Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fishing simulation experiments for predicting the effects of purse-seine capture on sardine (Sardina pilchardus)

Marcalo, A. , Marques, T. A. , Araujo, J., Pousao-Ferreira, P., Erzini, K. , and Stratoudakis, Y. 2010. Fishing simulation experiments for predicting the effects of purse-seine capture on sardine (Sardina pilchardus). - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 334-344.To study the impact of purse-seine fishing on deliberately released sardine, two laboratory experiments were performed to explore the effect of net confinement for 10, 20, 40, and 60 min at 18 and 23°C. A third experiment considered two levels of fish density while confined for 20 and 40 min at 16°C. Analysis of cortisol and haematocrit demonstrated that stress immediately after simulated fishing was milder than in commercial fishing and did not correlate with observed delayed mortality. Scale loss was related to the probability of dying (mean values of 16.3 and 2% for dead fish and survivors, respectively), and fin erosion was a long-term stress response observed in both dead and surviving fish. Time of confinement was an important stressor, with survival rates decreasing significantly with increasing periods in the net, and temperature having an additional negative effect. Density effects were less conclusive, but there was some indication that survival correlated with biological condition (heavier fish were more likely to survive). It seems that delayed mortality after release can be substantial, although death is not certain and appropriately modified fishing operations and favourable environmental conditions may enhance the probability of sardine survival.
Growth behaviour of creep cracks in the simulated heat-affected zone of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel

ABSTRACT It is not clear whether the growth behavior of creep cracks is the same in the type IV cracking area as in other areas. We investigated the creep rupture strength by a uniaxial creep test, using specimens simulated the welding thermal cycle at different peak temperatures. The creep rupture strength was high when the austenite transformation didn’t occur during the thermal cycle, with a rupture time exceeding 10,000 h. In this case, the creep cracks propagated along grain boundaries with repeated oxide formation and fracture. By contrast, the strength was low when the austenite transformation occurred during the thermal cycle, with a rupture time shorter than 1000 h. In this case, the creep cracks were formed by the interlinking of voids from prior austenite grain boundaries, then propagated until fracture. Therefore, the peak temperature of the thermal cycle is a crucial determinant of the growth behavior of creep cracks.
Genetic polyethism in leaf-cutting ants

Females mating with multiple males (polyandry) is taxonomically widespread but is hard to explain in many animals in which it has no obvious direct benefits. In some, of which social insects are the best example, it is suggested that females benefit from the increased genetic diversity of their offspring. Social insect colonies express division of labor, and if genotypes behave differently (genetic polyethism), then genetically diverse colonies may be fitter. However, unequivocal evidence of genetic polyethism is only known from honey bees. Here, we show that such a genetic influence on behavior is also present in the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior. In 2 of the 3 colonies examined, we found that the offspring of some fathers (patrilines) were more likely to engage in waste management, whereas other patrilines were more likely to engage in foraging. When we increased the stimulus for waste management, the representation of patrilines in the ants that responded was the same as normally engaged in waste management in 2 colonies but differed in the third colony. The leaf-cutting ant A. echinatior therefore shows genetic polyethism. Although other factors such as disease resistance may have also played a role in the evolution of polyandry, the results suggest that genetic polyethism may be widespread in social insects and potentially of general importance in the evolution of polyandry. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
Promotion by 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid of Germination of Pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis var. communis Tsen et Lee) Seeds Under Salt Stress

: The seed germination and seedling growth of pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis var. communis Tsen et Lee cv. Hanxiao) were not significantly inhibited until the concentration of NaCl was increased to150 mmol/L. Treatment of pakchoi seeds with exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10.00 mg/L, promoted seed germination when seeds were stressed by salinity, whereas levulinic acid (LA), an inhibitor of ALA dehydrase, significantly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth, suggesting that metabolism of ALA into porphyrin compounds was necessary for seed germination and seedling growth. Determination of respiratory rate during seed germination showed that ALA increased seed respiration under both normal conditions and salt stress. Furthermore, salt stress decreased levels of endogenous ALA, as well as heme, in etiolated seedlings. More salt-tolerant cultivars of pakchoi contained higher relative levels of endogenous ALA and heme under conditions of salt stress. These results indicate that salt stress may inhibit the biosynthesis of endogenous ALA and then heme, which is necessary for seed germination, and treatment of seeds with exogenous ALA prior to germination may be associated with the biosynthesis of heme. (Managing editor: Ping HE)
Near real‐time spatial management based on habitat predictions for a longline bycatch species

Southern bluefin tuna (SBT), Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau), is a quota-managed species that makes annual winter migrations to the Tasman Sea off south-eastern Australia. During this period it interacts with a year-round tropical tuna longline fishery (Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, ETBF). ETBF managers seek to minimise the bycatch of SBT by commercial ETBF longline fishers with limited or no SBT quota through spatial restrictions. Access to areas where SBT are believed to be present is restricted to fishers holding SBT quota. A temperature-based SBT habitat model was developed to provide managers with an estimate of tuna distribution upon which to base their decisions about placement of management boundaries. Adult SBT temperature preferences were determined using pop-up satellite archival tags. The near real-time predicted location of SBT was determined by matching temperature preferences to satellite sea surface temperature data and vertical temperature data from an oceanographic model. Regular reports detailing the location of temperature-based SBT habitat were produced during the period of the ETBF fishing season when interactions with SBT occur. The SBT habitat model included: (i) predictions based on the current vertical structure of the ocean; (ii) seasonally adjusted temperature preference data for the 60 calendar days centred on the prediction date; and (iii) development of a temperaturebased SBT habitat climatology that allowed visualisation of the expected change in the distribution of the SBT habitat zones throughout the season. At the conclusion of the fishing season an automated method for placing management boundaries was compared with the subjective approach used by managers. Applying this automated procedure to the habitat predictions enabled an investigation of the effects of setting management boundaries using old data and updating management boundaries infrequently. Direct comparison with the management boundaries allowed an evaluation of the efficiency and biases produced by this aspect of the fishery management process. Near real-time fishery management continues to be a realistic prospect that new scientific approaches using novel tools can support and advance.
Progressive Pathological Changes in Sub-clinical Experimental Para-tuberculosis in Goats

An experiment was carried out to study the development of sequential histological lesions and efficacy of certain diagnostic tests in experimentally induced subclinical paratuberculosis infection in goats. Twelve goats of 8-12 weeks age were infected with 4.23 x 109 Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis on 8 occasions. Eight goats were kept as in-contact controls and 4 as uninfected controls. Diagnostic tests, gross and histopathological studies were carried out at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-infection. Two goats were positive in the AGID test at 12MPI. Three goats, one at 9 MPI and two at 12 MPI were positive in faecal culture. Tissue PCR detected one goat positive each at 9 and 12 MPI. Six (50%) of 12 infected goats had gross and histological lesions. Marked enlargements of the mesenteric lymph nodes were observed in the early stages (3 and 6 months post infection) of infection. Mucosal thickening and corrugation of the jejunal and ileal mucosae, enlargement and oedema of the mesenteric lymph nodes, dilatation of lymphatics and gelatinisation of mesenteric fat were observed in goats euthanised at 9 and 12 MPI. Histological lesions consisting of flat and broad villi with mild infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages in the intestinal villi and crypts were common at 3 MPI and 6 MPI. Focal infiltration of macrophages in Peyer's patches and giant cells were found in the mesenteric lymph nodes at 6 MPI. Broadened villi and increased infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages with Langhan's giant cells were observed in the villi and crypts at 9 MPI and 12 MPI goats. Acid-fast bacilli were detected in 3 goats, one each at 6, 9 and 12 MPI.
Outcomes of arteriovenous fistula surgery at KIMS: A tertiary level hospital

Aim: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access for haemodialysis in patients with chronic renal disease. This study aimed to report the outcomes and common complications of AVF. Methodology: A prospective, study was conducted on 60 patients on haemodialysis in Department of Surgery KIMS Hubballi, from January-December 2016. The failure rates, complications and outcome were assessed in this study. Results: Total of 60 AVF fistulae were created. It was radiocephalic in 50 cases and brachial fistula in 10 cases all of which were constructed in an end-side fashion. AVF maturation was seen in n=49 (81.67%) with majority occurring in the first 6 weeks with a failure rate of 18.33% (n=11) who were excluded from the further follow up. Complications developed in 42.86% (n=21) of patients which were managed appropriately. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider the complications when planning AVF placement and to have a multidisciplinary approach for a better outcome.
The Role of Visual Feedback and Age When Grasping, Transferring and Passing Objects in Virtual Environments

ABSTRACT Visual feedback about one’s own movements can be important for effective performance in natural and computer-generated environments. Previous work suggested that, for young adults, performance in virtual environments was influenced by the presence of a crude representation of the hand in a task-specific fashion. The current study was performed to determine whether this pattern of results holds across the lifespan. Specifically, we were interested in determining whether a representation of the hand is useful for movement performance in children, middle adults, and older adults when they reach to grasp an object, transfer it between their two hands, or receive it from a partner. Surprisingly, visual feedback condition had very little effect on performance in the current experiment, with the exception that participants in all three age groups altered how wide they opened their hand when grasping depending on visual condition. Patterns of reach and grasp performance changed across task depending on age, with older adults displaying different patterns than children and middle-aged adults. These results suggest that feedforward planning and the use of feedback are modulated by both age and task.
Traditional Salads and Soups with Wild Plants as a Source of Antioxidants: A Comparative Chemical Analysis of Five Species Growing in Central Italy

The interest and demand for nutraceuticals are rapidly increasing in many industrialized countries due to the emergence of health risks associated with the increased consumption of processed foods. Several wild Mediterranean plants used as traditional foods are an extraordinary source of nutraceutical substances with antioxidant properties. This study has two main aims: (1) to quantify the antioxidant properties of traditional wild food plants and (2) to determine if their use in soups (i.e., the cooking process) can alter their beneficial properties. We have evaluated the antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH) and the Total Phenolic Content (Folin-Ciocalteu) of five herbaceous plants traditionally consumed in several areas of Central Italy: (A) Reichardia picroides (L.) Roth, (B) Hypochaeris radicata L. , (C) Cichorium intybus L. , (D) Tordylium apulum L. , and (E) Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub. Our analyses show good levels of antioxidant capacity for all plants, with Reichardia picroides and Helminthotheca echioides having the highest levels. There is a high correlation between the antioxidant activity and the Total Phenolic Content especially in Reichardia picroides (R2=0.92) and Hypochaeris radicata (R2=0.93). Boiling the species caused a general decrease in the antioxidant activity and polyphenols. Our study confirms the health benefits of consuming wild plants, especially raw ones in salads. It also supports the use of ethnobotanical information to study and then promote the consumption of wild food plants.
Interpretation and use of geomorphometry in remote sensing: a guide and review of integrated applications

ABSTRACT An understanding of topographic surfaces and a system of geomorphometric variables underlies the effective use of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) in remote sensing. This paper is focussed on the basic concepts and structure of geomorphometric variable types relevant to geophysical and biophysical remote sensing applications. In general, remote sensing analysts must be satisfied that there is a reasonable expectation that geomorphometric processing will benefit the remote sensing project at hand based on physical or mathematical relationships. Careful selection of local, textural, and contextual geomorphometric variables is required. The characteristics of these data can help optimize the analysis approach, which increasingly involves machine learning algorithms and Object-based DEM Analysis (OBDA) methods. Examples from the literature and a DEM of the Peterborough Drumlin Field are used to illustrate the discussion.
Differences in Pre-Flood Season Rainfall in South China between Spring and Summer El Niño Events

ABSTRACT The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) plays an important role in pre-flood season (PFS) precipitation over South China. In this work, the analysis of observational and reanalysis data shows that PFS precipitation is closely related to the onset time of El Niño events. The PFS precipitation tended to be higher (lower) than normal for spring (summer) El Niño events during the 1979–2016 period. Our composite analyses reveal that, for spring El Niño events, the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the central-east equatorial Pacific (CEEP) Ocean provided favourable large-scale circulation for abundant PFS precipitation, where the Hadley cell served as a bridge. In the year following an El Niño event, SST anomalies in the CEEP persist from January to June, while for April-May-June (AMJ) positive SST anomalies are seen offshore near China. These anomalies are associated with the AMJ–enhanced convective instability over South China through a weakened Walker circulation and a zonal teleconnection wavetrain pattern at 700 hPa in the northern hemisphere. Meanwhile, a weakened 200 hPa anticyclonic shear was seen over the Indochina Peninsula. There was a southwestward shift of the 500 hPa western Pacific subtropical high, and anomalous 850 hPa southwesterly wind-enhanced water vapour and warm advection toward South China. Therefore, the circulation-induced moisture environment and dynamical conditions both facilitated enhanced PFS precipitation over South China. For summer El Niño events, the moisture environment and dynamical conditions were unfavourable for producing precipitation, which resulted in below-normal PFS precipitation levels. Categorizing El Niño events by the onset time is very important because it provides useful information for predicting PFS precipitation with lead times of two or three seasons.
Subservient to the upper echelon: how information systems managers practice strategic alignment in the public higher education sector

ABSTRACT This article presents a taxonomy that is grounded in the findings of a Strategy-as-Practice (SaP) study undertaken within the public higher education sector. Two cases, operating under the auspices of Ireland’s Institutes of Technology (IIT), were chosen to explore how the alignment of business and information systems (IS) strategies is practiced by IS managers in the public higher education sector. We applied a methodology within the interpretive paradigm that integrates three research pillars comprising integrative framework for SaP, constructivist grounded theory coding and case research methodology. The taxonomy we develop reveals that the IS manager is a functional manager tasked with reducing costs and gaining efficiencies, while being excluded from direct involvement in the development of IS strategy and prevented from liaising directly with the organization’s principal IS services provider. The IS manager depends largely on being able to successfully lay down some mechanisms and practices in his/her efforts to align business and IS strategies. Our study makes a theoretical, practical and methodological contribution to the strategic alignment body of knowledge.
Correlates of dementia-related anxiety: self-perceived dementia risk and ageism

ABSTRACT As public awareness of and exposure to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) have increased worldwide, the fear of developing ADRD, or dementia-related anxiety (DRA), is expected to increase as well. It was hypothesized that at least part of what makes dementia so anxiety-provoking is the association of ADRD with older adults, an often stigmatized group. To test this hypothesis, two online studies examined how ageist beliefs contribute to DRA; the roles of ADRD-related factors, such as self-perceived risk and personal exposure, were also examined. Study 1 included university students (n = 295, age range: 18 to 58 years, Mage = 21.16, SDage = 4.85) to determine what factors may contribute to young adults’ DRA. Study 2 included adults of all ages (n = 352, age range: 18 to 81 years, Mage = 37.85, SDage = 12.88) to determine whether Study 1 results were replicable among adults of all ages. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used. Results from both studies demonstrated that being female and having higher self-perceived dementia risk and benevolent ageism uniquely explicated higher levels of DRA. Within Study 2, significant relationships for both benevolent and hostile ageism were observed, suggesting that diverse negative attitudes toward older adults are associated with DRA. It is possible that strong ageist attitudes stigmatize older adults as those who are forgetful and this may contribute to DRA, as age is a major risk factor for developing dementia. Study limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Immigration effects on crime in a midwestern, nontraditional destination: a neighborhood-level analysis of Cincinnati, Ohio

Abstract A wide-ranging body of research on the immigration-crime relationship has shown that immigration does not increase community crime levels. However, most prior studies have focused on traditional immigrant destinations or border cities. This study addresses several gaps in this line of research by exploring immigration effects on neighborhood levels of Violent and Property Index crimes for the 2008 to 2014 period in Cincinnati, Ohio – a Midwestern, mid-sized, nontraditional immigrant destination. Overall, our findings are consistent with previous research and indicate that controlling for other factors, the percent foreign-born has largely neutral effects on census tract-level crime rates in Cincinnati. Moreover, our findings show no signs of indirect effects of immigration on crime through neighborhood disadvantage.
Does it have to be easy, useful, or do we need something else? STEM teachers’ attitudes towards mobile device use in teaching

ABSTRACT Studies show that technology can have a positive influence on student achievement and motivation; however, the use of technology for educational purposes is rather modest. Research has shown teachers’ attitudes to be a key aspect of technology use. However, there is no agreement on which attitudes we should focus on. The aim of the present study was to determine which attitudes may be differentiated empirically in a sample of STEM teachers in the context of mobile devices in teaching and to what extent these factors help to predict willingness to use mobile devices. The study was conducted among 377 STEM-subject teachers. The results showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and technology attitude are highly correlated for teachers. It would appear that social aspects (social influence and facilitating conditions) may serve as facilitators for teachers’ attitudes in the model, predicting 52.5% of teachers’ behavioural intention to use mobile devices for teaching.
In silico analysis: structural insights about inter-protofilaments interactions for α-synuclein (50–57) fibrils and its familial mutation

ABSTRACT Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys neurons and the alpha-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils are found at abnormally high concentrations in the brain of the patients. α-Syn fibrils can form distinct polymorphs in seeding activities, contributing differently to synucleinopathies and altering their biological activities. Furthermore, the interaction between the two protofilaments of α-syn fibrils remains unclear at the atomic level despite numerous experimental attempts. Here, we provide insights about interaction mechanism of the interface (residues 50–57) between two protofilaments for wild-type (WT) α-syn and its five familial mutations by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvation. Our structural analyses for this polymorph show that A53E, A53T and G51D familial mutations are likely to form different protofilaments interfaces, whereas H50Q and A53V are the most probable familial mutations. In addition, we observed that A53V tends to form cross-β structure, thus, it may have a toxic effect in this polymorph. Consequently, the structural insights and findings in this study about disease-related familial mutations may guide the studies of future drug design targeting α-syn fibrils.
The incidence of autotomy in an estuarine population of the crab Carcinus maenas

The incidence of autotomy is described for a discrete population of Carcinus maenas in the Yealm Estuary over a period of one year. During this time the crabs showed seasonal trends in distribution whereby during the summer months they congregated at the top of the estuary. This seasonal migration up and down the estuary corresponded with peak rates in the rate of change in temperature of the bottom water. Recruitment occurred in June, July and August. Overall, there were more female than male crabs although the ratio varied throughout the year. All sizes and sexes of crabs autotomized limbs but although autotomy increased with the size of the crabs it showed no obvious relationship with other population parameters. Significantly more chelipeds than walking limbs were lost. There were more multiple autotomies than would be expected if autotomy was a random event. Autotomy is shown to be a rare event for sexually mature Carcinus but essential to the survival of immature crabs. The means by which crabs may regulate the incidence of autotomy is discussed.