Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological control of spider mites in North-Italian vineyards using pesticide resistant predatory mites

The success of phytoseiid mite releases to control spider mites [Eotetranychus carpini (Oudemans) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch)] on grapevines can be influenced by pesticide use and competition with local predatory mites. In field experiments we evaluated the effect of the release of Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten strains showing field resistance to organophosphates and dithiocarbamates. Predatory mites were released in two vineyards infested by spider mites despite the occurrence of Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) and/or Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga. Single or mixed releases were planned. Spider mite populations were not effectively controlled by local predatory mites while successful control was achieved by released species. The effects of releases were higher in the second experimental year. In most cases A. andersoni densities were reduced by T. pyri and K. aberrans releases. Ph. finitimus suffered less than A. andersoni from intraguild predation. Among released species, the effect of the presence of a competitor was higher on T. pyri than on K. aberrans. Results suggest that the outcome of intraguild predation is prey-mediated. The equilibrium level between K. aberrans and T. pyri may depend on which spider mite species is the shared prey. The implications in management of spider mites on grapevines are discussed.
Characteristics of the Fish Assemblage in the Intertidal Salt Marsh and Mudflat of the Yangtze Estuary

During July 2015 to June 2016, two permanent sampling sites were established in Scirpus mariqueter salt marsh and its adjacent mudflat on the intertidal zone of Chongming-Dongtan in the Yangtze Estuary. Based on monthly trap net surveys of fishes, the characteristics of the fish assemblages in the different subhabitats, including the salt marsh and mudflat, and the monthly variations were analyzed. A total of 19 species of fishes were found belong to 12 Families. The characteristics including the dominant fish species were different in these two subhabitats. 18 species of fish were recorded in the mudflat, of which the dominant species were the Coilia ectenes, Pelteobagrus nitidus and Lateolabrax maculatus. Ten species of fish were recorded in the salt marsh of which the dominant species were the Coilia ectenes, Saurogobio dumerili, Liza haematocheila, Lateolabrax maculatus and Acanthogobius ommaturus. Pelteobagrus nitidus prefers to use the mudflat, while Lateolabrax maculatus and Liza haematocheila prefer to use the salt marsh. There was a significant difference in the monthly variation of fish abundance between the fish abundance of salt marsh and mudflat, while there was no significant difference in fish biomass. The Simpson index of the fish of the mudflat was significantly higher than that of the salt marsh, while the Margalef index and the Pielou index were lower than the salt marsh. The community can be divided into two groups: winter-spring (A) and summer-autumn (B). The abundance of fish in the mudflat and the salt marsh show a very significant correlation with the water temperature (r = 0.773, 0.830, respectively) and a significant correlation with the water salinity(r = 0.654, 0.648, respectively). The abundance of fish in mudflat and salt marsh are both significantly correlated with water temperature and salinity. The abundance of fish of the mudflat (r = 0.470, P > 0.05) is more related to the highest submerged depth than of the salt marsh (r = 0.087, P > 0.05).
Does using different entrance points for intramedullary nails affect clinical outcomes for femoral shaft fractures? A retrospective clinical comparative study

OBJECTIVE: We examined the clinical and radiological outcomes of femoral shaft fractures treated with two different intramedullary nail designs using either greater trochanteric or trochanteric fossa entrance. METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing operations for a shaft fracture either with a nail with trochanteric entrance or trochanteric fossa entrance were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: having the necessary medical records including radiographic images and follow-up data, at least 12 months of follow-up, skeletal maturity (≥16 years of age) not having osteoporosis (≤60 years of age). Exclusion criteria were: pathological fractures, fragility fractures, fractures that extend to hip or knee joint capsule, lack of enough medical data, less than 12 months of follow up, and patients yet to reach skeletal maturity. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients (67 femur fractures) were treated with intramedullary nails using a trochanteric fossa entrance (TFE) and 21 patients (23 femur fractures) were treated with nails using a greater trochanteric entrance (GTE). No statistically significant differences were evident between groups in terms of union time, blood loss, need for implant removal, implant failure, or revision operation. However, the duration of postoperative hospitalization was significantly shorter in the GTE nail group and the need for open reduction of the fracture was less common in these patients. Although there were no significant differences between groups in terms of complications and union among isthmal and infra-isthmal fractures, malreduction and iatrogenic fractures were more common with the use of GTE nails for treatment of supra-isthmal fractures. CONCLUSION: Use of intramedullary nails via both GTE and TFE were safe and efficient for the treatment of isthmal and infra-isthmal fractures. However, varus malalignments associated with iatrogenic fractures were more common with trochanteric entrance nails. Together, our results show that the use of nails via TFE may represent a safer option for surgical treatment of supra-isthmal fractures.
Age-sex dimorphisms in the estimation of median lethal dose (LD50) of lead diacetate in rabbits using up-and-down procedure (Arithmetic method)

Lead had been known to be toxic since pre-antiquity. It causes neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular and renal pathologies. Other toxicological studies of lead (Pb) salts are studied in laboratory animals such as rat, mice, hamsters, rabbits and monkeys; however, there is paucity of information on the median lethal dose (LD 50 ) of Pb salts in rabbits especially when used as a model for molecular studies of Pb toxicity. In view of this, oral LD 50 of lead (Pb) diacetate [Pb(CH 3 COO) 2 ] was determined in both young (6 weeks old, weighing 0.40 ± 0.03 kg) and adult (34 weeks old, weighing 1.63 ± 0.10 kg), male and female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) using the revised arithmetic method of Up-and-Down Procedure (UDP). The estimated LD 50 of Pb diacetate in young male and female NZW rabbits was 1214.20 ± 275.80 and 1214.20 ± 275.80 mg/kg body weight respectively. Also, the LD 50 of the adult male and female rabbits was 1503.30 ± 342.90 and 1792.50 ± 354.40 mg/kg body weight respectively. Similarities in the estimated LD 50 of the young rabbits could be attributed to poorly developed xenobiotic metabolic processes. Sex-dimorphism in the toxicity of Pb diacetate was observed in the adult animals, where the male animals were found to be more sensitive to the toxicant than the female. Hence, Pb diacetate is moderately toxic in NZW Rabbits according to “Gosselin, Smith and Hodge scale” of toxicity rating. Keywords: Arithmetic mean, Dimorphism, Dose, Lead, Rabbits, Sex, Toxicity
Research of the Effects of Convergence of Economic Policy in Regional and Interregional Integration Associations

The article is devoted to the analysis of the dynamics of macroeconomic indicators as the results of an economic policy in three integration associations: the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and BRICS. The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis of availability convergence of the results of economic policy, which is a consequence of the accession of countries to international unification. For the analysis, we used the models of σ-convergence (autoregression model, coefficient of variation), β-convergence (Barro and Sala-i-Martin, Baumol, Solow – Svan, Quadrado – Roura). The presence and speed of convergence was studied before and after the accession of new countries to associations: according to the results of economic policy as a whole, in the field of labor, foreign economic activity, monetary and debt policy. It was established that in all associations there is a convergence in terms of per capita GDP, but differences in the level of development between countries persist even after unification. The study showed that the greatest number of convergence effects with equalization by individual indicators of economic policy is manifested in the European Union, the least effect in the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is proved that the effectiveness of integration depends on its degree and is ensured by the presence of a mechanism for coordinating economic policy (in general or in separate areas), general requirements for economic security, joint action programs, including in the field of science and technology, as well as providing access to development resources for all countries of the association. The results of the study can be used to adjust the directions and methods of state and regional economic policies of countries included in the integration association.
Morphology, palaeoecology and phylogenetic interpretation of the Cambrian echinoderm Vyscystis (Barrandian area, Czech Republic)

The lepidocystoid echinoderm Vyscystis is known from the mid-Cambrian (Drumian) Jince Formation of the Příbram-Jince Basin (Czech Republic). Recently collected specimens of this genus, which are very well preserved, provide important new information, resulting in an improved understanding of their morphology (particularly the oral surface), growth trends and an assessment of their phylogenetic position and palaeoecology. Vyscystis is characterized by an aboral imbricate cup and a flattened tessellate oral surface, bearing exotomous curved ambulacra supporting coiled brachioles. A phylogenetic analysis suggests a basal position of lepidocystoids among blastozoans. Vyscystis shares plesiomorphic characters with other lepidocystoids (e.g. calyx) and some edrioasteroids (curvature of the ambulacra). It shows homoplasies (exotomous ambulacral pattern and coiled brachioles) with more derived eocrinoids (e.g. Gogia). Vyscystis was probably a low-level suspension feeder, living attached to hard debris on a soft substrate. Attachment to skeletal fragments was probably achieved by some sort of ‘biogluing’.
Evaluation of stainless steel positive profile end threaded intramedullary pins for management of long bones fractures in dogs

Six clients owned dogs (n=6) with fracture of long bones were included in the present study. Physical examination and radiography aided in the diagnosis of the condition. Steps were taken to stabilize the animal hemodynamically on the day of its presentation and stabilized the affected limb with application of modified Robert jones bandage. Aseptic surgery was planned once the edema of the limb was reduced and open reduction and stabilization was performed under general anesthesia in all the dogs. All the fractures were stabilized with stainless steel positive profile end threaded intramedullary pins followed by application of modified Robert jones bandage. Pin migration was noticed in two cases and the migrated pins were removed under general anesthesia. Mild osteomyelitis was noticed in one case and was resolved after administering antibiotics. Normal ambulation of the affected limb was seen in all the animals. Complications like malunion, non-union, limb shortening were not noticed in any of the case.
Analysis of Protein Factors Involved in Transport of the Precursor of the Small Subunit of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase Into Intact Chloroplasts.

Two protein factors involved in the transport of precursor proteins into intact chloroplasts have been examined. The first of these was observed in experiments utilizing fusion proteins containing various lengths of wheat pS fused to CaM. Transport experiments with these fusion proteins demonstrated a requirement for transport of a pS/CaM fusion protein of a portion of mature S greater than 4 amino acids. Additionally, when the CaM portion of a fusion protein adopted a stable conformation by binding Ca2+, a larger portion of mature S was needed for efficient transport. A second protein factor was examined using DIDS, and the related compounds H2-DIDS, and SITS. Modification of intact pea chloroplasts with these reagents inhibited chloroplast protein transport. This inhibition was not due to disruption of the chloroplast envelope membrane or a non-specific effect on chloroplast metabolism. The level of DIDS required to inhibit chloroplast protein transport correlates well with the level of DIDS which mediates inhibition of chloroplast ATP transport. While DIDS also inhibited chloroplast transport, the level needed was lower than that required for inhibition of chloroplast protein transport. In addition, the presence of 3—PGA during DIDS modification did not prevent DIDSbased inhibition chloroplast protein transport.
Conceptual challenges in cultural selection

Conceptual Challenges in Cultural Selection Azita Chellappoo The aim of my thesis is to address key conceptual challenges within cultural selection, in order to provide a rigorous evaluation of its promise and scope. Cultural selection, a process analogous to natural selection which operates on cultural traits, has been proposed as an explanation for a wide range of phenomena. These include aspects of social institutions, technological change, and the widespread cooperative norms and behaviours that characterise human societies. There has been much work exploring the extent to which cultural systems can be said to be analogous to biological systems; however, I argue that cultural systems need not resemble biological systems in key respects in order for cultural selection to take place. Rather, the crucial question is not simply whether selection can apply to cultural systems in principle but what cultural selection can explain. In particular, cultural selection should bring meaningful explanatory benefits over and above those already offered by alternative frameworks, such as those from anthropology or history. I argue for skepticism regarding the explanatory power of cultural selection, through analysis of the ways in which cultural selection has been applied, the formal models and case studies used as evidence of cultural selection, and the social learning biases thought to underlie cultural selection processes. In order to show that cultural selection can still operate even if cultural systems differ significantly from biological systems, I argue that cumulative selection can take place in populations without reproduction. However, even if cultural selection could operate in principle, this does not mean it generates explanatory benefits. In chapter 2 I show that cultural selection has been applied in ways that offer no explanatory payoffs, through close examination of cultural selection in the field of sustainability science. I then focus on cultural group selection in chapter 3, thought to be the most convincing form of cultural selection, arguing for skepticism regarding its scope and plausibility. Explanatory deficits extend to the social learning biases that underpin cultural selection: in chapter 4 I argue for skepticism regarding the existence of one such social learning bias, prestige bias. Additionally, inductive risk considerations provide further motivation for clarifying the explanatory potential of cultural selection. In chapter 5 I argue that a kind of inductive risk is present when we consider the adoption and pursuit of cultural selection, and this should encourage careful analysis of the expected explanatory gains before applying cultural selection frameworks further.
Threatened lycophytes and ferns in four Protected Areas of Mindanao, Philippines

There are nearly a thousand threatened species of vascular plants in the Philippines and of which about 12% are lycophytes and ferns. However, there are not enough data on the distribution of the species. Thus, the threatened lycophytes and ferns were determined based on field surveys in four protected areas in Mindanao, namely Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. The conservation status assessment was based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources DAO 2017-11 updated list of threatened plants of the Philippines. A total of 45 species of threatened lycophytes and ferns was documented belonging to 16 families and 25 genera. Of these, three species are Critically Endangered, 23 Endangered, 15 Vulnerable, and three are other threatened species. Families with the highest number of threatened species are Cyatheaceae, Polypodiaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Ophioglossaceae, and Psilotaceae. The Critically Endangered species are Platycerium coronarium, Phlegmariurus magnusianus, and Helminthostachys zeylanica. The threatened species endemic to the Philippines are Phlegmariurus magnusianus, Alsophila apoensis, A. atropurpurea, A. hermannii, A. fuliginosa, A. heterochlamydea, A. negrosiana, A. rufopannosa, Lindsaea hamiguitanensis, Tmesipteris zamorarum, Aglaomorpha cornucopia, and A. sagitta. The highest number of threatened taxa was observed in the Mt. Apo Natural Park (29 species), followed by the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (28 species), Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (27 species), with the lowest number in the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (19 species). Most of the species were recorded in the lower and upper montane forests. The occurrence of threatened and endemic lycophytes and ferns in the four protected areas calls for a strict implementation of the ordinances necessary for a long term conservation and protection of the species.
Energy-Efficient Drone Trajectory Planning for the Localization of 6G-Enabled IoT Devices

6G will be an enabler for the massive Internet of Things (IoT) in which millions of devices communicate at high data rates and low latencies. One key area among 6G applications is advanced sensing. However, higher speed implies moving to higher frequencies, which generally require more transmission power. In remote sensing, this causes problems, since either we have to increase the number of sensors and lower their communications ranges or increase their ranges and accept faster battery depletion. To cut the cost, even localization modules are not usually included in sensors. However, in many applications, IoT sensors must know their locations. Recent advances in the field of drones have led to promising solutions for localization. In this article, we propose a novel approach called semidynamic mobile anchor guiding (SEDMAG) for drones which aims at energy-conservative trajectory planning and localization of massive IoT devices. In this approach, the drone tracks the shortest path over a connected graph. This path determines the visiting order of devices. But we show that the complexity of this approach is high, thus, a graph reduction approach is proposed. It reduces the complexity and decreases the drones’ energy consumption and positioning delay. The drone then follows a weighted search algorithm (WSA) to dynamically visit the devices. Simulation results are used to verify the superiority of the proposed approach.
Marine Turtle Presence in the Traditional Pharmacopoeia, Cosmovision, and Beliefs of Wayuú Indigenous People

Abstract. Marine turtles are considered by people of several cultures to be a gift from God. This belief often leads to the use of these reptiles in the traditional and belief systems among aboriginal peoples. Certainly this is the case among Wayuú people, who are an indigenous group settled between Venezuela and Colombia, in the Guajira Peninsula. To assess the value of marine turtles to Wayuú ancestral people, especially as a medicinal resource, we carried out a comprehensive open-ended question-based survey of traditional healers and caretakers (locally known as Piaches and Oütsüs) from 4 Wayuú communities in the Venezuelan portion of the Guajira Peninsula. We documented customary practices where marine turtles' body parts are used as a key element of the remedies. Eleven marine turtle body parts were identified by respondents as remedies used by Wayuú people, with 7 different ways to administer them (drink, worn, powder, among others). Four of the 5 species of marine turtles present in Venezuelan waters were identified as being used in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Wayuú people; their traditional names are included on this article. Some considerations about the Wayuú's cosmovision, customs, traditions, and belief systems are included here. Our results are important in the context of likely future evaluation of the current Venezuelan legal framework to consider inclusion of traditional use of marine turtles in Venezuela.
Effects of youth mentoring on depressive symptoms of single mothers

Author Biographies: Tina Braun, is a postdoctoral researcher at the Bundeswehr University Munich. She has a PhD in Developmental Psychology and currently works in the Methods and Evaluation Department of the Psychology Institute. Next to her methodological research, she is interested in the evaluation of youth mentoring programs, working with “biffy Berlin” and “Balu und Du”. Tina has also worked as a practitioner in “Balu und Du” for the past three years, supervising more than 40 mentoring dyads. Joachim Kruse, is Professor for Clinical Psychology and Trauma Therapy at the Bundeswehr University Munich. His research is mainly in the area of developmental clinical psychology. Lately he focused on the role of emotion regulation in psychotherapy, e.g. the importance of guilt and shame in post-traumatic stress disorder. He is also a licensed clinical psychotherapist and head of the department’s outpatient clinic, organizing the clinical research and psychotherapy training. Jennifer Singleton, is a German Air Force officer and early career psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Bundeswehr University Munich. Her Master’s thesis, which examined whether youth mentoring has a positive influence on single mothers, was rewarded with an outstanding achievement award. Jennifer currently holds a position as research assistant at the Bundeswehr University Munich and focuses on further research into youth mentoring and single parenthood. Benjamin Hiemeyer, is a Clinical and Research psychologist with a Master’s degree in Psychology from the Humboldt University of Berlin. He is currently working on his PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at University of Bern in cooperation with Medical School Berlin and in psychotherapeutic practice. Moreover, he is teaching Clinical, Developmental, and Health Psychology and is also an affirmative supporter of youth mentoring. Timo von Oertzen, is professor for quantitative psychology at the Bundeswehr University Munich. He is co-developer of several SEM software systems, including the graphical tool Onyx and the R-package OpenMx. His academical background is in computer science (dissertation 2003 from the University of the Saarland) and psychology (habilitation from the Humboldt University Berlin in 2013), with main research interests in mathematical methods in psychology and childand youth mentoring.