Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A faunistic analysis of Macrolepidoptera from complex notophyll vine forest, North Queensland, Australia

Collections of Macrolepidoptera were made in complex notophyll vine forest and its derivatives growing on basalt soils near Atherton, Queensland, Australia. Light trapping was conducted over two periods of about 3 weeks each in the wet and dry seasons of 1996-97. A total of 15452 specimens belonging to 835 species were taken. Almost 94% of species could be identified to genus, with 72% determined to species level. The species collected represent about 17% of the total Australian fauna in families considered, suggesting between 20% and 30% of the Australian fauna occurs in this habitat type. The proportions of major families in the sample reflected the composition of the Australian fauna, but at a finer level of classification an imbalance was evident, with entire tribes and even subfamilies absent. These were mostly those associated with eucalypt forest or with principally southern distributions. The fauna was characterized by a strong Oriental region element but, at least in the Geometridae, there was an equally significant endemic element. In order to understand properly the biogeographic implications of this study, the need for similar studies in other nearby habitats, especially lowland mesophyll rain forest, is indicated.
Adaptive augmented evolutionary intelligence for the design of water distribution networks

The application of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) to real-world problems comes with inherent challenges, primarily the difficulty in defining the large number of considerations needed when designing complex systems such as Water Distribution Networks (WDN). One solution is to use an Interactive Evolutionary Algorithm (IEA), which integrates a human expert into the optimisation process and helps guide it to solutions more suited to real-world application. The involvement of an expert provides the algorithm with valuable domain knowledge; however, it is an intensive task requiring extensive interaction, leading to user fatigue and reduced effectiveness. To address this, the authors have developed methods for capturing human expertise from user interactions utilising machine learning to produce Human-Derived Heuristics (HDH) which are integrated into an EA's mutation operator. This work focuses on the development of an adaptive method for applying multiple HDHs throughout an EA's search. The new adaptive approach is shown to outperform both singular HDH approaches and traditional EAs on a range of large scale WDN design problems. This work paves the way for the development of a new type of IEA that has the capability of learning from human experts whilst minimising user fatigue.
Respiratory Ecology of Aquatic Macroinvertebratestween dissolved oxygen and invertebrate 1

Hypoxia (oxygen scarcity) is widespread in tropical freshwaters, particularly in dense swamps, and may be an important factor structuring benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrates show a diversity of respiratory modes ranging from atmospheric breathing to tracheal gill breathing, and these adaptations affect their ability to use hypoxic water. The objectives of this study were to (a) describe the benthic macroinvertebrate community from ten swamp and river sires in Kibale National Park, Uganda, (b) determine the degree to which dissolved oxygen explains variation in abundance of respiratory groups (taxa with a similar respiratory mode) among sites, and (c) rest for significant seasonal variation in the abundance of the numerically dominant respiratory groups. Macroinvertebrates from monthly collections over a two‐year period were identified to the lowest taxonomic level necessary to place them in functional respiratory groups. Across all sites, both the relative and absolute abundance of atmospheric breathers (e.5, pulmonate snails and nepids) and mantle/ctenidia breathers (primarily fingernail clams) were negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen, while the abundance of tracheal gill breathers (e.g. anisopterans and zygopterans) was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen. We did not detect significant seasonal trends in catch per unit effort of numerically dominant respiratory groups. Dissolved oxygen concentration was a good predictor of the abundance of some respiratory groups and may be a key factor in maintaining the structure and diversity of these assemblages.
Effects of Ecological Agriculture on Soil Properties and Arthropod Diversity in Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Floodplain Areas in Bangladesh

Rice farming is practised on 75% of the arable area in Bangladesh and is crucial to the ability of the country to feed its growing population and to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. Currently, there are concerns about the sustainability of intensive production systems that are based on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. This paper describes recent field research conducted by PROSHIKA, a non-government organization promoting ecological farming, and its collaborative partners at two locations in Bangladesh. Ecological farming is compared with conventional rice farming systems with regard to the effects on soil properties and arthropod communities. In 1997, soils were analysed for macro and micronutrients, organic matter content and physical properties. At each location, soil bulk densities were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in fields under ecological farming than in those under conventional management. Fields under ecological farming had higher levels of exchangeable calcium than conventional fields and at one location, Koitta, the cation exchange capacity was also greater. At Koitta, soil organic matter fractions were greater in ecological than in conventional fields. Arthropod densities were low at both locations in the 1999 boro season. Ecological fields at Koitta supported more arthropods than the conventional fields, whereas at Gabtoli the arthropod load in ecological and conventional fields was similar. The relative abundance of plant-feeding insects and natural enemies was similar in ecological and conventional sites at each location. There was no consistent significant difference between the mean grain yields in the conventional fields and in the ecological fields. Taking into account the environmental and health benefits of ecological farming, there is considerable potential to maximize the use of organic material and to reduce unnecessary pesticide usage in rice production in Bangladesh.
Design of total water networks of multiple properties based on operator potential concepts and an iterative procedure

The design of property-based total water networks by using the concepts of operator potential is investigated with an iterative approach. The precedence order of demands is identified with the operator potential values of demands. The internal sources to be regenerated are selected based on the values of operator potential of sources. A linear programming approach is used to determine the allocation of sources to demands. With the proposed method, the networks which meet both the requirements of demands and environmental regulations can be obtained. Two examples are studied to illustrate the proposed method. It is shown that the results obtained by this work are comparable to that obtained by mathematical programming method in the literature. For Example 1, flowrate of regenerated stream is reduced 28.5% compared to that in the literature results with almost the same freshwater consumption. In addition, the number of interconnections for this work is smaller than that of literature, which means that the design structure of this work is simpler. For Example 2, freshwater consumption is reduced by 4.29% with almost the same regeneration flowrate. However, the number of interconnections for this work is 24, which is higher than 23, that is the value of the literature result. Compared to graphical methods, the method proposed in this paper can handle the networks with more than three properties. Compared to mathematical programming methods, the proposed method has clear engineering meaning.
The impact of the DWI-FLAIR-mismatch in the ECASS-4 trial – A post hoc analysis

Introduction To investigate the impact of a mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) on functional outcome in patients with acute stroke in a prolonged time window or unknown time of symptom onset randomized to intravenous thrombolysis or placebo. Patients and Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-4 (ECASS-4) trial. ECASS-4 was an investigator driven, phase 3, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which randomized ischemic stroke patients presenting within 4.5 and 9h of stroke onset or unknown time-window to either rt-PA or placebo after MR-imaging. Two subgroups “no mismatch” (nMM) and “any mismatch” (aMM) were created by applying a DWI-FLAIR-mismatch criterion. We calculated frequency of nMM and aMM and performed a univariate analysis (Fisher's Test) for excellent clinical outcome (mRS 0-1) and mortality (mRS=6). Results MR-Imaging of n=111/119 (93.2%) patients was suitable for this analysis. DWI-FLAIR mismatch was found in 49 patients (44.1%). Proportions of mismatch nMM and aMM were comparable in treatment-groups (aMM: Placebo 46.3%, Alteplase 42.1%; p=0.70). Patients with nMM showed no benefit of rt-PA-treatment (OR (95%CI) mRS 0-1: 0.95 (0.29-3.17)). Patients with aMM showed a point estimate of the odds ratio in favour of a treatment benefit of rt-PA (mRS 0-1: OR (95%CI) 2.62 (0.68-11.1)). Mortality within 90 days was not different in patients treated with rt-PA if nMM (15.2%) or aMM (12.5%) was present. Discussion In this analysis no significant evidence, but subtle indication towards patients treated with rt-PA in a prolonged time window reaching an excellent clinical outcome if a DWI-FLAIR-mismatch is present on initial stroke MR-imaging. Conclusion A DWI-FLAIR mismatch in the region of ischemia as imaging based surrogate parameter for patient selection for i.v. rt-PA should be strongly pursued.
Comparison of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), Stizostedion spp., Catostomus spp., Moxostoma spp., quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus), and mooneye (Hiodon tergisus) larval drift in Des Prairies River, Quebec

Several fish species that spawn in lotic habitats have a larval-drift phase which is a major determinant of their reproductive success. The main objective of this study was to compare seasonal, diel, longitudinal, transverse, and vertical variations in rates of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), Stizostedion spp. , Catostomus spp. , Moxostoma spp. , quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus), and mooneye (Hiodon tergisus) larval drift in Des Prairies River (DPR) near Montreal (Quebec), which is one of the major lotic spawning habitats of the St. Lawrence River system. Larval sampling was conducted in the spring of 1994 and 1995 for the six taxa, and on a more restricted basis for lake sturgeon in 19961998, using drift nets set at several transects, stations, depths, and periods of the day, along a 19 km long section of river beginning ca. 2 km downstream from the DPR power house. For all taxa except lake sturgeon, peak larval drift occurred ca. 1 week earlier in 1995 than in 1994. The sequence was very similar betwe.
Proximo-distal fusion of flagella during spermiogenesis in the “turbellarian” platyhelminth Urastoma cyprinae, and phylogenetic implications

Summary Spermiogenesis and the spermatozoa found in the testes of the protandric “turbellarian” parasite Urastoma cyprinae were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The most significant discovery was that spermatids produce two free flagella, the basal bodies of which remain proximal and which fuse in a proximo-distal manner with a median cytoplasmic process. This type of spermiogenesis has previously been found only in neodermatan platyhelminths, and these findings suggest that Urastoma may be part of the lineage leading to the major parasitic flatworm taxa (Neodermata). They also substantiate earlier suggestions that Urastoma does not belong to the Prolecithophora. The mature sperm has cortical microtubules throughout the long filiform body and a spiralling, corkscrew-like proximal region with this end of the nucleus enclosed by cytoplasmic ridges lined with microtubules. At the distal end of this proximal region, the slightly narrowed nucleus continues, flanked by two incorporated axonemes.
Selection of calving sites by Porcupine herd caribou

Characteristics of 305 calving sites used by 131 different radio-collared caribou (Rangifer tarandus) cows from the Porcupine herd in northeastern Alaska and the northern Yukon Territory were investigated between 1983 and 1990 to determine the factors influencing calving site selection. Cows selected areas north of the foothills primarily to reduce exposure of calves to predators. Sites dominated by Eriophorum tussocks were selected secondarily for access to newly emerging vegetation. Highest calf mortality occurred in years when snowmelt was relatively late and calving occurred closer to the foothills and in Canada. Industrial development of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge could increase calf mortality if calving were displaced south and east of potential development areas.
Contract farming and rice production efficiency in Ghana

Even though many studies identify positive effects of contract farming (CF) on the livelihood of farmers, the use of CF as a tool to increase farm performance is unsettled debate. Information on CF is relatively not available in staple food chains. Theoretical considerations have shown that there are challenges in employing CF in staple food chains such as rice. With the increasing trend of rice CF in Ghana, it is very critical to establish its performance in rice production in Ghana. It is therefore imperative to analyse the impact of CF on the performance of smallholder rice farmers. ,A survey was conducted where 350 rice farmers selected through a stratified sampling technique using structured questionnaires were interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics including stochastic frontier analyses and endogenous treatment effect regression were used to analyse the data. ,The results from the endogenous treatment effect regression model show that CF improves rice farmers' technical, allocative and economic efficiencies by 21, 23 and 26%, respectively. Farm size and CF were identified as common factors influencing technical, allocative and economic efficiency measures of the farmers positively. It further identified age of farmer, educational level and household labour as factors influencing farmers' participation in CF positively. ,It is recommended that CF is a good tool to enhance rice production efficiency, and hence, farmers should be encouraged to participate in CF as strategy to enhance the local rice production in Ghana. ,The outcome of this study has the potential to influence rice production in the country. The country is a net importer of rice and just about 35% self-sufficient in rice production. ,This study is the first to assess performance of CF in rice crop production in Ghana and also one of the few to use efficiency as a performance measure.
Maximal Density of Sets with Missing Differences and Various Coloring Parameters of Distance Graphs

For a given set M of positive integers, a well-known problem of Motzkin asked to determine the maximal asymptotic density of M -sets, denoted by µ ( M ), where an M -set is a set of non-negative integers in which no two elements diﬀer by an element in M . In 1973, Cantor and Gordon found µ ( M ) for | M | ≤ 2. Partial results are known in the case | M | ≥ 3 including results in the case when M is an inﬁnite set. This number theory problem is also related to various types of coloring problems of the distance graphs generated by M . In particular, it is known that the reciprocal of the fractional chromatic number of the distance graph generated by M is equal to the value µ ( M ) when M is ﬁnite. Motivated by the families M = { a, b, a + b } and M = { a, b, a + b, b − a } discussed by Liu and Zhu, we study two families of sets M , namely, M = { a, b, b − a, n ( a + b ) } and M = { a, b, a + b, n ( b − a ) } . For both of these families, we ﬁnd some exact values and some bounds on µ ( M ). We also ﬁnd bounds on the fractional and circular chromatic numbers of the distance graphs generated by these families. Furthermore, we determine the exact values of chromatic number of the distance graphs generated by these two families.
Geographical and depth-related patterns in nematode communities from some Italian Marine Protected Areas

Abstract A study on the meiobenthic nematode assemblages from three Italian Marine Protected Areas (Miramare, Adriatic Sea; Porto Cesareo, Ionian Sea; and Capo Caccia, Western Mediterranean Sea) was carried out at three different depth ranges from the low intertidal to the shallow subtidal. Nematode community composition was analysed at the genus level, and diversity and taxonomic distinctness were studied to detect possible differences among the MPAs and between intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. There were differences in granulometric variables between sampling depths: medium and coarse fractions were often dominant in the sites at the low intertidal and shallow subtidal, while very shallow subtidal sites were characterised by fine and very fine sand. Nematode densities and diversities were generally high in all sampling areas. Nematode communities changed when different depths were compared. This was due to a decrease in deposit-feeding nematodes coupled with a higher abundance of predators and epigrowth feeders with increasing depths, from the low intertidal to the shallow subtidal. The shallow subtidal is characterised by the presence of a stout nematode community (Length/Width ratio <15) dominated by Epsilonematidae (39%), Desmoscolecidae (16%) and Selachinematidae (9%). The high dominance of the epsilonematids is probably due to the occurrence of coarse sediments. Our study also reveals a possible relationship between body proportions and feeding groups. Changes in depth and sand grain size do not seem to cause drastic variations of diversity. Both Δ+ and Λ+ seem to be more sensitive than other diversity indices in discriminating among different sites, as a consequence of different environmental physical features. The concept of isocommunities might explain the similarities found in the three Italian Marine Protected Areas nematode assemblages; in fact, the same dominant families and genera were recorded in geographically spaced sites at similar depth ranges.
Foot structure and phylogeny in the Viverridae (Carnivora)

The structure of feet is widely used as a diagnostic feature in mammalian taxonomy. The relationship between the lengths of the metacarpals and foot pads are described with regard to plantigrade and digitigrade feet in the Viverridae. Although species in the Herpestinae, Paradoxurinae and Galidiinae vary considerably in size (from 450 g to 10 kg), the increase in length of the metapodial is isometric. Feet in which the metacarpals are less than 15 % of total limb length are plantigrade (Paradoxurinae and Cryptoproctinae) while those larger than 15% are digitigrade (Herpestinae and Galidiinae). The Viverrinae are composed of two natural groups, one in which the species have plantigrade forefeet and digitigrade hind feet and one in which both fore- and hind feet are digitigrade. The Hemigalinae does not appear to be a natural grouping, because the banded palm civet has plantigrade fore- and hind feet while other members of the subfamily have digitigrade feet; it may be better to reclassify the subfamily into three (Hemigalinae, Fossinae and Euplerinae).
How far can a hawk's beard fly? Measuring and modelling the dispersal of Crepis praemorsa

1 We measured and modelled the dispersal of a wind‐dispersed herb, the leafless hawk's beard (Crepis praemorsa, Asteraceae), using a combination of measurement techniques, selected empirical models and mechanistic models originally developed for trees. 2 Dispersal was measured by releasing individual seeds and by placing seed traps around an experimentally created point source of seeding plants. Dispersal distances varied considerably between the experiments. In the seed releases, dispersal distances were positively related to horizontal wind speed (linear regression, P < 0.001) and, under favourable conditions, many seeds dispersed over several metres, with a few at > 30 m. 3 Four empirical models (the inverse power (IP), the negative exponential (NE), Bullock & Clarke's mixed model (MIX) and Clark et al.'s 2Dt model) were fitted to the data. IP and NE models often failed to accommodate the shape of the empirical distribution of dispersal distances, and the MIX model, although extremely flexible, tended to overfit the data. The 2Dt model was, however, flexible and realistic in each experiment. Nevertheless, the parameter values for all of the empirical models varied dramatically between experiments; no set of parameter values predicted the observed dispersal distances under all conditions. 4 Two mechanistic models (Greene & Johnson's analytical model (GJ) and Nathan et al.'s individual‐based simulation model (NSN)), originally developed for trees, were parameterized using independent data and parameter values from the literature. Although the NSN model provided a poor fit for the seed trap experiment, it performed almost as well as the best empirical models in the seed release experiments. Its predictions were further improved by including convection, and predicted dispersal > 30 m corresponded closely with our observations. The prediction of low (< 1%) dispersal > 200 m requires further validation. 5 We conclude that dispersal models for wind‐dispersed trees can be adapted for herbs with different dimensions and diaspore characteristics. Mechanistic simulations are superior because they are robust to environmental heterogeneity, as well as being informative in terms of understanding and predicting the effects of species characteristics and ecological factors on dispersal distances. Future empirical studies are needed at a wide range of environmental conditions, with careful measurement of conditions such as the strength and variability of horizontal and vertical wind speeds.