Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bird strike incidents involving Kenya Airways flights at three Kenyan airports, 1991–2001

Bird strike data involving Kenya Airways aircraft at three Kenya's international airports located at Mombasa (Moi International Airport), Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and Kisumu (Kisumu International Airport) have been regularly gathered by Kenya Airways during the period 1991–2001. The Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, has been a key collaborator in this effort by identifying the bird species, often just from remains of the carcass or a few feathers. A total of 224 bird strike incidents were reported at the three airports during the study period. Nairobi had the highest number of strikes (n = 90), followed by Kisumu (n = 88) and Mombasa (n = 46). Seven bird families, namely Ciconiidae, Accipitridae, Threskiornithidae, Numididae, Ardeidae, Corvidae and Gruidae accounted for most incidents in different phases of aeroplane flights, time of day and seasons. The general trend of bird strike incidents at the three airports showed a consistent increase during the study period, with Nairobi experiencing a significant rise (regression analysis, P = 0.03) over the 10-year period. This preliminary analysis provides baseline information necessary for bird hazard management at the three airports. Resume Les donnees impliquant des rencontres entre des oiseaux et des avions de Kenya Airways sur trois aeroports internationaux au Kenya, a savoir ceux de Mombasa (Moi International Airport), de Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) et de Kisumu (Kisumu International Airport), ont ete recoltees regulierement par Kenya Airways entre 1991 et 2001. Le departement d'ornithologie des Musees Nationaux du Kenya a ete un collaborateur cle dans cet effort en identifiant les especes d'oiseaux dont il ne restait souvent qu'un morceau de carcasse ou quelques plumes. Un total de 224 incidents impliquant des oiseaux ont ete rapportes pendant cette periode, pour les trois aeroports. C'est Nairobi qui a connu le plus grand nombre de chocs (n = 90), suivi par Kisumu (n = 88) et Mombasa (n = 46). Sept familles d'oiseaux, les Ciconiidae, les Accipitridae, les Threskiornithidae, les Numididae, les Ardeidae, les Corvidae et les Gruidae comptaient pour la plupart des incidents, a differentes phases des vols d'avion, heures et saisons. La tendance generale de ces incidents aux trois aeroports presentait une croissance constante pendant la duree de l’etude, Nairobi connaissant une croissance significative (P = 0,03) au cours des dix annees. Cette analyse preliminaire fournit les informations de base necessaires pour la gestion des risques dus aux oiseaux dans les trois aeroports.
Some Observations on Evadne Nordmanni Lovén

During 1951 Evadne nordmanni was present in the Clyde plankton from late February to the end of October and was most abundant during May and early June. The bulk of the population was always found in the top 30 m. Reproduction is mainly parthenogenetic; sexual individuals first appeared in May and sexual reproduction was most intense during October. The relation between maternal size and stage of embryonic development is described. Sexual females showing the formation of a resting egg are large and have previously produced at least one brood by parthenogenesis. Of the females with embryos at an early stage of development the primiparae have smaller broods than larger and older individuals. During the development of embryos some may be resorbed and in the primiparae this results in a decrease of embryo number with increase of size. Larger individuals tend to produce larger broods of young. There was a considerable decrease of size from June to July and a partial recovery in August. These fluctuations follow similar fluctuations in embryo production. The reproductive capacity of the parthenogenetic females and the intensity of sexual reproduction did not show any clear relationship, though there are indications that the latter is favoured by moderate rather than severe depression. Food organisms are captured only during the hours of daylight. Evadne appears to be a selective feeder the diet of which consists mainly of tintinnids and peridinians. Several aspects of the biology of the species are discussed with reference to the findings on the food and feeding habits.
Evolution and Emergence: A Re-Evaluation of the “New Synthesis”

Abstract The modern obsession with methodological reductionism in some areas of biology is arguably a product of the exquisitely precise tools now available to dissect problems. Reductionist approaches assume that an understanding of atomized parts will be sufficient to approximate an understanding of the whole. Ironically, the sheer success of this approach and the consequent volume of data generated, particularly as a result of the genome projects, has made comprehension of the larger picture problematic. Consequently, historical patterns of more phenomenologically oriented analyses are re-emerging. This impulse is not new: Gould and Lewontin (1979) argued for a less reductionist view of evolution. They argue that an intense focus upon individual traits risks confusing evolutionary selection with the indirect consequences of other architectural decisions. They also argued that the “baggage” of ancestral traits constrains future possibilities for profound change. The “New Synthesis”, a more recent convergence of paleontology, evolutionary biology, genome science, and embryology provides fertile ground for their critique. New approaches to genome analysis and gene categorization have shown that profound inter-species similarities underlie a generic and robust body plan upon which variant morphologies are built. Moreover, phenomenologically oriented approaches have recently revealed functional and organizational similarities among diverse genomes that are indicative of large and preserved gene regulatory behaviours: genomes appear to be organized into similar regulatory blocks irrespective of species. The implications of these recent discoveries suggest that emergent organizational and functional properties of genomes could impose big constraints upon morphological innovation. They might also explain some of the curious and profound examples of convergent evolution that puzzled Darwin.
Molecular and morphological diversity in Japanese rice germplasm

Germplasm molecular and phenotypic characterization is instrumental to its utilization and to genetic variability incorporation into rice breeding programmes. The diversity within 192 Japanese rice accessions was analysed for 22 agro-morphological traits and 24 single sequence repeat markers. A total of 181 alleles were detected, 38 of which were exclusive. The number of alleles/marker ranged from 2 to 16, with an average of 7.54 alleles/locus and the He value ranged from 0.01 to 0.82, with an average of 0.46. The accessions showed diversity at molecular and phenotypic level and few showed also good agronomic performance. Tocher's method applied on a total-dissimilarity matrix was used to determine cluster formation of 13 diversity groups. Most of the accessions (81%) were clustered within a group, whereas eight accessions (Kyuushuu, Eika Ine, Ishiwari Mochi, Col/Fukui/1965, Ookuma Nishiki, Suzume Shirazu, Iwate Ryoon and Toga) did not cluster with other accessions.
Individual-Based Modeling of Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Soils: Parameterization and Sensitivity Analysis of Abiotic Components

The need to predict with reasonable accuracy the fate of soil C and N compounds in soils in response to climate change is stimulating interest in a new generation of microscale models of soil ecosystem processes. Essential to the development of such models is the ability to describe the growth and metabolism of small numbers of individual microorganisms. In this context, the key objective of the research described in this article was to further develop an individual-based soil organic matter (SOM) model, INDISIM-SOM, first proposed a few years ago, and to assess its performance with a broader data set than previously considered. The INDISIM-SOM models the dynamics and evolution of C and N associated with organic matter in soils. The model involves a number of state variables and parameters related to SOM and microbial activity, including growth and decay of microbial biomass, temporal evolution of mineralized intermediate C and N, mineral N in ammonium and nitrate, carbon dioxide, and O2. Simulation results demonstrate good fit of the model to experimental data from laboratory incubation experiments performed on three different types of Mediterranean soils. A second objective was to determine the sensitivity of the model toward its various parameters. Sensitivity was small for several of the parameters, suggesting possible simplifications of the model for specific uses, but was significant particularly for the parameter associated with the fraction of the soil C present in the biomass. These results suggest that research should be focused on improving the measurement of this latter parameter.
A reassessment of Eocene parrotlike fossils indicates a previously undetected radiation of zygodactyl stem group representatives of passerines (Passeriformes)

In the past years, various Eocene fossil birds were described as stem group representatives of the zygodactyl Psittaciformes (parrots). These birds show quite disparate morphologies, which cast some doubt on the correct assignment of all of them to the psittaciform stem group. A reassessment of their affinities is further needed, because it was recently proposed that among extant birds, Psittaciformes and Passeriformes (passerines) form a clade and that passerines possibly derived from a zygodactyl ancestor. Here, phylogenetic analyses are performed, which for the first time also include representatives of the Zygodactylidae, the extinct zygodactyl sister taxon of the Passeriformes. The early Eocene Psittacopes was originally described as a stem group representative of Psittaciformes. However, none of the present analyses supported psittaciform affinities for Psittacopes and instead recovered this taxon in a clade together with zygodactylids and passerines. Also part of this clade are the early Eocene taxa Pumiliornis and Morsoravis, and it is detailed that Psittacopes and the long‐beaked and presumably nectarivorous Pumiliornis, with which it has not yet been compared, are very similar in their postcranial osteology. The present analysis corroborates the hypothesis of a zygodactyl stem species of passerines. To account for these results, Psittacopes is here assigned to a new higher‐level taxon and a new name is also introduced for the clade including Zygodactylidae and Passeriformes.
Reading relationships, worlds and reality: a multimodal analysis of Lego City and Lego Friends home pages

Existing literature highlights the gendered worlds of children’s toys, Lego City and Friends included, which target boys and girls respectively. The current article critically examines City and Friends home pages, since these act as a concise introduction to their online and offline spheres. I am particularly interested in how the two home pages differently summarise the sets and represent ‘reality’ for users; by this, I refer to the toys’ relationship with users’ real-life existences, both regarding the modality of their represented worlds and how users are encouraged to interact with the toy. Analysis indicates that, although both explicitly position themselves as toys to be used in viewers’ worlds, Friends and City present disparate realities and relationships with users. Friends promotes both real-life and imaginary friendship for consumers through interacting with its girl friendship group, whereas City emphasises action-oriented relationships where users are elevated to a heroic status in the imaginary city. I show how these relationships are realised through different semiotic resources, including visual modalities, linguistic choices and website format. I consider the intricacies of their semiotic choices and conclude by discussing the potential implications of these choices for shaping how children interact with and emotionally engage with the toys.
Niche Occupancy and the Relative Role of Micro-Habitat and Diet in Resource Partitioning Among Pond Dwelling Tadpoles

ABSTRACT. We determined microhabitat and diet niche for tadpoles from two ponds in an agricultural landscape. Additionally, we verified the intraspecific variation in resource use, and if diet and microhabitat use were correlated. Tadpoles found in the two ponds differed in microhabitat use, because in the larger pond they explored deeper places far from the margin. There were three groups with high microhabitat niche overlap. In both ponds, plant cover was the best descriptor to explain interspecific variation in microhabitat use. Tadpoles of all species ingested mainly Bacillariophyceae and Trachellomonas however the diet differed intraspecifically in the species from the two ponds. Ten items in the temporary pond and 15 items in the permanent one were ingested by all species; however, the relative abundance of each item differed. Diet similarity was not correlated to similarity in microhabitat use. In this study, diet was as important as microhabitat use to explain resource partitioning.
The pathogenesis of acute infection in COPD

Educational aims To give an overview of the types of infectious agents involved in causing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To outline the mechanisms through which infectious agents drive exacerbations. To introduce the concept that mixed infections may increase the severity of exacerbations. Summary A number of virulence factors have been associated with bacterial pathogens' propensity to cause exacerbations, and the genetic basis for these has begun to be examined. In addition, the acquisition of new strains of some bacteria has been associated with exacerbations. Viral nucleic acids are detected in about half of exacerbations, and several viruses are implicated, in particular rhinovirus. The manner in which these and other pathogens, individually and collectively, interact with the host merits further scrutiny if the prevention and treatment of acute COPD exacerbations are to be improved.
Potential use of beta-mannan from copra meal as a feed additive for broilers

The uses of a prebiotic to replace antibiotic growth promoters, mycotoxin and cholesterol binders in broiler diets have been commonly practiced over the last three decades. Many products have appeared commercially to replace antibiotic growth promoters and to tackle the problems of mycotoxins contamination. Mannose-based carbohydrates, particularly mannan-oligosaccharides from yeast, appear to have properties of coping with the mycotoxin related problems. Over the last three years, studies on the use of copra-mannan (CM) in this respect have produced promising results. CM has been found to effectively improve bird performance. When the birds were challenged against Escherichia coli, the supplementation of the feed with CMs was able to maintain growth performance of birds to the same level as the growth of birds fed commercial mannan-oligosaccharides or antibiotics. Contamination of feed with 0.3 ppm aflatoxin B1 reduced feed digestibility, but not when the feed was mixed with CM. The supplementation of the diet with CMs protects the birds from wet droppings when the birds were challenged by either Escherichia coli or aflatoxin contamination. Since there is a conflicting information about using mannans in the diet, particularly between using legume mannans as an antinutrient and yeast mannans as a pronutrient, this paper reviews the potential use of CMs for the purposes of promoting growth and improving health status of broiler chickens.
Effect of PPAR-γ Activation and Inhibition on Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release in INS-1e Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is expressed in human β-cells and in the rat β-cell line INS-1. Previous studies have suggested that PPAR-γ agonism (e.g., thiazolidinediones) enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from islets or INS-1 cells. We tested the direct effect on insulin release by INS-1e of a PPAR-γ agonist (Ro4389679-000-001 at 0.2 and 0.4 μmol/l) and a PPAR-γ antagonist (SR202 at 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/l). Cells were incubated in 11 mmol/l glucose for 96 h and then challenged with 3.3, 7.5, 11.0, and 20.0 mmol/l glucose for 1 h. Under these control conditions, insulin concentrations in the medium rose from 19 ± 4 ng/ml (mean ± SE) to 82 ± 5, 107 ± 11, and 103 ± 10 ng/ml ( P P P P
Determination of cytotoxicity and invasiveness of heterotrophic plate count bacteria isolated from drinking water

Evidence has been presented that some heterotrophic bacteria often detected in drinking water supplies possess features associated with pathogenicity. This suggests that even the low numbers of heterotrophic bacteria considered acceptable by drinking water specifications may constitute a health risk, particularly to immunocompromised consumers. In this study, 339 bacteria were isolated at random from routine heterotrophic plate count (HPC) tests on selected drinking water supplies in South Africa. In a first screen for potentially pathogenic properties, 188 of the isolates (55.5%) displayed α- or p-haemolysis on blood agar. Further analysis of the haemolytic isolates for enzymes associated with virulence revealed the presence of chondroitinase (5.3%), coagulase (16.0%), DNase (60.6%), elastase (33.0%), fibrinolysin (53.7%), gelatinase (62.2%), hyaluronidase (21.3%), lecithinase (47.9%), lipase (54.8%) and proteinase (64.4%) of the isolates. No fluorescein or pyocyanin was detected in any of the isolates. Among the haemolytic isolates 68.6% were resistant to oxacillin (1 pg), 59.6% to penicillin G (2 units), 47.3% to penicillin G (10 units), 53.7% to ampicillin (10μg) and 42.6% to ampicillin (25 pg). Cytotoxicity, invasiveness and adherence properties of the haemolytic isolates was determined on HEp-2 and Caco 2 cell lines. Among the haemolytic isolates 96% were cytolytic on the HEp-2 cell line. All the haemolytic isolates adhered to HEp-2 and Caco 2 cells but gram-negative isolates tended to adhere in larger numbers than gram positive isolates. HEp-2 cells were invaded by 42% of the haemolytic isolates. Heterotrophic bacteria, whict most frequently revealed the above features associated with pathogenicity included species of the following genera: Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Aureobacterium, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Moraxella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Tsukamurella and Vibrio. The results obtained in this study support earlier indications that bacteria detected by routine heterotrophic plate counts on drinking water supplies may include bacteria associated with potentially pathogenic properties. The extent to which these bacteria in drinking water supplies may constitute a health risk remains to be investigated.
Migration patterns of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias tagged at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and identification of an eastern Pacific shared offshore foraging area

Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were used to study the migration patterns and habitat preference of 56 white sharks tagged off Guadalupe Island, Mexico, between 2000 and 2008. Nine tags were recovered, providing 1021 d of high resolution (2 min) archival data. Two individual sharks were tagged in consecutive years, providing 2 yr of tracking data for each individual. White sharks were found to make long-range, seasonal migrations from Guadalupe Island to an offshore pelagic habitat, sometimes traveling as far west as the Hawaiian Islands. The pelagic region inhabited by Guadalupe Island white sharks corresponds with that reported for sharks tagged off central Cali- fornia; thus we have termed it the Shared Offshore Foraging Area (SOFA). Sharks spent at least 5 mo off Guadalupe Island before beginning their migration around 15 February on average (earliest 21 December, latest 5 May). They traveled through a migration corridor in an average time of 16 d at an average speed of 3.2 km h -1 and remained in the SOFA for an average duration of 140 d. Males and females began their offshore migrations around the same time and traveled to the same area, but males were found to return to Guadalupe Island on average around 22 July (earliest 15 July, latest 30 July), while females remained in the SOFA into early autumn. Diving profiles of sharks in the SOFA strongly suggest feeding behavior; however, the targeted prey species are unknown at this time.
Detection and Differentiation of Escherichia coli Populations from Human, Animal and Avian Feces, and Different Water Sources

A total of 138 E. coli isolates obtained from fecal samples of various mammals and birds and water samples of different origin were compared. The comparison included multiple antibiotic resistance to a total of 21 antibiotics, the protein profile (PAGE) of the isolates, the DNA fragments of each isolate after treatment with the restriction enzymes, HindIII, EcoRI, EcoRV, BamHI and BglII and the presence of plasmid(s). Our results indicated that human, horse and Nile water isolates were resistant to 62% of the antibiotics used, while cat isolates were resistant to 47%, mouse isolates 72%, avian to 34%, Ismailia canal 67%, household water reservoir 81% and swimming pool isolates were resistant to 57%. Protein profile (PAGE) analysis is the second method used; the protein with 20.29 kd molecular weight is common in avian, household water reservoir and swimming pool isolates. The third method includes DNA fragments using different restriction enzymes HindIII, EcoRI, EcoRV, BamHI and BglII.
EFFECTS OF STORAGE TIME AND TEMPERATURE ON EGG QUALITY IN OLD LAYING HENS

SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of storage time and temperature and their interaction on the quality parameters of eggs obtained from aged laying hens. Eggs from 50wk-old Bovans White hens were sampled immediately after being laid and subjected to storage periods of 2, 5, and 10 d at 5, 21, and 29°C. Extension of the storage time up to 10 d and temperature up to 29°C resulted in significant deterioration of egg quality. Albumen height, Haugh unit, pH of albumen and yolk, specific gravity, and air cell size have been found to be the most important parameters and were greatly influenced by storage time and temperature. In a 10-d storage period Haugh units were 76.3, 53.7, and 40.6 when stored at 5, 21, or 29°C, respectively. The size of air cell (distance between eggshell and membrane) exceeded 4 mm when eggs were stored 2 d at greater than 21°C. Rapidly increased pH in albumen with 2 d storage time was observed, regardless of storage temperature. Likewise, pH during a 5-d storage period continued to increase from 7.47 to 9.2 at 29°C. Interaction effects between storage time and temperature were also significant for egg weight loss, specific gravity, air cell size, Haugh unit, albumen height, and pH. The results of the present study suggested that Haugh unit, pH of albumen, and air cell size were the most important parameters influenced by the storage period and storage temperature in laying hens.
Numerical solution of some fractional dynamical systems in medicine involving non-singular kernel with vector order

In this paper, we propose systems of variable-order fractional equations for some problems in medicine. These problems include the dynamics of Zika virus fever and HIV infection of CD4 $^+$ T-cells. Two types of non-local fractional derivatives are considered and compared in these dynamics: The Liouville - Caputo's definition and a definition involving non-singular Mittag - Leffler kernel. Predictor-corrector methods are described for simulating the corresponding dynamical systems.