Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of microhabitat structure and disturbance on detection of native and non-native murids in logged and unlogged forests of northern Borneo

Abstract: Understanding the habitat preferences of native and non-native species may offer valuable insights into the mechanisms favouring invasion of disturbed habitats. This study investigated the determinants of trap-site detection probability of three native (Maxomys surifer, Maxomys whiteheadi and Leopoldamys sabanus) and one invasive (Rattus rattus) species of terrestrial murid (Muridae) in logged and unlogged forests of northern Borneo. We established four and two trapping grids in repeatedly logged and unlogged forest, respectively, for a total of 500 sampled trap sites. From these, we obtained 504 detections of the four species over 3420 trap nights. For each species, probability of detection was modelled as a function of both the structural components and disturbance level of the forest patch measured around each trap site. Each of the four species showed contrasting microhabitat preferences: M. surifer favoured increased canopy closure and intermediate ground and understorey vegetation cover; M. whiteheadi preferred increased ground vegetation cover and canopy height; L. sabanus favoured sites with larger amounts of coarse woody debris and less leaf litter; and R. rattus was associated with increased ground vegetation cover. Within logged forest, detection probabilities of the three native species did not vary significantly with level of patch disturbance, whereas that of the invasive R. rattus increased markedly in more degraded sites. This latter finding will have increasingly important implications when considering the rapid degradation of forests in the region, and the resulting expansion of suitable habitat for this competitive species.
Administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum to Chicken Broilers Reduces the Number of Carcass Condemnations for Cellulitis at the Abattoir

Abstract A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on fecal bacterial populations, incidence of cellulitis, and growth performance in broiler chickens. Two groups of 9,385 broiler chickens each were administered 0 or 107B. bifidum cells/mL of drinking water for 38 d. Ten chickens from each group were randomly selected and euthanized every week; cecal samples were taken and analyzed for enumeration of total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, coliforms, clostridia, and bifidobacteria. Mortality was recorded as it occurred. On Day 38, the chickens were weighed and shipped to the abattoir where carcass condemnations due to cellulitis and other causes were enumerated. The administration of B. bifidum had no significant effect on growth performance; however, the chickens that received the treatment had significantly increased numbers of fecal bifidobacteria on Days 28 and 35 of the experiment. Throughout the experiment, there was a trend of reduction of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and clostridia in the chickens that received B. bifidum. The number of condemnations for cellulitis and the total number of condemnations at slaughter were significantly reduced in the chickens that received B. bifidum. Results indicate that the administration of B. bifidum may provide a method of reducing cellulitis in broiler chickens.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Shrimp Pond Bottom Soils in Ecuador

Chemical and physical analyses were conducted on bottom soil samples from 74 brackish-water ponds representing 40 shrimp farms in Ecuador. Most ponds had soils with pH > 6 and total carbon concentrations 2.5% and C: N ratios were 25 to 30. Ponds soils in former mangrove areas also tended to be high in total sulfur and low in pH. Lack of correlation between carbon and sulfur in mangrove soils suggested that most of the sulfur was inorganic and presumably in sulfides. Soils containing above 0.4% free carbonate (as equivalent CaCO3) had pH values > 7. Although carbonate concentration was a major factor controlling soil pH, calcium hardness of pond waters was strongly influenced by salinity (and calcium) in the water supply. Total phosphorus concentrations averaged 898 mg/kg, and dilute acid extractable phosphorus usually accounted for 25–35% of the total. Concentrations of major cations and minor elements varied greatly in soils and exhibited ranges of up to three orders of magnitude. Contrary to opinions of shrimp producers, many pond soils in Ecuador are not acidic and few soils have a high organic matter content. Proper use of soil and water testing could greatly improve the efficiency of liming and other soil management practices.
A Skeletochronological Study of the Age Structure, Growth, and Longevity of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, Rana muscosa, in the Sierra Nevada, California

Abstract We used skeletochronology to determine the ages of 149 (74 females, 44 males, and 31 juveniles) Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs (Rana muscosa) from 13 locations (elevation 1509–3501 m) throughout their current range in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Lines of arrested growth (LAGs) from excised toe bones were distinct in these high elevation frogs, and each LAG was assumed to represent one year of age. Females ranged in age from 0–10 years (mean = 4.1 years) and males from 0–8 years (mean = 4.0 years). The skeletochronological age was that of the post-metamorphic frog and did not include the tadpole stage. Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs spend 3–4 years as tadpoles, but no age markers are found in their cartilaginous skeletons; thus, their total age, if both tadpole and post-metamorphic stages were included, would range up to 14 years. Females were significantly longer (snout–vent length: SVL) than males and had greater mean mass, but there was no difference in the mean ages. Juvenile frogs of unknown sex ranged in age from 0–3. The von Bertalanffy growth curve demonstrated that female SVLs were larger than males for all ages. Using a semi-parametric growth model, we also found that elevation within the Sierra Nevada range was an important variable in the relationship between SVL and age; frogs from lower elevation sites were consistently larger at a given age when compared to higher elevation sites. For each increase of 1000 m in elevation, the estimated length (on average) decreases by 8.7 mm. This is the first age determination study of a Sierra Nevada amphibian, and compared to other anuran species, Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs were found to be relatively long-lived, which will have implications for restoration and recovery plans.
ULVA INTESTINALIS ASSOCIATED BACTERIA: MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL .

Seventeen marine bacteria associated with the green alga Ulva intestinalis (northern coast in Tunisia), were isolated and tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. None of the 17 isolates displayed antifungal activity whereas two isolates displayed antibacterial activity with different antibiotic spectra. These two isolates (U1 and U5) belonged to Alpha -proteobacterial genus Stappia. Strain, U5, showed the strongest activity against pathogens especially Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas salmonicida . Algae like U. intestinalis may benefit from epiphytic bacteria such as Stappia as potential resources of natural antibiotic production and concomitant protection against undesirable prokaryotes.
The composition, fat distribution and yield of carcass beef from steers and heifers when entire, spayed, pregnant or fitted with an intravaginal device

An experiment at the Pastoral Research Institute, Hamilton, compared the carcass composition and yield of one group of 14 Hereford steers, and four groups of 14 heifers, either spayed, fitted with an intravaginal device, pregnant or entire. The animals were slaughtered at 18 or 22 months when average fat depths and carcass weights were 5.8 mm and 188.0 kg, or 7.5 mm and 219 kg, respectively. When compared at a constant carcass weight, the steers generally had heavier boneless primary cuts, with less fat than the heifers (P 0. 05) but trends similar to those described above were apparent. Estimated yield of carcass beef (muscle plus saleable fat) was affected by sex, fat depth and level of fat specified in the carcass beef. When lean carcass beef (1 5% fat) was specified, steers yielded about 3.8% more than heifers at the same weight and fat depth, but when fatter carcass beef (20% fat) was specified, this difference was reduced to about 3.2%. Removal of channel and kidney fat from the carcass brought the yield of steer and heifer carcasses to within about 3.0% of each other.
In-situ and ex-situ studies of barnacle proteinaceous cements settled at earlier time points using μ-Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron based X-ray microprobe fluorescence techniques

Among the different biofouling species, barnacles resemble a specific threat as they are difficult to remove, able to damage fouling release coatings and increase the drag force of ships. Additionally, barnacles are a good model system for research on permanent underwater adhesion strategies. This study aims to understand and compare the spatial organization and the chemistry of the adhesive secreted by two different species (Balanus amphitrite and Balanus improvisus) of cyprid larvae and juvenile barnacles for settlement. Raman spectromicroscopy and synchrotron based X-ray microprobe fluorescence analysis have been applied for the in-situ and ex-situ investigation of juvenile barnacle cement chemistry. Confocal Raman spectromicroscopy revealed the chemical heterogeneity of the barnacle baseplate and allowed to distinguish three regions of various chemical compositions. The adhesive of cyprids was different from the one of larvae and analyzed in detail from the metamorphosis to the age of fourteen days. The results of these studies provided information on the chemical composition and morphological structure of both barnacle species at different life stages.
Analysis of perioperative blood loss in treatment of senile hip fractures

Objective To analyze the perioperative blood loss in the different surgical treatments of senile hip fractures (femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures). Methods Enrolled in the study were 128 aged patients who had been treated in our department for hip fractures between December 2013 and May 2014. They were 53 men and 75 women, with a mean age of 80.5 years. They were divided into 2 groups according to fracture type, with 57 cases in group A (femoral intertrochanteric fracture) and 71 cases in group B (femoral neck fracture). Their perioperative blood loss was calculated according to the Gross equation. The preoperative hidden blood loss was compared between the 2 groups. The dominant blood loss, postoperative hidden blood loss, total perioperative hidden blood loss and total blood loss were compared between cannulated screw fixation, hemi-hip arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty for the femoral neck fractures and intramedullary nailing for the intertrochanteric fractures. Results The preoperative hidden blood loss in group A (213.0±65.3 mL) was significantly greater than in group B (138.4±51.4 mL) (P hemi-hip arthroplasty>intramedullary nailing>cannulated screw fixation. In comparisons of postoperative hidden blood loss, total perioperative hidden blood loss and total blood loss, total hip arthroplasty>intramedullary nailing>hemi-hip arthroplasty>cannulated screw fixation. All the above differences were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusions The surgeons should have a comprehensive knowledge of the perioperative blood loss in the treatment of senile hip fractures. Enough attention should be paid to the preoperative and postoperative hidden blood loss. Key words: Hip fractures; Blood loss, surgical; Hidden blood loss
Population vulnerability to climate change linked to timing of breeding in boreal ducks

Identifying and understanding why traits make species vulnerable to changing climatic conditions remain central problems in evolutionary and applied ecology. We used spring snow cover duration as a proxy for phenological timing of wetland ecosystems, and examined how snow cover duration during spring and during the entire snow season affected population dynamics of duck species breeding in the western boreal forest of North America, 1973–2007. We predicted that population level responses would differ among duck species, such that late‐nesting species with reduced flexibility in their timing of breeding, i.e. scaup (Aythya spp.) and scoter (Melanitta spp.), would be more strongly affected by changing snow cover conditions relative to species better able to adjust timing of breeding to seasonal phenology, i.e. mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and American wigeon (Anas americana). Population growth rates of scaup and scoter were positively linked to spring snow cover duration; after accounting for effects of density dependence, larger populations resulted after springs with long snow cover duration than after springs with short snow cover duration. In contrast, population growth rates of mallard and wigeon were either negatively or only weakly associated with snow cover duration. Duck population models were then incorporated with snow cover duration derived from climate model simulations under the A2 emission scenario, and these predictions suggested that late‐nesting duck species will experience the most severe population declines. Results are consistent with a hypothesis that the gradual climatic warming observed in the western boreal forest of North America has contributed to and may continue to exacerbate population declines of scaup and scoter.
Relationship between virulence factors of Candida species with candiduria and myeloperoxidase concentrations

A B S T R A C T Studies were carried out on Candida species which includes isolation and identification from urine specimens of 200 hospitalized patients who used urinary catheter (group I) and non catheterized patients (group II) as well as studies on susceptibilities to antifungal agents and secretory aspartic proteinase (ASP), phospholipase (LP) activities, biofilm (BF) formation as virulence factors that were assessed by the standard methods. Neutrophil counts and myeloperoxidase concentrations in patients sera were determined using ELISA. Sixty two Candida isolates were isolated and among them Candida albicans is 56.5%, C. glabrata is 41.9% and C. krusei is 1.6%. The resistance levels to itraconazole and flucytosine were relatively high and susceptible to amphotericin B for all Candida isolates. Candida albicans isolates were positive for all the virulence factors while C. glabrata and C. krusei were negative for SAP and LP activities of both groups and BF formation was detected in C. krusei of group I. Although, catheterized and non-catheterized patients have significant increase in neutrophil counts than healthy controls yet myeloperoxidase concentrations were significantly reduced in catheterized patients. Significant negative correlations between myeloperoxidase concentrations and phospholipase and secretory aspartic proteinase virulence factors were detected in catheterized patients. This may be exaggerated by decreased myeloperoxidase concentrations which should be considered and improved by effective treatment. K e y w o r d s Candiduria, Antifungal susceptibility, Virulence factors, Neutrophil count, Myelo- peroxidase concentration
Plant and Microbial Uptake and Allocation of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen Related to Plant Growth Forms and Soil Conditions at Two Subarctic Tundra Sites in Sweden

ABSTRACT In order to follow the uptake and allocation of N in different plant functional types and microbes in two tundra ecosystems differing in nutrient availability, we performed a 15N-labeling experiment with three N forms and followed the partitioning of 15N label among plants, microorganisms and soil organic matter. At both sites the deciduous dwarf shrub Betula nana and the evergreen Empetrum hermaphroditum absorbed added 15N at rates in the order: NH4+ > NO3− > glycine, in contrast to the graminoid Carex species which took up added 15N at rates in the order NO3− > NH4+ > glycine. Carex transported a high proportion of 15N to aboveground parts, whereas the dwarf shrubs allocated most 15N to underground storage. Enhanced 13C in Betula nana roots represents the first field evidence of uptake of intact glycine by this important circumpolar plant. Plant and microbial uptake of label was complementary as plants took up more inorganic than organic N, while microbes preferred organic N. Microbes initially took up a large part of the added label, but over the following four weeks microbial 15N decreased by 50% and most 15N was recovered in soil organic matter, while a smaller but slowly increasing proportion was retained in plant biomass.
Original / Deporte y ejercicio Eating disorders and diet management in contact sports; EAT-26 questionnaire does not seem appropriate to evaluate eating disorders in sports

Introduction: there is a growing concern in the appearance of eating disorders in athletes, especially those that practice sports grouped into weight categories. This affects the way athletes eat, using frequently unhealthy strategies to control weight, especially during the pre-competition period. Aim: this study analyses the prevalence of contact sports athletes in developing eating disorders, and how a controlled diet plan can reduce this risk. At the same time, it evaluates the use of the EAT-26 questionnaire to detect such disorders. Methods: a randomized frequency study was performed on 244 athletes (158 men, 86 women), who were separated into two groups: those that followed a diet plan given by a nutritionist, and a control group on a free diet. The athletes completed an EAT-26 questionnaire while participating in the University-level National Championships. Results: the free diet group scored significantly higher on the questionnaire. Also, the female athletes controlled diet group scored significantly higher than their male counterparts. Discussion: the results of the questionnaire indicate that an adequate nutritional program circumvents the use of unhealthy habits to control body weight and therefore avoids developing particular eating disorders. EAT-26 questionnaire does not seem the most appropriate tool to detect these disorders.
Using life cycle assessment to reduce the energy use and global warming impacts of a detached house in Melbourne, Australia

The aim of this study was to use a life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the potential global warming impacts associated with the construction and on-going use of a 158 m 2 single-storey house located in Melbourne, Australia. This information was then used to inform improvements to the performance of the house with the aim of minimising energy demand and associated global warming impacts across its life. A streamlined LCA approach was used to quantify inputs of energy across the entire life of the house. Embodied energy associated with the initial construction of the house as well as the replacement of materials and components throughout its assumed 50-year life were quantified using embodied energy coefficients for specific construction materials. Energy demand associated with the operation of the house over its life was determined with the use of IES-VE software. Total energy demand in primary terms was converted to global warming potential (GWP) (in t CO2-e) with the use of greenhouse gas emissions factors to provide an indication of the associated global warming impacts. The results of the analysis were then used to identify strategies for improving the environmental performance of the house, which was then reassessed to estimate the level of improvement.
Evaluation of seed priming on germination of Gladiolus alatus

Seed priming improves seed performance under environmental conditions. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of different priming treatments on germination behavior of Gladiolus alatus. The experiment was conducted under complete randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Seed priming was done with different concentration of potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) and hydropriming. All the treatments had significant effect on germination percentage, germination test in growth room, time for 50% germination and mean germination time. Results show that maximum invigoration was observed in seeds osmoprimed at lower concentrations of KNO 3 and with hydropriming while minimum invigoration was observed at higher concentration of KNO 3- . It was concluded that germination percentage can be increased by using lower concentrations of KNO 3 and with hydropriming. Key words: Priming, hydropriming, gladiolus, germination.
Selecting priority areas to conserve Psittacines in the Brazilian cerrado: minimizing human–conservation conflicts

The rapid destruction of habitat in biodiversity hotspots calls for the urgent formulation of conservation strategies. In this study, macro-scale biogeographical data for 33 species of Psittacines were used to select networks of priority areas, using an algorithm based on the complementarity concept. Human population size was also incorporated as a cost in the selection process, and the two networks of priority areas (with and without cost) were compared. In the comparison the number of cells selected to represent all species did not differ, but a rearrangement occurred between them. Two of the four cells were located in the same place, and the others changed location but stayed aggregated within the same regions. The study shows that it is possible to minimize human population size and represent all species in a network of priority areas.
A Comparison between the Diaspore Bank and Above-Ground Bryoflora in the Beech Forests of Navarra (Northern Spain)

Abstract — Bryophyte diaspore banks remain poorly known, especially those from Atlantic forests. Here we describe the composition and characteristics of diaspore banks in Atlantic beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) (Navarra, Northern Spain) and compare them with above-ground vegetation. Soil samples from nine beech forests were cultivated for eight-nine months and germinating species were identified; we also collected above-ground bryophytes in the same beech forests. The diaspore bank has 40 species, and there is strong positive correlation between the floristic richness in the diaspore bank and in the corresponding above-ground vegetation. The specific composition of the two ecological compartments is very different; only Fissidens taxifolius and Polytrichum formosum are always frequent. Some species in diaspore bank are very uncommon in above-ground vegetation (Pohlia andalusica, Trichodon cylindricus); we postulate that some species are dispersed over a long distance. Colonist species are the most frequent in the diaspore bank, while perennials dominate in above-ground vegetation. This contrast is reduced in acidophytic beech forests, mainly due to the high number of colonist liverworts in the above-ground vegetation.
Vulnerability of Fir-Spruce Stands During Uncontrolled Spruce Budworm Outbreaks: A Review and Discussion

The concept of vulnerability to spruce budworm refers to the probability of tree mortality resulting from a given level of budworm attack. This paper reviews and analyses available information from the literature on stand vulnerability and timing of mortality during several budworm outbreaks. Timing of mortality during outbreaks appears to be fairly straightforward when considered in a general sense, with trees usually starting to die after four or five years of severe defoliation. Prediction of the total expected mortality in a given stand is more difficult, however, and attempts to relate mortality to stand characteristics have not shown strong relationships. Nevertheless, the data analysed suggest that for approximation purposes in a management sense, we can probably treat mortality during uncontrolled budworm outbreaks as a host-density dependent process. This is particularly so for fir in mature stands, where mortality approaches 100%, while fir in immature stands and spruce show lower, more variable.