, based on the literature, together with a composite illustration of their conidial morphology. The other four species are discussed, but they are not considered to be Dactylaria species (sensu de Hoog).
Is the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch Effect More Robust in Women?

For gray or achromatic objects, brightness is a relatively simple transformation where very low luminance levels are perceived as black and higher levels are perceived as white. For chromatic objects, the transformation is more complex, depending on color purity as well. This influence of color purity on a color’s perceived brightness is a well-established phenomenon known as the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch (H-K) effect. We investigated gender differences in the H-K effect by measuring brightness (via direct brightness matching [DBM]) and luminance (via heterochromatic flicker photometry [HFP]) at five wavelengths (450, 520, 560, 580, and 650 nm) perceived as blue, green, green-yellow, yellow, and red hues. We compared DBM/HFP ratios between 13 males and 18 females. Based on previous evidence of a female advantage in chromatic processes, we hypothesized that DBM/HFP ratios would be higher in female subjects. While HFP measures were essentially the same between male and female subjects, DBM measures and DBM/HFP ratios were significantly higher for female subjects than males. There were no significant effects of contraceptive use based on a post hoc comparison. We also derived simple models of brightness as a function of luminance and saturation, which further suggest gender dimorphism in the H-K effect.
Interspecific and intraspecific variation in the performance of three pest aphid species on five grain legume hosts

The suitability of five grain legume species (narrow‐leafed lupin, chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil) as hosts for three aphid species (green peach aphid, cowpea aphid, bluegreen aphid) was evaluated by measuring the mean relative growth rate (MRGR) and survivorship of nymphs over a 5 day period. For each aphid species, intraspecific (interclonal) variation was also determined by independently measuring the performance of 30 clones collected from a variety of hosts and from different parts of the Western Australia (WA) wheatbelt. The suitability of the grain legumes varied among aphid species. Chickpea was not a suitable host for any of the aphids tested. Averaged over all clones, lentil and faba bean were the most suitable hosts for cowpea aphid, and narrow‐leafed lupin was the most suitable host for green peach aphid. Field pea was a suitable host for all three species, but only at a suboptimal level. Cowpea aphid showed the greatest amount of intraspecific variation, with significant variation in MRGR among clones on all hosts except chickpea and significant variation in survivorship on chickpea and lupin. For green peach aphid, there was significant variation in MRGR among clones on field pea and lupin, but in survivorship on lupin only. Bluegreen aphid clones showed significant variation only for MRGR on faba bean and lupin. There were positive correlations in performance of green peach aphid clones on faba bean and lentil, and of cowpea aphid clones on faba bean and lentil. Bluegreen aphid clones showed a negative correlation in performance on field pea and faba bean. These results show the importance of screening cultivars against a wide variety of aphid clones when assessing aphid susceptibility in breeding programmes. The implications of these results on the adaptability of parthenogenetic aphids are discussed.
Habitat use of a critically-endangered species in a predator-free but degraded reserve in Australia

The success of species reintroduction programmes depends on many factors, including habitat quality and predator occurrence at release locations. For the critically endangered eastern barred bandicoot Perameles gunnii in Australia, successful releases have been achieved only in the absence of predation by the introduced red fox Vulpes vulpes. However, few fox-free sites exist, but those that are fox free may have low habitat suitability, potentially leading to reintroduction failure. We studied a reintroduced population of eastern barred bandicoots at Mt Rothwell, a 420-ha fox-free reserve which appeared to have a degraded foraging range and a lack of nesting material due to overgrazing by marsupial herbivores. We quantified habitat use and measured several variables representing movement distances and nest use. Bandicoots foraged in open grassy areas and nested at sites containing high values of litter, lateral cover and concealment cover. Mean (± SE) home ranges (37.2 ha ± 11.8), daily movement distances (494.6 m ± 32.5) and distances between consecutive nests (122.6 m ± 29.0) were large for males. On average, the length of stay at each nest (2.8 days ± 0.4) was longer than previously recorded values for males, and 13.2% of the nests were used by at least two individuals, suggesting that nesting opportunities were limited. Despite behaviour indicating a low resource base, bandicoots appeared to be surviving and reproducing in our study area, indicating a capacity to live in structurally simple habitat in the absence of predators. Our results are consistent with predator exclusion being a critical factor for successful bandicoot reintroduction.
Estimating the Neutral Interest Rate in the Kyrgyz Republic

This paper estimates the neutral interest rate in the Kyrgyz Republic using a range of methodologies. Results indicate that the real neutral rate is about 4 percent based on an average of models and 3.7 percent based on a Quarterly Projection Model. This is higher than in many emerging markets and is likely explained by higher public debt and an elevated risk premium, low creditor rights and contractual enforcement, and low domestic savings. The use of an estimate of the neutral interest rate provides useful guidance to monetary policy and enhances transparency and independence of the central bank. Our estimate provides a quantitative benchmark for the monetary policy stance in the context of a central bank that is building analytical capacity, integrating additional insights in its decision-making process, and working to improve its communication. Strengthening the monetary transmission mechanism will be critical to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy, including by allowing more exchange rate flexibility to support the transition to a full-fledged inflation targeting regime, and reducing excess liquidity to enhance the credit channel, reducing dollarization and high interest rate spreads that adversely affect the transmission of the policy rate to the economy.
Temporal evolution of litterfall and potential bio-element return in a successional forest sequence of the Espinal Ecoregion, Argentina.

Aim of study: The aim of this work was to assess the litterfall contribution and the return of bioelements of a successional forest sequence from the Mesopotamian Espinal (Argentina) which was associated with livestock production. Area of study: Mesopotamian Espinal, Argentina. Material and methods: Litterfall samples were taken and a chemical characterization of their fractions was determined in three stages: a) in the initial successional stage ( IF ); b) in an intermediate secondary forest ( SF ); and c) in a mature forest ( MF ). Main results: The litterfall contribution of the three forests was 1140 ±98, 2947 ±154, and 2911 ±57 kg DM ha -1 yr -1 ; respectively. The IF showed a seasonal pattern of contribution with a peak occurring during summer (528 ±85 kg DM ha -1 yr -1 ), then decreasing during autumn, winter, and spring (241 ±30, 165 ±27, and 207 ±29 kg DM ha -1 season -1 ,respectively). The SF showed a rather constant seasonal pattern (about 750 kg DM season -1 ). The MF showed significant differences among seasons, the maximum and minimum contributions ranging between 846 ±29 and 598 ±33 kg DM ha -1 season -1 in summer and spring, respectively. The litterfall leaves/branch ratio decreased as ecological succession advanced, being lower as the forest gets more mature. As a consequence, this ratio can be used as an indicator of maturity in the sequence. The potential return of bio-elements of the successional forest sequence was proportional to the litterfall input, with a maximum amount of N in the Fabaceae species. Research highlights: The litterfall assessment and the leaves/branch ratio allowed the characterization of the successional stages in Xerophytic forest used for livestock production. Keywords: Semi-xerophytic trees; tree production pattern; plant organ contribution; leaf/branch ratio; return of bio-elements; tree nutrients.
The influence of seed size on the performance of cereals in variety trials

The evaluation of the genetic potential of cereal varieties in variety trials will be accurate only if compensation can be made for all the variables known to influence the results, or if those variables are controlled. The influence of one such variable, seed size, on subsequent performance of crop plants, is well documented (wheat, Kittock & Law, 1968; beans, Ries, 1971; barley, McDaniel, 1969). McFadden (1963), working with barley, felt that seed size was such an important determinant of subsequent plant performance that he suggested that seed used in comparative testing systems should all be processed to the same seed range.