Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing downregulation from other non-photochemical quenching of an Antarctic benthic macroalga using in situ fluorometry

The quantum yield of chlorophyll a fluorescence of an Antarctic macroalga, Iridaea cordata, was measured in situ using logging fluorometers with an automated dark-acclimation capability throughout several diel periods. Application of far-red light and dark acclimation enabled the automated determination of photochemical quenching and non-photochemical quenching parameters that have until recently been restricted to manual measurement in terrestrial and shallow water environments. Our results show that non-photochemical quenching processes in Iridaea thalli that have been exposed to moderately high irradiances during the day, take all night to relax. We also show that, for algae exposed to relatively high light during the day, around 30–40% of total excitation flux is allocated to basal intrinsic non-radiative decay processes, with the remainder allocated to downregulation or photochemistry. The ability to evaluate the allocation of energy to these fundamentally different non-photochemical quenching processes has direct applications in assessing algal responses to both natural and anthropogenic stress. With this technology we open the door to a far more detailed examination of the regulation and kinetics of in situ photosynthesis and associated non-photochemical processes.
To fairly tell: social mobility, life histories, and the anthropologist

This article focuses on social agents’ own understandings of socio‐economic mobility and social achievement, exploring the possibilities offered by the tool of family life history in the context of formerly Untouchable communities in western India, Maharashtra. While arguing in favour of family life histories as both resource and method in the Indian context, I reconsider the positivist functionalist stance dominant in studies of social mobility until the last decade. This stance raises issues of strategy and contingency, which are discussed in the particular setting of the mechanics industry in Kolhapur. Furthermore, exploring the relationship between determinism and contingency in life‐paths raises important questions about how people construct their life stories in retrospect. Focusing on the case study of one family known over many years allows me to unravel the complex and subjective positionings at play in narrative research as it is mutually constituted by the story teller(s) and the anthropologist.
Evaluación química y organoléptica del ensilaje de maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.) más yuca fresca (Manihot esculenta)

Objective. To evaluate the chemical composition and the organoleptic traits of maralfalfa silage (Pennisetum sp.), containing different proportions of fresh cassava (Manihot esculenta). Materials and methods. Four treatment (T) groups of maralfalfa silage containing different percentage of fresh cassava were compared: 0% (Treatment 1, Control), Treatment 5% (Treatment 2), 10% (Treatment 3), and 15% (Treatment 4). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, fraction of dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), ash, and crude protein (CP) were analyzed by an analysis of variance and orthogonal polynomials. In addition, consumption and organoleptic traits were also analyzed using descriptive statistics, in 20 heifers, that received 30 kg of silage per treatment. Results. Nutritional variables showed different types of polynomial trends. DM and EE were linear trends, lignin was quadratic, and CP, ash, NDF, ADF, and pH were cubic trends. Organoleptic traits for T3 and T4 were excellent. The average consumption for T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 4.66, 4.42, 4.58, and 4.74 kg, respectively. Conclusions. The inclusion of fresh cassava root contributed positively in the nutritional quality of maralfalfa silage and organoleptic traits.
Homing Strategy of the Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus (Mammalia: Rodentia): Validation of the Critical Distance Model

Fifteen eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus, were displaced and released 500 m away from their nest sites, and their eventual behavior was monitored by means of radio-assisted surveillance As a rule (allowing for some interindividual variability), the chipmunks left the release site area along a relatively straight course, made a U-turn at a median 60 m from the release site, returned closer to the latter and initiated a pattern of systematic search based on relatively straight forays from and back to the release site area. This overall strategy is consisten with the critical distance model of homing, which was originally proposed on the basis of the homing behavior of another sciurid, the red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus.
A Comparative Analysis of Practicum in English Language Teacher Education: Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan Cases

Abstract This study aims to compare Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan with respect to their practicum in English language teacher education programs and making suggestions about their practice. The data is collected using a questionnaire. The data is evaluated through content analysis and a qualitative research method. The findings show that the four countries share commonalities in terms of factors such as the contents of reports created in the course of education, passing requirements and performance evaluation while there are some differences in the semester and duration of practicums and in some of the responsibilities and tasks of the teacher trainees. The most frequently encountered problems cited by the practicum supervisors vary with the country. It is believed that the parties in the present study can benefit from the comparison of practices and their results and from mutually shared experiences.
Mechanisms of Soluble β-Amyloid Impairment of Endothelial Function*

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recently associated with vascular risk factors. β-amyloid peptides (AβP), the main component of senile plaques typical of AD, circulate in soluble globular form in bloodstream. Interestingly, AβP is able to induce endothelial dysfunction, and this effect may represent the link between vascular and neuronal pathophysiological factors involved in AD. We aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying globular AβP-induced vascular toxicity. Using several methodological approaches, we have observed that in vascular tissues globular AβP is unable to induce oxidative stress, one of the mechanisms hypothesized involved in β-amyloid toxicity. More important, we have demonstrated that globular AβP is able to localize on vascular endothelium, where it inhibits eNOS enzymatic activity. In particular, AβP enhances eNOS phosphorylation on threonine 495 and serine 116 and reduces acetylcholine-induced phosphorylation on serine 1177. Such an effect depends on a PKC signaling pathway, as suggested by its phosphorylation on serine 660. In fact, selective inhibition of the calcium-dependent group of PKC is able to rescue β-amyloid-induced alteration of eNOS phosphorylation, NO production, and endothelial vasorelaxation. The activation of these Ca2+-dependent pathways is probably due to the ability of AβP to evoke Ca2+ leakage from inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors on endoplasmic reticulum. Our data demonstrate that globular AβP-induced endothelial NO dysfunction can be attributed to an alteration of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, which could lead to the activation of calcium-dependent group of PKC with a consequent change of the eNOS phosphorylation pattern. These mechanisms could contribute to shed further light on the toxic effect of β-amyloid in vascular tissues.
Yield and Forage Quality of Different ×Festulolium Cultivars in Winter

xFestulolium ssp. are of particular interest as autumn-saved herbage in the winter grazing system, but information concerning their performance in this low-input system is not available. To this end, we examined dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality in winter of four different cultivars of xFestulolium ssp. (xFestulolium pabulare, Festulolium braunii), either with festucoid or loloid attributes, compared with Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Furthermore, pre-utilization (accumulation since June or July) and date of winter harvest (December or January) were varied examining the influence of different sward management. DM yield, crude protein, metabolizable energy (ME) (in vitro rumen fermentation technique), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and ergosterol concentration were determined. Within all years, the festucoid cultivars (mean 3.4 t ha -1 ) attained significant higher yields during winter than the loloid cultivars (mean 1.6 t ha -1 ), but their yields were comparable with F. arundinacea (mean 3.0 t ha -1 ). Crude protein was decisively influenced by the different yield levels of the cultivars resulting in higher values for the loloid cultivars. Energy concentrations decreased with later winter harvest, whereas ADF as well as ergosterol concentrations frequently increased from December to January. The greatest differences between festucoid and loloid cultivars were generally observed during severe winters. Obviously, the festucoid cultivars were better adapted to a utilization as autumn-saved herbage than the cultivars with rather loloid attributes. However, the hybrids did not surpass F. arundinacea regarding yield and quality.
Concentração de nitrogênio uréico plasmático (NUP) e produção de leite de vacas mestiças mantidas em gramíneas tropicais sob pastejo rotacionado

The experiment was performed to evaluate plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) level of crossbred cows under two rotational grazing areas, one of elephantgrass cv. Guacu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Guacu) and other one of Tanzaniagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania). Forage production, stem, leaf and dead material were also evaluated, on dry matter basis (DM), as well as the crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the forage samples. Blood was collected four times, using 16 cows for grass species. The average of pre grazing forage mass was 5321 and 5384 kg of DM/ha by grazing cycles for elephantgrass and Tanzaniagrass. The forage disappeared after grazing, as leaf, stem and dead material was 1400, 620 and 443 kg of DM/ha for elephantgrass and 1586, 736 and 132 kg of DM/ha for Tanzaniagrass, by grazing cycle. The averages of CP and NDF in the forage samples during four grazing cycles in the stem, leaf, dead material and residue were 8.4, 78.5, 6.9, 77.1, 12.5, 76.3, 5.3, 82.6, 6.5, 80.2, respectively, for elephantgrass and 9.3, 81.6, 7.4, 82.4, 14.3, 80.4, 6.3, 82.9, 7.6, 81.6, respectively, for Tanzaniagrass. Significant difference was observed for PUN levels of cows fed different grass species and for time of sampling of the blood. The averages of PUN were 9.8 mg/dL for the cows grazing elephantgrass and 10.6 mg/dL for the cows grazing Tanzaniagrass. The low levels of PUN reflect low level of crude protein ingestion, for cows grazing tropical pastures.
Investigating the Extent to Which Mentor Selection in Zimbabwe’s 2-5-2 Teaching Practice Enhances Continuous Improvement of Student Teachers’ Teaching Skills and Competences

Abstract The study sought to establish the experiences and perceptions of mentors and student teachers on the extent to which mentor selection enhanced continuous improvement in Zimbabwe’s 2-5-2 teaching practice. The mixed methods design was used to collect data in two phases. The first phase used questionnaires to collect quantitative data while the second phase collected qualitative data through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The research findings revealed that mentor selection was the responsibility of the school head and that most student teachers were mentored by qualified and experienced classroom practitioners with high teaching experience and expertise, although in some isolated instances student teachers were either being mentored by junior teachers and temporary teachers or were on their own without mentors. The study recommended that teacher education institutions should support school heads through workshops on mentor selection and ensure that qualified experienced mentors are selected to mentor students.
Spacing and calling in Pacific tree frogs, Hyla regilla

Calling male Pacific tree frogs space out more than if they were distributed at random on the available calling sites. When new frogs are added to an area that is already occupied by some calling males, fewer additional frogs call than in a control situation where frogs are added to an empty area. This shows that behavioral interactions between frogs limit the number that call in a local area. A further experiment showed that the mating call played through loudspeakers is sufficient to inhibit additional frogs from calling. We conclude that calling leads to spacing out, which in turn limits the density of calling frogs in a local area.
The effect of chronic and acute low pH on the intracellular DMSP production and epithelial cell morphology of red coralline algae

Abstract The release of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) by marine algae has major impacts on the global sulphur cycle and may influence local climate through the formation of dimethylsulphide (DMS). However, the effect of global change on DMSP/DMS (DMS(P)) production by algae is not well understood. This study examined the effect of low pH on DMS(P) production and epithelial cell morphology of the free-living red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale. Three pH treatments were used in the 80-day experiment: (1) current pH level (8.18, control), (2) low, chronic pH representing a 2100 ocean acidification (OA) scenario (7.70) and (3) low, acute pH (7.75, with a 3-day spike to 6.47), representing acute variable conditions that might be associated with leaks from carbon capture and storage infrastructure, at CO2 vent sites or in areas of upwelling. DMS(P) production was not significantly enhanced under low, stable pH conditions, indicating that red coralline algae may have some resilience to OA. However, intracellular and water column DMS(P) concentrations were significantly higher than the control when pH was acutely spiked. Cracks were observed between the cell walls of the algal skeleton in both low pH treatments. It is proposed that this structural change may cause membrane damage that allows DMS(P) to leak from the cells into the water column, with subsequent implications for the cycling of DMS(P) in coralline algae habitats.
Hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic effects in mice of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger

Two different components were separated from Aloe arborescens var. natalensis Berger (Kidachi aloe in Japanese), which exhibit hypoglycaemic activity in spontaneously diabetic mice and normal mice. One component was separated from the succulent layer of the Aloe leaf (leaf pulp). This component, when administered to mice intraperitoneally or orally, decreased the blood glucose level, and maintained the lower level for about 24 h. On the other hand, administration of the superficial layer of the Aloe leaf (leaf skin) to streptozotocin (pancreatic islets beta‐cells toxin) –‐ induced diabetic mice, significantly depressed hyperglycaemia and examination of the tissue section under the light microscope revealed less denaturation and necrosis of islets beta‐cells. These results indicate that Kidachi aloe relieves the diabetic condition by direct hypoglyceration (blood glucose lowering activity) and activates beta‐cells.
Annual carbon mineralization and belowground production of Spartina alterniflora in a New England salt marsh

The annual rates and depth distribution of organic carbon mineralization to CO₂ were determined in sediments supporting stands of short Spartina alterniflora. Carbon dioxide production was estimated by two independent techniques. We constructed a CO₂ budget based on measurements of CO₂ emission from the sediment to the atmosphere, export of dissolved inorganic carbon in porewater exchange, and changes in the porewater pool of dissolved inorganic carbon throughout the year. We also measured CO₂ production in salt marsh sediments by monitoring changes in total inorganic carbon in cores. The estimates obtained by the two methods were similar, giving a total annual CO₂ production of between 67 and 70 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹. We also measured the losses of organic matter as methane (O.1—0.3 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹) and dissolved organic carbon (0—3 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹) and burial (7.4 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹) in order to construct a carbon budget for the sediments. These data, when combined with the estimates of carbon mineralization, gave an estimate for the organic carbon loading to the sediments of 68—78 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹. About 95% of the annual carbon input either decomposes to CO₂ in situ or is buried, and <5% is exported from the sediment. We estimated that belowground C production in short S. alterniflora in this Massachusetts marsh is 58—75 mol°m— ²°yr— ¹.
Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants among the Malay Villagers in Kampung Mak Kemas, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants in a Malay village in Malaysia. It was carried out through face to face interviews with respondents and collection and identification of medicinal plants in the village. A total of 56 species of medicinal plants were recorded during a series of folk botanical surveys at a village at Terengganu, Malaysia. A majority of these species are herbaceous angiosperms, followed by trees and shrubs. The most common part of plant used in preparing herbal medicine is the leaves. More plants are used for general health, to treat dermatological complaints, reproductive system, abdominal problems and fever compared to other ailments. The most common method of preparation is poultice, followed by decoction and infusion. Thus, more medicinal plants are used topically than orally.
Primulina guizhongensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

A new species of Primulina is described and illustrated from southern China (Guangxi zhuang Autonomous Region) as P. guizhongensis . This new species is similar to P. spadiciformis based on morphological characters. Sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the plastid trn L-F intronspacer ( trn L-F) from the new species and its 22 relatives are used to resolve generic placement of the new species in Primulina . In spite of three species are vastly different in morphology, the molecular evidences showed that the closest relatives of P. guizhongensis are P. mollifolia and P. luochengensis . The conservation threat analysis is summarized according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Succession of Mycorrhizal Associations on Individual Roots of Radiata Pine

SUMMARY Dual and treble mycorrhizal associations on the short roots of Pinus radiata D.Don are described. A survey of mycorrhizas in the top 6 in. of soil in a 42-year-old stand of Pinus radiata showed that in 42.5 cu in. samples there were from 4,600 to 10,000 large fragments of mycorrhizas of all types. Clearly discernible dual associations comprised from 1 to 4 per cent of the fragments in the samples. The smooth-black, bristly-black, and white-rhizomorphic types of mycorrhizas frequently had replaced the reddish-grey, smooth-white, and reddish-brown types. Intimate mixtures of fungal types on and in the mycorrhiza mantle were demonstrated with light and electron microscopic techniques. Histological studies of the dual associations showed that the second fungus apparently had superseded the first when root growth was resumed after a dormant period. It is suggested that replacement of one mycorrhiza type by another occurs only after continuity of the Hartig net in the cortex is broken by a zone of dead .
Perspectives on genome mapping and marker-assisted breeding of eucalypts

In Eucalyptus and forest tree breeding in general, the generalised application of molecular markers for directional selection is still an unfulfilled promise. In highly heterogeneous eucalypts, while conventional quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping has revealed useful markers that are currently exploited in within-family selection tactics, only a more direct linkage disequilibrium mapping approach will likely uncover population-wide applicable marker–trait associations. Due to the very low-range linkage disequilibrium seen in Eucalyptus, a whole-genome association approach does not seem immediately feasible. Association studies based on candidate genes have been started in Eucalyptus, but only small proportions of the variation have been accounted for by such genes to be exciting news to breeders. Selection of candidate genes for direct manipulation or association studies based on their presumed biochemical role is not an easy task even for well-defined phenotypes and/or known metabolic pathways. Going from phenotypes to genes by a forward genomics approach based on an integrative expression–QTL mapping route, should prove to be a powerful way to choose target genes for marker-assisted selection. In this context at least two possibilities have recently emerged. The first one is to use high-performance genotyping technologies that would allow sufficient throughput and low cost for association genetic analysis of thousands of genes at a time. The second one would be to have access to a whole genome sequence so that candidate genes in a fine mapping interval delimited by flanking markers could be mined, reannotated and then analysed in association mapping. A fully public draft of the E. grandis genome will be sequenced by the US Department of Energy within the next few years following a proposal submitted by the International Eucalyptus Genome Network (EUCAGEN). As this genome project advances and more powerful tools become accessible, the true challenge for understanding and manipulating the complex nature of important traits in Eucalyptus will depend to a large extent on our ability to accurately phenotype trees, analyse the overwhelming amount of genomic data and translate this into truly useful molecular tools for breeding.
ESG Investing in Corporate Bonds: Mind the Gap

This research is the companion study of three previous research projects conducted at Amundi that address the issue of socially responsible investing (SRI) in the stock market (Berg et al., 2014; Bennani et al., 2018a; Drei et al., 2019). The underlying idea of this new study is to explore the impact of ESG investing on asset pricing in the corporate bond market. For that, we apply the methodologies that have been used by Bennani et al. (2018a) for testing ESG screening in active and passive management. n particular, we consider the sorted portfolio approach of Fama and French (1992), and the index optimization method that consists in minimizing the tracking risk with respect to the benchmark while controlling for the ESG excess score. Moreover, we test how ESG has impacted the cost of corporate debt. Three investment universes are analyzed: euro-denominated investment grade bonds, dollar-denominated investment grade bonds, and high-yield bonds. Results differ from one universe to another. In particular, we observe that ESG has had a more positive impact on EUR IG bonds in recent years than on the USD IG and HY investment universes. Nevertheless, we observe a common trend that ESG is increasingly integrated into the pricing of corporate bonds and is a concern when building an investment portfolio. Moreover, we also show that ESG does not only affect the demand side, but is also a significant factor when it comes to understanding the supply side.