Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenology of Sirodotia suecica (Batrachospermaceae, Rhodophyta) in a high‐altitude stream in central Mexico

The morphology and phenology of a monoecious population of Sirodotia suecica Kylin was evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican fifth‐order high‐altitude stream. Abundance of gametophytes is positively correlated with concentrations of total dissolved solids, specific conductivity and total ionic concentration; being present the whole dry season and disappearing in the rainy season. The gametophytes grew in eutrophic circumstances and particular microhabitat conditions: high current velocity (66–122 cm s−1), low irradiance (75–263 µmol photons m−2 s−1) and shallow depth (7–26 cm). Percent cover of gametophytes ranged from 5–90% and significant differences in abundance were not observed when alga was present. Some morphological and reproductive characteristics seem to be adaptations to high current velocity: abundant secondary branches, spermatangia and carpogonia. ‘Chantransia’ stage, microscopic creeping filaments associated with the base of the gametophyte, were not observed in natural conditions. In terms of reproductive success, the population studied can be regarded as highly efficient, considering the high fertilized carpogonia rate, similar to monoecious populations in lotic habitats. However S. suecica was not common in the study region because it was restricted to particular microhabitat conditions.
Chemical control of invasive Psidium guajava in Swaziland: A preliminary assessment of costs and efficacy

Psidium guajava (guava) is recognised as the third most important inva­sive alien plant species in the moist savanna biome of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. The cost of initial clearing of alien plants reaches up to R3 000-00 per ha, therefore the application of correct control methods is essential for cost-effective reduction of the spread. The aim of this study was to test the cost effectiveness of applying various herbicides to guava in the Swaziland Sour Bushveld. Four plots were selected for standing plant treatments, five for cut stump treatments and two for controls. Within each of these plots, five sub-plots were randomly located and the number of plant stems, base diameter, maximum height, and crown diameter was recorded before application of the herbicides. Picloram, fluroxypyr, bromacil, tebuthiuron and imazapyr were used either alone or in combinations. Eleven months after herbicide application, the treated plants were measured again. Bromacil/tebuthiuron liquid soil application gave the best results in terms of cost (0.09 c/stem) for standing plant treatments. The picloram/fluroxypyr cut stump treatment (4.5% concentration) cost the least to apply (0.05 c/stem), and no resprouting was observed. Results from this study can be used as baseline figures for managers planning to control guava. Key words: Alien plant control, herbicides, picloram, fluroxypyr, bromacil, tebuthiuron, imzapyr.
Welfare Stereotypes and Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes: Evidence from Brazil’s Bolsa Família

Some observers claim that conditional cash transfer programmes limit the stigma of taking welfare and thereby promote social inclusion for beneficiaries. This article uses data from the 2014 AmericasBarometer to test these claims in relation to Brazil’s Bolsa Família programme (BFP). The results show that, despite the programme’s innovative design, beneficiaries encounter the stigmatisation and negative self-stereotypes that characterise more traditional anti-poverty programmes. Many Brazilians, recipient and non-recipient alike, endorse explicitly negative stereotypes of Bolsa Família assistance recipients. Moreover, the level to which respondents endorse these stereotypes strongly predicts their level of support for the BFP. These results highlight the pervasive nature of negative stereotypes towards the poor, even in the context of the developing world, and are consistent with the predictions of social psychological theories of system justification.
The Effects of Strategic News on Political Cynicism, Issue Evaluations, and Policy Support: A Two-Wave Experiment

This study investigated the effects of strategic television news coverage of a routine political issue in a nonelectoral context on political cynicism, issue evaluation, and policy support. An experimentally manipulated television news story about the enlargement of the European Union was produced in a strategy version and an issue-framed version, which were embedded in an experimental bulletin of a national news program. Results showed that exposure to strategic news fuelled political cynicism and activated negative associations with the enlargement issue. Politically knowledgeable participants displayed higher levels of cynicism and were more negative in their evaluation. Strategic news did not suppress policy support. A 2-wave experimental design with a second posttest was employed to test the longevity of effects. The effects of exposure to strategic news on political cynicism muted between the immediate and delayed posttest. These findings suggest that effects may not persist unless participants are exposed to additional news framed in a similar way.
Description of two new genera and species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern South America

Two new genera of Eriococcidae, Intecticoccus Kondo and Orafortis Hardy, each with a new species (I. viridis Kondo and O. luma Hardy), are described and illustrated based on the adult females. I. viridis was collected on Nothofagus antarctica (Nothofagaceae) in Argentina and Chile, and O. luma was collected in Chile on Amomyrtus luma (Myrtaceae). Based on a phylogenetic analysis of SSU rDNA (18S) sequence data, I. viridis and O. luma are placed within the Gondwanan group of eriococcids (sensu Cook & Gullan 2004), which also includes other Nothofagus-feeding genera such as Chilechiton Hodgson & Miller, Chilecoccus Miller & Gonzalez and Madarococcus Hoy. Major genera within the Gondwanan group that feed on other plant groups include Lachnodius Maskell, Opisthoscelis Schrader and some species currently assigned to Eriococcus Targioni Tozzetti. We consider that I. viridis and O. luma are each sufficiently distinct from other named taxa to warrant erection of two new genera. DNA data do not support a relationship of Chilechiton with the New Zealand genus Eriochiton Maskell. A revised taxonomic key to the adult females of Eriococcidae known from Chile is provided.
The Hidden Paths of Category Research: Climbing new heights and slippery slopes

Category research has flourished over the last decade. While this body of work has prioritized the behavioral and economic consequences of stable classification systems, the papers in this special issue challenge this orientation by highlighting the importance of category dynamics for improving our understanding of markets and fields. We show how these papers support the emergence of category maintenance, the recategorization of mature categories, and the consolidation of new categories as understudied phenomena and as the next research challenges to pursue. After connecting the main findings of the papers in this special issue into a unified process model, we discuss various alternative pathways to further explore those challenges. We also point to how this theoretical endeavor runs on slippery slopes and might lead to cul-de-sacs such as terminological balkanization. We conclude by highlighting the need for developing a more comprehensive understanding of category dynamics.
Viral evasion of interferon stimulated genes

Viruses and their hosts since the dawn of time have been battling for supremacy. In recent years, the ‘Interferon Gateway’ encompassing interferon-alpha and -beta (IFN-a/b) expression, signalling and antiviral responses, has been uncovered. IFN-a/b are cytokines that coordinate the innate and adaptive immune responses to eliminate virus infections from the host. Interferon Stimulated Gene (ISG) products, such as protein kinase R, can prevent the translation of viral and cellular mRNAs to limit viral replication and can also initiate apoptosis if the cell is overwhelmed. In order to replicate, viruses have evolved viral evasion proteins that are able to target all aspects of the host response through a variety of sophisticated mechanisms. Viral evasion proteins can encode cellular domains to interact directly with ISGs and neutralize their function, hijack cellular pathways or degrade antiviral components. The high mutation rates associated with viral replication ensure that viruses will continue to adapt to our defences, but equally the viral evasion proteins are novel drug targets for eliminating or managing virus infections.
Carcinogenic properties of proteins with pro-inflammatory activity from Streptococcus bovis

Abstract Several studies reported linkage between bacterial infections and carcinogenesis. S. bovis , was traditionally considered as a lower grade pathogen frequently involved in bacteremia and endocarditis. This bacteria became important in human health since it was shown that 25% to 80% of patients who presented a S. bovis bacteremia had also a colorectal tumour. Moreover, in previous experiments, we demonstrated that S. bovis or S. bovis wall extracted antigens (WEA) were able to promote carcinogenesis in rats. The aim of the present study was (i) to identify the S. bovis proteins responsible for in vitro proinflammatory properties, (ii) to purify them, (iii) to examine their ability to stimulate in vitro IL-8 and COX-2 expression by human colon cancer cells and (iv) to assess in vivo their pro-carcinogenic potential in a rat model of colon carcinogenesis. The purified S300 fraction, as determined by proteomic analysis, contained72 protein spots in 2D gel electrophoresis representing 12 different proteins able to trigger human epithelial colonic Caco-2 cells and rat colonic mucosa to release CXC chemokines (human IL-8 or rat CINC/GRO) and PGE
Identification and assess anthropogenic impacts on species richness of coral reef fishes in Larak Island, Persian Gulf

Coral reefs are amongst the most important and rich ecosystems in the world and are provide habitat for a diverse range of species groups of fishes and invertebrates. LarakIslandis one of fourteen islands found in the Persian Gulfwhich was selected for this study. The reef fish distribution around this island was identified and then for sampling, 6 stations were randomly selected by Manta Tow method. The identification was conducted using Visual Census technique in 6 stations. A total of 53 species belong to 41 genera and 23 families were identified and amongst them the abundant species group belonged to Pomacentridae family with 11 species. The results indicated that farer the stations were from urban area; the higher species richness was.
Food intake, eating rate, weight gains, metabolic rate and efficiency of feed utilization in Bos taurus and Bos indicus crossbred cattle

Food intake, eating rate, weight change and fasting metabolic rate were measured on 12 animals of each of the following breed-types: Hereford × Shorthorn (HS), Brahman × HS (BX) and Africander × HS (AX). Measurements were made on ad libitum and fixed levels of lucerne and ad libitum and fixed levels of low-quality tropical pasture hay (approx. 1·2% N) during feeding periods of about 100 days' duration. The BX and AX were heavier and either gained more weight or lost less weight than the HS on all diets. At feeding levels close to maintenance, which included the ad libitum pasture hay diet, adjustment for differences in either live weight or intake did not alter the unadjusted ranking of the breeds. On ad libitum lucerne, however, adjustment for either weight or intake showed higher gain in the HS than in the BX. The voluntary food intake per kg live weight was consistently and significantly highest for the HS and lowest for the BX. Rates of eating were not significantly different for the different breed-types but they were higher for high-quality lucerne and for the lower level of feeding. Fasting metabolic rate per kg live weight was highest for the HS and lowest for the BX; the difference between the breeds varied with the previous dietary treatment. The ratio of voluntary food intake to fasting metabolism was practically constant between breeds and animals within breeds, though different between diets. Correlations for animals within breeds and years between the various parameters within diets and between diets are presented.
The skull and neck of the basal theropod Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis

ABSTRACT We describe the skull and neck of Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis from specimens discovered recently in the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of northwestern Argentina. The skull has a rectangular profile and a transversely narrow snout. Marked supratemporal depressions for jaw adductor musculature on the skull roof and a well-developed, sliding intra-mandibular joint suggest that Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis was an active predator. The neck is relatively slender with prominent epipophyses on all of the cervical vertebrae. Diagnostic features of the species include the semicircular shape of the antorbital fossa and the long, slender posterodorsal process of the dentary. Other features of the skull, such as the loss of the postfrontal and small post-temporal opening, constitute dinosaurian synapomorphies. These synapomorphies, however, remain equivocal at the level of Dinosauria because they cannot be evaluated in immediate dinosaurian outgroups for which cranial information is lacking. Co.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Low DS Cassava Starch Acetates and Citrates

Physicochemical and functional properties of low degree of substitution (DS) cassava starch citrates and acetates were compared with properties of native cassava starch. Substituted starches have lower ash content and pH, but the solubility in water at room temperature was not significantly different from that of the native starch. Swelling power of the substituted starches was dependent on the extent of substitution. Apparent viscosities were generally lower in starch acetates and citrates than the native starch. The substituted starches had better cooking properties in terms of lower setback viscosity, reduced gelatinization time and better stability at low pHs. Substituted starches also have better colour, improved freeze-thaw stability and better storage characteristics at room temperature compared to native starch.
Long-Term Shifts in Autumn Migration by Songbirds at a Coastal Eastern North American Stopover Site

Abstract We investigated long-term trends in mean autumn capture dates of 19 species of migratory passerines including 11 long-distance migrants and eight short-distance migrants. Birds were captured between 1960 and 2007 at a banding station in southern Rhode Island. We detected annual trends in the highest ranked models with mean capture dates of seven species significantly delayed by an average of 3.0 days per decade; 38% of long-distance migrants and 50% of short-distance migrants studied significantly delayed migration. We found no evidence of long-term shifts in autumn migration timing for seven species and mean capture dates of five species exhibited non-linear annual trends. Mean autumn temperature was an important factor in explaining annual trends for eight species. Changes in annual capture rates for some species may have an equal or greater role than year or temperature in explaining long-term trends in autumn migration timing. Our analysis suggests that some migratory bird species are now departing the region later than in the 1960s. Important differences among species and regions are likely to influence species-specific responses to changes in climate patterns.
DEVELOPMENT OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE (CA) SYSTEMS IN MALAWI: LESSONS LEARNED FROM 2005 TO 2014

SUMMARY Conservation agriculture (CA) was introduced to farmers in Malawi to address soil degradation, declining crop productivity and the need to adapt to climate variability and change. This research from 2005 to 2014 aimed at analysing the effects of CA on longer-term productivity and profitability compared with conventional systems as practiced in two communities of Central Malawi. CA treatments outyielded conventional ridge tilled control plots in Mwansambo and Zidyana on average by between 22 and 31%, respectively. An economic analysis from 2011 to 2014 found that, on average, income was 50 and 83% greater in CA systems than in conventional systems. The crops were produced with 28 -39 less labour days ha−1 compared with the conventional practice, leading to greater net benefits. Despite the higher returns with CA, there are still challenges with residue retention, weed control, adequate rotations, management of pests and diseases as well as other socio-economic constraints. At the same time, there are opportunities to address these challenges through site-specific and adaptive research using innovation systems approaches.
Influence of weaning on carcass quality, fatty acid composition and meat quality in intensive lamb production systems

This study investigated the effects of weaning and sex on various aspects of production and quality characteristics in 22 male and 18 female lambs of the Rasa Aragonesa local meat breed. Half the lambs were weaned (W) at 38 to 40 days and half were left unwearied (UW). Both groups were given ad libitum concentrates and cereal straw. Average farm weight was 22·1 kg at 78·3 days. Live-weight gain was significantly different between sexes but not between W and UW lambs. Dressing proportion was higher in UW lambs. Significant differences in fatness were found between W and UW lambs and between sex of lambs. Among the meat quality traits, W lambs had redder and UW lambs paler meat judged by colour a* and haem pigment concentration. No statistical differences were found in the other traits except flavour intensity, which was higher in UW (66·8) than in W (63·6) lambs on a 1 to 100 scale. All other eating quality aspects, in grilled m. longissimus lumborum slices, tended to be higher in UW lambs. The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat depots differed significantly (intramuscular fat was more unsaturated and polyunsaturated). There were also differences between W and UW lambs in subcutaneous fat (higher unsaturated in W lambs). However in intramuscular fat composition only differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids (higher in UW lambs), but not in total unsaturated or saturated, were observed. Tatty acids of less than C16 chain length were higher, in both fat depots, in UW lambs than in W lambs reflecting greater incorporation of milk fatty acids. Palatability characteristics were not closely associated with fatty acid composition except that flavour intensity was correlated with total saturated fatty acids.
The 3D CFD Study of Gliding Swimmer on Passive Hydrodynamics Drag

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of depth on the hydrodynamic drag coefficient during the passive underwater gliding after the starts and turns. The swimmer hydrodynamics performance was studied by the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The steady-state CFD simulations were performed by the application of k - omega turbulent model and volume of fluid method to obtain two-phase flow around a three-dimensional swimmer model when gliding near water surface and at different depths from the water surface. The simulations were conducted for four different swimming pool size, each with different depth, i.e., 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 m for three different velocities, i.e., 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 m/s, with swimmer gliding at different depths with intervals of 0.25 m, each starting from the water surface, respectively. The numerical results of pressure drag and total coefficients at individual average race velocities were obtained. The results showed that the drag coefficient decreased as depth increased, with a trend toward reduced fluctuation after 0.5m depth from the water surface. The selection of the appropriate depth during the gliding phase should be a main concern of swimmers and coaches.
Production and characterization of amylase produced by Bacillus megaterium isolated from a local yam peel dumpsite in Minna, Niger State

Ten grams (10 g) of soil obtained from a local yam peel dumpsite in Minna, Niger State was analyzed. The bacterial isolates identified were Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacillus megaterium was used in the present study for the production of amylase enzyme as it recorded the largest zone of activity. Amylase activity was determined using DNS method. Highest yield of amylase by B. megaterium was obtained after 48 h of incubation. The optimum temperature for the activity of amylase produced was obtained at 60°C with a concentration of 0.55 mg/ml. Optimum pH was obtained at pH 7.0 with a concentration of 0.67 mg/ml. The results showed that B. megaterium is a good producer of extracellular amylase at high temperatures which could be an indication that amylase produced would be thermostable.
An Experiential Approach With Quantitative Methods: a Research Paradigm

A research paradigm for the study of human experience is presented which is comprised of two stages. The first, an experiential approach, begins with a mode of phenomenological analysis in which investigators question and passively attend to their experiences of a particular phenomenon of experi- ence such as anger or anxiety. They describe these experiences in the context of placing themselves in situations or reliving past situations. The experiences are then described in terms of how they experience the phenomenon rather than in terms of the target of their attention or the stimulus conditions. From analysis of these descriptions, it is possible to formulate definitional hypotheses, that is, statements about the necessary and sufficient experiential elements for the occurrence of a given phenomenon. It also is possible to formulate functional hypotheses, statements about the relationships between these experiential elements. Both definitional and functional hypotheses can then be tested in experiments using subjects that are unfamiliar with these hypotheses. Such experiments constitute the quantitative methods stage of this research paradigm. Definitional hypotheses can be tested with questionnaires and functional hypotheses can be tested using ratio scaling techniques similar to those employed by psychophysicists. Since the variables of functional hypotheses remain within the domain of the experiencing person, it may be possible to discover laws of experience. Finally, confirmation of experiential hypotheses through direct experiential involvement in the approach phase and testing their reliability and generalizability in the methods phase represent two stages of verification that are epistemologically complementary.