Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of juvenile shrimp Crangon crangon in a tidal-flat nursery of the Wadden Sea after mild and cold winters

Juvenile shrimp Crangon crangon (L.) were sampled frequently on a tidal flat in the westernmost part of the Wadden Sea during spring and summer from 1983 to 1991. High densities (several tens per m2) of small shrimp (length range 5 to 25 mm, mean generally < l 5 mm) were observed at low tide during late spring, summer and early autumn. The low numbers (ca 1 m-') of overwintered shrimps observed on the tidal flats in March were positively correlated with the mean temperature of the foregoing months. Settlement of a new generation of postlarvae (ca 5 mm) started in April after mild winters and in May after cold winters. Maximal densities were observed in June after mild winters and in July after cold winters. Settlement continued with fluctuating intensity throughout summer and early autumn. Growth was rapid: as early as ca 1 mo after settlement the shrimps reached a length of 20 to 25 mm, at which point they leave (the higher parts of) the tidal flats. Thus, juvenile shrimp use tidal flats as a transit nursery, where several successive cohorts grow up during any one summer season. Earlier published estimates of time of recruitment, mean size and growth rate of shrimp living in the same area are refuted. In spring (up to mid-June), shrimp biomass on the tidal flat was much lower after cold than after mild winters. This difference could also help explain the generally highly successful recruitment of the bivalve Macoma balthica after cold winters.
Implementation of An Online COVID-19 Epidemic Calculator for Tracking the Spread of the Coronavirus in Singapore and Other Countries

This paper describes the methods underlying the development of an online COVID-19 Epidemic Calculator for tracking COVID-19 growth parameters. From publicly available infection case data, the calculator is used to estimate the effective reproduction number, doubling time, final epidemic size, and death toll. As a case study, we analyzed the results for Singapore during the 'Circuit breaker' period from April 7, 2020 to the end of May 2020. The calculator shows that the stringent measures imposed have an immediate effect of rapidly slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. After about two weeks, the effective reproduction number reduced to 1.0. Since then, the number has been fluctuating around 1.0. The COVID-19 Epidemic Calculator is available in the form of an online Google Sheet and the results are presented as Tableau Public dashboards at www.cv19. one. By making the calculator readily accessible online, the public can have a tool to meaningfully assess the effectiveness of measures to control the pandemic.
Fruit Flags: Two Hypotheses

Signals that identify the presence and availability of fruits ready for dispersal probably increase the rates of seed dissemination for bird-dispersed seeds. The two hypotheses presented here illustrate how fruit flags may increase conspicuousness of fruiting species thereby increasing visitation by frugivorous birds. In temperate deciduous forests, foliar fruit flagging species lose energy from photosynthesis by changing leaf color early, but create a large contrasting signal. The contrasting leaves may attract migrant frugivores that are unfamiliar with resource locations at any given stopover point along their migratory route. Contrasting long-distance fruit flags may also be important for some tropical plant species. Preripening fruit flags do not create a long-distance signal but rather alert resident frugivores to the presence of fruit that will soon ripen. This increases the probability that resident frugivores will remove the fruit and disseminate the seeds before the fruits are rendered unacceptable through microbial attack. This pattern is found in both tropical and temperate systems.
Phenolics Extracted from Potato, Sugar Beet, and Sesame Processing By-Products

The food-processing industry generates substantial quantities of phenolic-rich by-products that could be valuable natural sources of antioxidants. In this study, the antioxidant properties and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of three industrial by-products (potato peels, sugar beet pulp, and sesame cake) extracted with different solvents were evaluated. Methanol exhibited the highest extraction ability for phenolic compounds, with total phenolics amounting to 2.91, 1.79, and 0.81 mg gallic acid equivalent g−1 dry weight in potato peels, sugar beet pulp, and sesame cake extracts, respectively. Methanolic extracts showed the strongest antioxidant capacity in the two performed assays. The bioactive components extracted with ethanol were further examined for their antioxidant activity in comparison with synthetic antioxidants under accelerated oxidation conditions using sunflower oil as oxidation substrates for 72 h at 70°C. Inverse relationships were noted between peroxide values and oxidative stabilities and also between secondary oxidation products, measured by p-anisidine value and stabilities at termination of the storage. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis of potato peels, sugar beet pulp, and sesame cake extracts revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. On the basis of the obtained results, potato peels, sugar beet pulp, and sesame cake extracts could serve as natural antioxidants and might be explored to prevent oxidation of vegetable oils. Therefore, they could be used as preservative ingredients in the food and/or pharmaceutical industries.
Cephalopod diet of the Australian fur seal: Variation due to location, season and sample type

In Tasmanian waters, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus preyed on 11 species of cephalopods, predominantly Nototodarus gouldi followed by Sepioteuthis australis and Sepia apama. Cephalopods were more important in the diet of the seals in Bass Strait than in southern Tasmanian waters. The species composition in the diet of the seals in these two areas also differed, with the seals in Bass Strait eating mainly N. gouldi, whereas the seals in southern waters fed on benthic octopods. The seals preyed on mainly adult cephalopods over the continental shelf. The size range and species composition of the diet varied according to the sample types, with faeces containing only small beaks relative to regurgitates and stomachs. Errors associated with sample types and application of regression equations are discussed.
Every egg may have a targeted purpose: toward a differential approach to egg according to composition and functional effect

Despite the suggested health advantages of traditionally- over industrially-produced western ‘regular’ eggs and the flexibility of egg composition, studies on the effects of egg intake refer mostly to quantity and lack qualitative information. The possibility of lending differential nutritional enhancement and functional advantages, i.e. vs. cardiovascular disease (CVD) or for perinatal health, could impact the current egg intake debate. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) fortification of regular eggs by feeding extruded linseed (5%) yielded 3.8-fold higher total n-3 PUFA and 2.4-fold higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with 3.6-fold lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio (p≤0.0005). This resulted in human dietary contributions of 10–20% of the n-3 PUFA Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and 40% for DHA. Together with antioxidants, they may be beneficial against CVD risks as associated with oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory processes, especially in diabetics. Eggs fortified via poultry feed supplementation could attain higher %DRI for pregnancy or lactation for key nutrients, i.e. DHA (≈120- 130%), vitamins A (9.0-15.2%) and E (51.6-65.3%), iodine (15.2-20.1%), and selenium (33.7-39.3%). For infants aged 1–3 years, the improvement in %DRI for vitamins, minerals, and n-3 PUFA needed during peak brain development could be even higher. Compared to increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation as seen with intake of two regular high n-6 PUFA eggs/day, eggs with reduced n-6 PUFA (by 40%), increased n-9 monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (by 30%), reduced PUFA:MUFA ratio (by 50%), and increased antioxidants vitamin E and carotenoids (by >200%), were associated with a 30% drop in LDL oxidisability (p<0.01), back to levels seen with a low-egg diet (2–4 eggs/week). Because egg composition is highly feed-dependent and closely affects plasma nutrients and lipoprotein composition and physiological qualities, it has much potential for imparting both nutritional and functional benefits. Poultry feeding could be carefully tailored for egg modification to address specific risks and requirements in consumers, warranting further research regarding differential effects and corresponding quantitative recommendations for egg intake, to maximise beneficial and preventative potential.
Sexual Behavior in Blister Beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae): I. The Genus Pyrota

Abstract The sexual behavior of 11 species of Pyrota is described. Analysis of the functional significance of anatomical secondary sexual characters in these species and a survey of similar modifications in others indicates that the general pattern observed is characteristic of the genus. Adults exhibit little aggressive behavior, and courtship involves prolonged physical contact between the sexes. Male courtship activities follow a regular cyclic pattern, as he alternately mounts above the female to perform one series of acts (palpation, dorsal antennation, and rocking) and orients behind her to perform another (leg grasp, palpal insertion beneath her elytra, lifting of her body, posterior antennation, abdominal curvature and stroke, and genital hold). Copulation entails abdominal pumping by the male. As a prelude to comparative studies, a new classification of the Meloidae is proposed. Characters of sexual and related behavior at the subfamilial level and anatomical characters associated with them are discussed in an evolutionary context. Nemognathinae and, by inference, Eleticinae have simple courtship behavior, copulate dorso-ventrally for short periods of time, and do not prepare sites for oviposition. Meloinae have more elaborate courtship, copulate in a linear position for extended periods, and oviposit in specially prepared cavities in the ground. Compared with that in other Meloidae, courtship behavior in Pyrota is both complex and highly distinctive. Interspecific differences, considered in detail for six species, involve variation in the precise manner of performance of acts and their temporal relationships. Systematically the ethological data are in reasonable accord with those from other sources except that the courtship behavior of P. concinna is more divergent from that of its presumed relatives than would be expected on the basis of anatomical and ecological characters. An explanation of this discrepancy is proposed in terms of the evolutionary reinforcement of ethological differences functioning in interspecific reproductive isolation.
Stabilization of Anthocyanins of Blood Orange Fruit Juice

The stability of the red color of pigmented orange fruit juice was somewhat improved by pasteurization with microwaves and addition of tartaric acid and gluthathione as mildly acidic and antioxidant agents, respectively. Highest stability was obtained through the formation of complexes between anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as rutin and caffeic acid.
FORAGING MODE OF THE RETICULATE COLLARED LIZARD, CROTAPHYTUS RETICULATUS

Abstract The reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) is a large, crotaphytid lizard restricted to the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas and northern Mexico. Our objectives were to determine the foraging mode of this species and test predictions made by other investigators about foraging behavior. We conducted focal observations on 10 male and 10 female lizards in Falcon State Park, Starr County, Texas, to quantify the number of movements per minute (MPM), the proportion of time spent moving (PTM), and the proportion of attacks made on prey items while moving (PAM). We removed foraging movements followed by social displays from the data and recalculated and reanalyzed foraging activity values. With “display” movements removed, there was a significant difference between MPM values and PTM values for males and for the sexes combined, but there was no significant difference in MPM values or PTM values for females. The foraging measures calculated for C. reticulatus, with and without “display” movements removed from the calculations, suggest that it is a “sit-and-wait” ambush forager like its congener C. collaris.
Effects of ectoparasites of young on parents' behaviour in a Mediterranean population of Blue Tits

In altricial birds, adults are expected to alleviate the impact of parasitism on their young by increasing parental care. We experimentally investigated the effects of blowfly parasitism on adult behaviour in the nest cavity in a population of Blue Tits in which nestlings are heavily parasitized by blowfly larvae. The behaviour of males and females was different, since only the females carried out nest sanitation activities related to the presence of parasites. The time females devoted to nest sanitation was higher in parasitized nests than in experimentally deparasitized ones, suggesting that chicks and adults might share the costs of blowfly parasitism.
Kidney weight and kidney fat index in the European hare during the breeding season, in relation with the reproductive status of the animals

— Hares were collected during the breeding season in the Paris basin (France). The evolution of kidney weight and of kidney fat weight was studied in relation with the reproductive status of the animals. A little seasonal variation of the kidney weight was noted only in the case of males. Among the juvenile males, there was also a strong correlation between the kidney weight and the testicle weight. The perirenal fat was the most important in January-February and progressively decreased until to disappear in July-August. Generally the adult hares were fatter than the youngs. In addition, the non productive females have much more fat than the productive females, especially when they were infertile after the regression of their Fallopian tubes.
Post‐pollination Events in Species of Chorisia (Bombacaceae) and Tabebuia (Bignoniaceae) with Late‐acting Self‐incompatibility

The neotropical trees Chorisia chodatii, C. speciosa, Tabebuia caraiba and T. ochracea show late-acting self-incompatibility. Accumulated ovule penetrations following self-pollinations were similar to those in crosses. During the six to eight day period following pollination, in both selfed and crossed ovules, a resting zygote with initial development of the endosperm was formed. Up until the time of rejection of the selfed flowers, no cytological malfunctions were evident in the selfed ovules.
Zooplankton in Rainbow Bay, a Carolina bay pond: population dynamics in a temporary habitat

SUMMARY. 1 Rainbow Bay is a temporary freshwater pond in South Carolina, U.S.A. , that typically fills in winter and dries in spring or summer. We studied population dynamics of zooplankton in 1984 and 1985 when it held water for 282 and 57 days, respectively. The zooplankton were diverse, including one species of calanoid copepod, nine or more cyclopoid copepods, nineteen or more cladocerans, and twelve or more rotifers. The community was initially dominated by the copepods Diaptomus stagnalis and Acanthocyclops vernalis or Diacyclops haueri, later by cyclopoids and cladocerans including Daphnia laevis and Simocephalus spp. 2 Laboratory experiments with sediments from the dry pond support the inference from field data that time of emergence from resting stages was a proximate cause of the initial succession of species. The experiments also showed that eggs of the calanoid copepod, Diaptomus stagnalis, were inhibited from hatching in early November, but became ready to hatch by late November. A similar inhibition was not observed for cladocerans or cyclopoid copepods. 3 Food limitation appeared to influence population dynamics following emergence. For the cladocerans Daphnia laevis and Simocephalus spp. , great reductions in size-specific fecundity occurred 1 month (1985) or 3 months (1984) after the pond filled and were associated with disappearance of the rotifer Conochilus hippocrepis. The cladocerans produced ephippia when their fecundities declined. Reproduction of Diaptomus occurred before cladoceran fecundities decreased in 1984, but during their decline in 1985. Broods of Diaptomus were smaller in 1985. 4 The impact of invertebrate predators was probably greater than that of vertebrate predators, but neither was sufficient to prevent over-exploitation of food resources. Prey consumption rates by salamander larvae were estimated from diets and population densities of the larvae in 1984 (Taylor et al., 1988). Their impact on the zooplankton was low in February, increased in March and April as the larvae grew, and then
The McMansion Effect: Top House Size and Positional Externalities in U.S. Suburbs

This paper provides direct field-level evidence of positional externalities in the size of neighboring houses. Combining data from the American Housing Survey with a geolocalized data set of three million suburban houses, I find that new constructions at the top of the house size distribution lower the satisfaction that neighbors derive from their own house size. Positional externalities are stronger among people living in larger houses and decrease with the distance from so-called McMansions. I provide further evidence that homeowners exposed to the construction of large houses in their suburb put a lower price on their home, are more likely to upscale to a larger house, and take up more debt.
Comparison of the reproductive potential of three Orius species, O. strigicollis, O. sauteri, and O. minutus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), using eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth as a food source

We examined the reproductive potential of three Orius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) species, O. strigicollis (Poppius), O. sauteri (Poppius) and O. minutus (Linnaeus), at different rearing temperatures (i.e., 17, 20, 23, 26, and 29°C) using the eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) as a food source. Mean generation times of the three species were nearly the same at all temperatures. The net reproductive rate of O. minutus was higher than those of the other two species at 17, 20, 23, and 26°C, and that of O. strigicollis was the highest among the three species at 29°C. Interspecific differences of net reproductive rates were largest at 29°C. Although the intrinsic rate of natural increase did not differ among the three species from 17 to 26°C, the rate for O. strigicollis was far higher than that for O. sauteri and O. minutus at 29°C. These results suggest that interspecific differences in the reproductive potentials of the three species tend to become larger as the temperature increases. Thus, we infer that O. strigicollis is advantageous in a wider temperature range than O. sauteri and O. minutus.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF NUISANCE ALGAE BY DAPHNIA PULEX: EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

ABSTRACT The feasibility of using the zooplankton species Daphnia pulex as a biological control agent of nuisance algal blooms was investigated experimentally in two Illinois lakes. Two questions were posed: (1) Can grazing by Daphnia pulex buffer the effects of increased nutrient loading to an initially low-nutrient lake? and (2) Can D. pulex significantly reduce algal biomass when introduced into a lake that already exhibits excessive phytoplankton growth? These questions were answered by introducing D. pulex individuals into large enclosures (1,000 liters) suspended in the lakes, which do not naturally contain D. pulex . The first question was addressed in Dynamite Lake, an oligo-mesotrophic quarry lake that does not normally exhibit algal blooms. Four treatments were employed within the enclosures: (1) a control, (2) D. pulex added, (3) nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) added, and (4) D. pulex and nutrients added. Nutrients were not added until the D. pulex populations became established and were ad.
Effects of organic acids on the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings

Abstract A range of aliphatic, aromatic and amino acids at a concentration of 5 mol m-3 inhibited the extension of roots of barley seedlings. Acetic acid is one of the least toxic but its action has the greatest ecological significance because it can be formed in phytotoxic concentrations by micro-organisms in soil. Its uptake and toxicity were greatest at low pH. Of the plant species which were examined, those most affected were barley, wheat and maize, followed by rape and clover. In aerobic conditions, microbial breakdown of the acid decreased its activity, but in atmospheres containing small concentrations of oxygen the acid prevented the germination of seeds. The toxicity could be partially alleviated by calcium carbonate applied as ground chalk to seeds.
Monitoring growth and energy utilisation of the harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena ) in human care

Two harbour porpoises of an estimated age of 1-2 years were held in captivity from April 1997 and were still alive in April 2002, after rescue from pound nets set in inner Danish waters. They are presently housed in an outdoor penned-off area of Kerteminde fjord. Their growth (total body length, girth, body weight and blubber thickness) and daily dietary intake (weight of fish, dietary composition and energy value) have been monitored since capture. The general activity of the animals was regularly monitored, including two 24-hour long observation periods. Initial body weights were 37.5 kg for Eigil (male) and 40.5 kg for Freja (female). Both porpoises lost 4 to 5 kg in the first few days because of their initial refusal to feed from the hand. Then body weight increased steadily reaching a peak of 44.75 kg for Eigil and 51.6 kg for Freja in early February 1998. A fluctuation in body weight with peaks of 44 to 45 kg for the male and 51to 56 kg for the female in winter followed by lows of 41 to 44 kg and 47 to 48 kg respectively in summer, established a clear pattern of seasonal fluctuation, mirrored by girth and blubber thickness variation. Length increased steadily from 130.5 cm to 139cm in Eigil, and from 127.5 cm to 150 cm in Freja. Food intake also fluctuated seasonally, and increases in food intake preceded weight gains. Daily food consumption in Eigil and Freja represented about 7 to 9.5% of body weight. The growth of the animals resembles that of wild porpoises in the region. The sudden initial weight losses suggested that the energy reserves of the animals may only be short-term. The large weight increase in the winter months with colder water, correlating with the increase in girth and blubber thickness, suggest that energy reserves and blubber fat may be important for insulation. During the two 24-hour observations, the animals spent most of their time cruising around, although slow swimming and logging at the surface increased at night. Breathing rates were lower in the early morning hours, consistent with diminished activity. Both animals’ movements were influenced by external activities at poolside.