Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tree‐to‐tree competition in mixed European beech–Scots pine forests has different impacts on growth and water‐use efficiency depending on site conditions

Mixed conifer–hardwood forests can be more productive than pure forests and they are increasingly considered as ecosystems that could provide adaptation strategies in the face of global change. However, the combined effects of tree‐to‐tree competition, rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate on such mixtures remain poorly characterized and understood. To fill this research gap, we reconstructed 34‐year series (1980–2013) of growth (basal area increment, BAI) and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)–European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) mixed stands at two climatically contrasting sites located in the southwestern Pyrenees. We also gathered data on tree‐to‐tree competition and climate variables in order to test the hypotheses that (1) radial growth will be greater when exposed to inter‐ than to intraspecific competition, that is, when species complementarity occurs and (2) enhanced iWUE could be linked to improved stem radial growth. Growth of both species was reduced when intraspecific competition increased. Species complementarity was linked to improved growth of Scots pine at the continental site, while competition overrode any complementarity advantage at the drought‐prone Mediterranean site. Beech growth did not show any significant response to pine admixture likely due to shade tolerance and the highly competitive nature of this species. Increasing interspecific competition drove recent iWUE changes, which increased in Scots pine but decreased in European beech. The iWUE enhancement did not involve any growth improvement in Scots pine. However, the positive BAI‐iWUE relationship found for beech suggests an enhanced beech growth in drought‐prone sites due to improved water use. Synthesis. Complementarity may enhance growth in mixed forests. However, water scarcity can constrict light‐related complementarity for shade intolerant species (Scots pine) in drought‐prone sites. Basal area increment–intrinsic water‐use efficiency relationships were negative for Scots pine and positive for European beech. These contrasting behaviours have got implications for coping with the expected increasing drought events in Scots pine–European beech mixtures located near the ecological limit of the two species. Complementarity effects between tree species should be considered to avoid overestimating the degree of future carbon uptake by mixed conifer–broadleaf forests.
Taxonomic Update and Habitat Status to Byttneria herbacea from Peninsular India

Byttneria herbacea is a threatened and endemic species to Indian Peninsular region. It was earlier placed in Sterculiaceae and then a separate family Byttneriaceae. As per APG classification, it is now treated in family Malvaceae. Endemic taxa are usually more vulnerable to anthropogenic threats, natural and climate changes, and therefore hold a higher extinction risk. Taxonomic study on endemic taxa improves a basic understanding for correct identification and description. Habitat and distribution study are essential to get specific information and interpretation on current status and population dynamics of the taxon including niche requirements. It mainly contributes to several branches of applied biology. Frequent botanical exploration work was undertaken to collect the Byttneria herbacea in the forests of Peninsular India and it was identified with help of various Floras. The present study provides the information to Byttneria herbacea, which includes a detailed morphological description with data on its relevant taxonomic notes, illustration, current distribution patterns with distribution map, habitats, ecological note, population size, conservation status and threats to the selected species. The present study is the first-ever attempt at studying the taxonomic and habitat distribution aspects of Byttneria herbacea in the Indian Peninsular region. This study helps for long-term conservation and management plan of Byttneria herbacea for foresters and researchers.
Challenging Approaches in Combating Streptococcus Pneumonia Infection

Context: Streptococcus pneumoniae [pneumococcus] induces a large variety of the diseases burden such as bacteremia, meningitis, otitis media and pneumonia in human. Among these, the meningitis can be disclosed with long-lost diseases sequelae. Over the last decades, various recommendations and consensus were released to better manage this major respiratory disease. Evidence Acquisition: However, there is a controversy among the clinicians about the best strategy in dealing with this chronic infection. In brief, using proper antibiotics or conjugate vaccine to battle this bacterium is a critical question for the clinical setting. Results: Taken together, it seems that the best possible adopted strategy is to apply the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in management due to the following two reasons: 1) reducing the bacterial antibiotic resistance rates and 2) decreasing the prevalence of pneumoniae mortality and morbidity at global scale Conclusion: Conclusively, continuous surveillance surveys determining antibiotic resistance seem inevitable to track pneumococcal genetical variable populations for both successful antibiotic therapy and proper vaccination.
Surviving after Cross-Border Acquisitions: How Business Relatedness, Host Country Experience, and Cultural Distance Affect Acquired Firms

The effects of cross-border acquisitions on the survival of target firms is attracting increasing academic interest. Specifically, whether cross-border acquisitions may hamper target firms’ performance or enhance their sustainable competitiveness represents a highly debated research question. Building on the knowledge-based perspective of mergers and acquisitions, this paper directs attention to absorptive capacity and investigates the likelihood of survival of target firms acquired by foreign investors. In particular, it examines the role played by three potential antecedent conditions of an acquiring firm’s absorptive capacity on the probability of the target firm’s survival: (a) The business relatedness between acquirer and target, (b) previous experience of the acquirer in the host country, and (c) the cultural distance between the countries of the acquiring and acquired firms. Based on a sample of 396 Italian firms acquired by foreign multinationals, results suggest that target firms are more likely to survive in case the acquirer benefits from previous country-level experience and in case of business relatedness, while the cultural distance between the home country of the acquiring firm and Italy does not prove to be a significant determinant of survival versus mortality of acquired subsidiaries. Overall, our analysis confirms that context familiarity, in terms of both country and business contexts, plays a fundamental role in determining the sustainable competitiveness of acquired firms.
Hepatic pathologies in the brackish water catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from contaminated locations of the Lagos lagoon complex.

Several toxicological studies into the effects of aquatic pollutants on the liver of teleost fish exist in literature. The focus on the liver in these studies is predicated on its central nature in the scheme of biotransformation and excretion of xenobiotics following exposure in polluted water bodies. As a consequence of the latter primary role of the liver in these processes it is regarded as a predilective site for the sub lethal effects of xenobiotics on the organism usually detectable at histological level. Hepatic histopathology recorded in livers from feral populations of the brackish water catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from locations on the Lagos lagoon complex with significant anthropogenic inputs from denizen populations and industries are presented. Liver sections from sixty specimens from two locations on the Lagos lagoon complex (Badagry lagoon: 6°24’N, 2°56’E; and Lagos lagoon: 6°29’N, 3°22’E) were analysed. Observed pathologies included hydropic degeneration (58%), portal / sinusoidal congestion (33%), hepatic necrosis (26%), hemosiderosis (12%) and foci of cellular alterations (FCA’s). No obvious oncologic features were observed; the presence of the hydropic Vacuolation lesion was taken as prelude to the development of neoplasms and discussed as such. Key words: Liver, pathology, fish, toxicology, water quality.
Focused Fluid Flow Along the Nootka Fault Zone and Continental Slope, Explorer‐Juan de Fuca Plate Boundary

Geophysical and geochemical data indicate there is abundant fluid expulsion in the Nootka fault zone (NFZ) between the Juan de Fuca and Explorer plates and the Nootka continental slope. Here we combine observations from >20 years of investigations to demonstrate the nature of fluid‐flow along the NFZ, which is the seismically most active region off Vancouver Island. Seismicity reaching down to the upper mantle is linked to near‐seafloor manifestation of fluid flow through a network of faults. Along the two main fault traces, seismic reflection data imaged bright spots 100–300 m below seafloor that lie above changes in basement topography. The bright spots are conformable to sediment layering, show opposite‐to‐seafloor reflection polarity, and are associated with frequency reduction and velocity push‐down indicating the presence of gas in the sediments. Two seafloor mounds ~15 km seaward of the Nootka slope are underlain by deep, nonconformable high‐amplitude reflective zones. Measurements in the water column above one mound revealed a plume of warm water, and bottom‐video observations imaged hydrothermal vent system biota. Pore fluids from a core at this mound contain predominately microbial methane (C1) with a high proportion of ethane (C2) yielding C1/C2 ratios <500 indicating a possible slight contribution from a deep source. We infer the reflective zones beneath the two mounds are basaltic intrusions that create hydrothermal circulation within the overlying sediments. Across the Nootka continental slope, gas hydrate‐related bottom‐simulating reflectors are widespread and occur at depths indicating heat flow values of 80–90 mW/m2.
Effect of plant extracts and chemical fungicide on viability and percentage of seed-borne fungal infection on calliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus) seed

Calliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus) is one of the potential tree species that can be used as bio-energy resources. Unfortunately, fungi are one of the factors that can infect and decrease the viability of calliandra seeds. Some efforts are needed to improve the viability and inhibit fungal infection through biological or chemical treatments. The study was conducted to determine the effects of various plant extracts and chemical fungicide on the germination capability, as well as the inhibition of fungal infection in calliandra seeds. Parameters observed in this study were seed germination and fungi infection percentage. Seeds were treated by immersing them in hot water (five minutes) followed by chemical fungicides (i.e., benomyl, mancozeb) or plant extracts (i.e., ginger, onion, garlic, turmeric) for one hour. The study design used was a completely randomized design. The results showed that all the treatments could increase seed viability significantly. The treatment with immersion in onion, ginger and mancozeb was more effective on seed germination ability (88.67%, 8.33%, 86%) and reduced in fungal infections (11.33%, 5.33%, 0%). These treatments resulted in a significant difference between seed germination compared with the hot water and turmeric treatments. The best germination and reduction of fungal infection on calliandra seeds were showed on treatment by onion and mancozeb, respectively. The results revealed that garlic, onion, turmeric have a significant effect in inhibiting all fungal species compared to the hot water treatment. Ginger and onion extracts were effective treatments for increasing seed germination and controlling the fungal infection.
In vitro DNA damage protection and anti‐inflammatory effects of Tartary buckwheats (Fagopyrum tataricum L. Gaertn) fermented by filamentous fungi

Summary The present work was designed to investigate the phenolic profiles, DNA damage protection and anti-inflammatory effects of Tartary buckwheat fermented by Rhizopus oryzae 40469, Rhizopus oryzae 40503 and Rhizopus oligosporus 3152. Six phenolic compounds were characterised and quantified. Regardless of fermentation, rutin was the dominant phenolic substance in Tartary buckwheat. Fermentation significantly enhanced total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as DNA scission protection. Rhizopus oryzae 40469-fermented sample had the highest content of phenolics, while R. oligosporus 3152-fermented sample had the strongest inhibitory effect on DNA scission. Tartary buckwheat, regardless of fermentation, inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the sample fermented with R. oryzae 40503 had the strongest inhibitory activity. Those results indicated that fermented Tartary buckwheat has potential applications as a novel nutraceutical or functional food for preventing DNA damage-induced disease and inflammation.
Circadian basis of seasonal timing in higher vertebrates

Abstract The two dominant environmental oscillations shape biology and survival of species: the day–night cycle and the succession of the seasons in the year. Organisms have adapted to anticipate these variations by evolving internal circadian (ca.- about, diem- day) and circannual clocks. The former enables the organisms to regulate physiological functions on a daily basis, and the latter on the annual basis. In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus contain master pacemaker and orchestrate peripheral clocks in synchrony with the daily 24 h light-dark cycle, while in birds circadian pacemake is an interacting system principally located in the retina, pineal and the hypothalamus. In this mini review, we discuss the role of circadian clocks in regulation of seasonal timing in higher vertebrates, with reference to birds and mammals.
The population and mortality characteristics of mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) in the mangrove ecosystem of Tarakan City, Indonesia

Indarjo A, Salim G, Zein M, Septian D, Bija S. 2020. The population and mortality characteristics of mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) in the mangrove ecosystem of Tarakan City, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 3856-3866. The mangrove crab is an iconic species of Tarakan City and is often is used as a souvenir. However, the high demand for this species can cause its population to decline. This study aimed to characterize the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) population in the mangrove ecosystem of Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study was designed using a quantitative descriptive method with a case study model. The samples of mangrove crabs were obtained from 6 different stations using a purposive sampling method. The mangrove crab specimens were caught using 35-50 units of crab traps known as the ambau brackets. The primary data included carapace length, carapace width, carapace thickness, sex, and the total weight of each mangrove crab specimen. The results showed that male mangrove crabs have positive allometric growth when the condition index was fat. However, female crabs exhibited negative allometric growth when the condition index was thin. The Von Bertalanffy growth model analysis showed that the maximum carapace length of male mangrove crab in the mangrove ecosystem of Tarakan City was approximately 11.1118 cm for 189 days, while the female length was 9.6474 cm for 80 days. The total mortality value of male and female crabs was 120.01% and 154.94%, the mortality due to fishing was 84.69% and 135.75%, and natural mortality was 35.32% and 19.2%, respectively. The estimated rate of exploitation of both male and female crabs was 70.57% and 87.61%, respectively. The exploitation of S. serrata in the mangrove ecosystem of Tarakan City was evident, hence, conservation efforts are urgently required.
Estimating Rainfall Erosivity from Daily Precipitation Using Generalized Additive Models

One of the most important natural processes responsible for soil loss is rainfall-induced erosion. The calculation of rainfall erosivity, as defined in the Universal Soil Loss Equation, requires the availability of rainfall data, either continuous breakpoint, or pluviograph, with sampling intervals on the order of minutes. Due to the limited temporal coverage and spatial scarcity of such data, worldwide, alternative equations have been developed that utilize coarser rainfall records, in an effort to estimate erosivity equivalently to that calculated using pluviograph data. This paper presents the application of generalized additive models (GAMs) to estimate erosivity utilizing daily rainfall records. As a case study, pluviograph data with a time step of 30 min from the Water District of Thrace in Greece were used. By applying GAMs, it became possible to model the nonlinear relation between daily rainfall, seasonal periodicity, and rainfall erosivity more effectively, in terms of accuracy, than the application of two well-known nonlinear empirical equations, both on a daily and an annual basis.
Financial inclusion and human development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT Despite the rapid economic growth recorded since the 1990s, inequality, poverty and unemployment levels remain high in most African countries. As such, achieving socio-economic goals has been the major focus of policymakers. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of financial inclusion on human development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Access to and usage of financial services may encourage business start-ups, allow individuals to invest in health and education, manage risk and lessen the burden of financial shocks, and therefore, impact positively on human development. The study employs the panel data approach and utilises the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique. The results show that financial inclusion has a positive effect on human development. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers implement measures that reduce the costs of access to and usage of financial services, such as investments in infrastructure, and raise awareness of the available financial services.
Mixotrophic ciliates in Andean lakes: light and prey dependence

Ophrydium naumanni Pejler is a freshwater pelagic ciliate with endosymbiotic Chlorella. This ciliate species was found to be abundant in transparent oligotrophic lakes, and solitary individuals and small colonies of up to 20 individuals have been reported in Andean lakes from Argentina and Chile. In the present study, the light and prey dependence of O. naumanni were tested during a field study and in an experimental design. A series of grazing experiments with fluorescently labeled bacteria (FLB) and fluorescent latex microspheres of 0.5-flm diameter were performed in laboratory and field incubatio.ns. In t~e field experiments, ciliate grazing on bactena and, m the laboratory experiments, the particle uptake of the ciliate, were compared under dark and light conditions. The study was conducted in Lake Moreno Oeste (41° 5' S and 71° 33' W, 758 m a.s.l.), which belongs to the Nahue~ Huapi ~ystem ~Patag? ~ia, Argentina). The lake ts ultraohgotrophtc (epdtmnetic chlorophyll a concentration <l flg Land total phosphorus between 2 and 4 flg V), with a high transparency (Secchi depth: 20 '! 1). The lake was sampled in a spring-summer penod. (1998-1999). During this sampling, O. naumanm was recorded throughout the water column, with densities between l and 6 cell mL-• The higher abundance of O. naumanni was observed near the limit of the euphotic wne (receiving 3.65-.10. flmol m-' < of PAR) and just below the upper hmu of the metaln~­ nion (temperature from 11 to 7 oq. Autotrophtc picoplankton showed the same vertical position in the water column, with higher densities around the 30-m depth. Correlation analyses showed positive significant results (P < 0.05) between vertical abundances of the ciliate and autotrophic picoplankton on all but one sampling date. In the in situ grazing experiments, O. naumanni was able to ingest the two types of offered prey (FLB and fluorescent microspheres); however, FLB were cleared at a higher rate than microspheres. At natural O. naumanni densities (4 ciliates mV), the population clearance rate was around 23-57 f! L day-, based on FLB consumption. In the laboratory experiments O. naumanni cells were acclimatized to a condition with or without light for 15 h prior to the feeding experiments. Ciliate particle ingestion was observed to be ~ependent on light availability since, under dark condmons, the ingestion was lowered, opposite to what would be expected if the two feedin~ m? des were used al~erna­ tively. These results may md~cate that th~ ~nmary energy source for ciliate cells ! S endosymbtotlc alg~e and that phagotrophy is needed to fulfill bas! C requirements.
STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF INTERACTION WITH THE SUPERVISORS DURING THE TRANSITION TO CLINICAL CLERKSHIPS

Background: Transition to clinical clerkships involves significant changes for students in terms of learning environment and approach to learning. As clinical supervisors, doctors are one of the essential learning resources who also provide access for participation in a clinical environment. This study explored undergraduate medical students’ experiences during the transition to clinical clerkships to understand how these experiences affect their learning. This paper aims to report factors affecting students’ interaction with supervisors during the transition period. Method: This was a qualitative phenomenological study. Participants were selected purposely to represent gender and group of student rotations. Eight 4 year medical students (five female, three male) submitted audio diaries during their first 12 weeks of clinical clerkships. Forty-six of the 73 audio diaries collected in the study contained interactions with supervisors, and these interactions were captured in 76 excerpts. Results: Six themes emerged regarding factors affecting the interaction: (1) characters of the supervisors including the willingness to teach, showing concerns, asking questions to test comprehension, inviting explicitly; (2) supervisors’ workload; (3) students’ clinical knowledge and skills; (4) students’ initiatives: actively participating, asking questions; (5) curriculum and organization: the chance to do mutual interaction (i.e., mini-CEX), clarity of students’ roles and educational goals; (6) senior peers. Conclusions: Interactions between students and supervisors during the transition to clinical clerkships were influenced by factors internal to both parts and external factors like curriculum and organization, workload, and the presence of senior peers. However, during this phase, where students had not developed a situational understanding of the new environment, supervisors’ characters strongly influenced the interactions through the provision of affective support.