Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trophic niche ontogeny and palaeoecology of early Toarcian Stenopterygius (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria)

Reconstructing ecological niche shifts during ontogeny in extinct animals with no living analogues is difficult without exceptional fossil collections. Here we demonstrate how a previously identified ontogenetic shift in the size and shape of the dentition in the early Toarcian ichthyosaur Stenopterygius quadriscissus accurately predicts a particular dietary shift. The smallest S. quadriscissus fed on small, burst‐swimming fishes, with a steady shift towards faster moving fish and cephalopods with increasing body size. Larger adult specimens appear to have been completely reliant on cephalopods, with fish completely absent from gut contents shortly after onset of sexual maturity. This is consistent with a previously proposed ontogenetic niche shift based on tooth shape and body size, corroborating the idea that dental ontogeny may be a useful predictor of dietary shifts in marine reptiles. Applying the theoretical framework used here to other extinct species will improve the resolution of palaeoecological reconstructions, where appropriate sample sizes exist.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance analysis was done using 45 F1 hybrids, 45 F2 generations and his parents obtained from a (10 x 10) diallel mating design for eight traits viz.; length of the pod (cm), no. of pods/plant no. of seeds/pod, no. of branches/plant, 100-grain weight (g), grain yield/plant (g), harvest index (%) and protein content (%). The magnitude of variability was higher for length of the pod and no. of pods/plant in F1 population. The mean performance and range of variability of crosses for eight characters showed significant differences in both the generations for all the traits under study. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance for harvest index, length of the pod, no. of seeds/pod, protein content and 100grain weight were observed in both the generations. These traits were moderately influence by non-additive gene action. Therefore, selection of these traits may be more effective for breeding point of view.
Germination Potential and Growth Behaviour of Eclipta alba

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine dormancy in Eclipta alba seeds. The effects of light, temperature, age of the seeds, simulated moisture stress, salt stress and variable pH were also studied. It was observed that the seeds germinated immediately after harvest and showed no dormancy. These possessed an absolute requirement of light for germination. 25°C was seen to be the optimal temperature for germination. These did not germinate beyond a water stress of −0.4 MPa. Low levels of salinity (0–120 mM NaCl) did not affect germination. Acidic pH completely inhibited germination. Only seeds at the surface layers of soil germinated. Those at a depth of even 2.5 cm did not germinate. Seed rain/m2 was observed to be 13, 63, 534. The results have been discussed in the light of literature available.
OPTICAL BLUR DISTURBS – THE INFLUENCE OF OPTICAL-BLURRED IMAGES IN PHOTOGRAMMTRY

Abstract. Photogrammetric processes such as camera calibration, feature and target detection and referencing are assumed to strongly depend on the quality of the images that are provided for the process. Consequently, motion and optically blurred images are usually excluded from photogrammetric processes to supress their negative influence. To evaluate how much optical blur is acceptable and how large the influence of optical blur is on photogrammetric procedures a variety of test environments were established. These were based upon previous motion blur research and included test fields for the analysis of camera calibration. For the evaluation, a DSLR camera as well as Lytro Illum light field camera were used. The results show that optical blur has a negative influence on photogrammetric procedures, mostly automatic target detection. With the intervention of an experienced operator and the use of semi-automatic tools, acceptable results can be established.
Model physics and chemistry causing intermodel disagreement within the VolMIP-Tambora Interactive Stratospheric Aerosol ensemble

Abstract. As part of the Model Intercomparison Project on the climatic response to Volcanic forcing (VolMIP), several climate modeling centers performed a coordinated pre-study experiment with interactive stratospheric aerosol models simulating the volcanic aerosol cloud from an eruption resembling the 1815 Mt. Tambora eruption (VolMIP-Tambora ISA ensemble). The pre-study provided the ancillary ability to assess intermodel diversity in the radiative forcing for a large stratospheric-injecting equatorial eruption when the volcanic aerosol cloud is simulated interactively. An initial analysis of the VolMIP-Tambora ISA ensemble showed large disparities between models in the stratospheric global mean aerosol optical depth (AOD). In this study, we now show that stratospheric global mean AOD differences among the participating models are primarily due to differences in aerosol size, which we track here by effective radius. We identify specific physical and chemical processes that are missing in some models and/or parameterized differently between models, which are together causing the differences in effective radius. In particular, our analysis indicates that interactively tracking hydroxyl radical (OH) chemistry following a large volcanic injection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an important factor in allowing for the timescale for sulfate formation to be properly simulated. In addition, depending on the timescale of sulfate formation, there can be a large difference in effective radius and subsequently AOD that results from whether the SO2 is injected in a single model grid cell near the location of the volcanic eruption, or whether it is injected as a longitudinally averaged band around the Earth.
The Effects of Different Seedbed Soil Particle Size Distribution and Seed Row Compaction Levels on the Germination and Yield of Spring Wheat

In this study, the effects of different soil particle size distribution and seed row compaction levels on the soil physical properties, seed germination and yield of spring wheat were investigated. A horizontal axis rotary tiller was used to fragment soil into different particle size, at the 207 rpm constant rotor rotational speed and 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 ms tractor forward speeds. Rubber wheels, which connected seeder with special connection and with different additional iron plate weights, were used to compact seed rows. By using additional weights on the rubber wheels 5 different compaction levels (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kPa) were generated. Obtained results shown that, as the compaction level on the seeding rows increased, soil moisture content and seed germination increased. The best seed germination and soil moisture content were found at the plots that 5th compaction level (60 kPa) applied. The seedbed soil particle size distribution hadn’t affect on seed germination and soil moisture content as statistically. According to plant growth and yield, however, the best results obtained in the plots where compaction level was 5. (60 kPa) and soil particle size level was 3. (1 m/s tractor forward speed).
Summer Farmers, Diversification and Rural Tourism—Challenges and Opportunities in the Wake of the Entrepreneurial Turn in Swedish Policies (1991–2019)

Since the 1990s Swedish authorities have increasingly treated summer farms as businesses, expecting them to generate profits like any other firm. However, in addition to being financially independent, summer farms are expected to provide a number of services, to help maintain biological heritage, provide beautiful landscapes for tourists, and much more. Summer farmers are also forced to co-exist with other local stakeholders that base their activities on the same resources, e.g., adventure and nature-based tourism, agriculture, and other businesses. All of this creates a number of entrepreneurial challenges but can also open new windows of opportunity. The response of summer farmers has been to diversify activities to cope with shrinking income and the seasonal character of their trade. Most new business strategies include tourism or increasing the number of cattle rationalizing animal husbandry. The strategies have partly been influenced by policies and partly by new market opportunities. Departing from a business, spatial and institutional contextual analysis we identified five main entrepreneurial strategies, three of which are related to rural tourism, one is related to increasing the animal herd and the fifth is a no-strategy, maintaining status quo. This article analyses the reality of summer farms from a business perspective. The main questions to be answered are: How have summer farmers responded to the entrepreneurial turn in regional development policies? Which are their main business challenges and opportunities?
Forest structure determines large liana abundance and distribution in Gabon By :

Aim: Lianas are an important component of forest structure in the tropics, accounting for up to 45% of total stems. Mounting evidence that tropical forests are undergoing structural changes, with a growing abundance of lianas reducing forest carbon storage potential, imparts a sense of urgency to study the drivers that control liana abundance and biomass, particularly in Africa where data come from a few, small‐scale studies. Location: Gabon, Africa. Methods: In the first countrywide study of lianas, we implemented the most ambitious, large‐scale forest inventory in tropical Africa to date, quantifying the density, basal area and biomass of large lianas (≥10 cm in diameter) using a systematic, random design of 104 plots located across Gabon. Additionally, we examined the relative importance of environmental variables (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, seasonality, soil nitrogen, soil fertility), disturbance (effect of gaps, forest type) and forest structure (large tree biomass) in driving macroscale variation in the abundance of large lianas. Results: In total, we surveyed 1354 large lianas, and found the density, basal area and biomass of large lianas in Gabon to be comparable to that in other tropical forests. The success of large lianas was positively related to soil N, but most strongly correlated with forest structure, particularly large tree biomass. The strength of the association between large lianas and large trees increased with tree size class. Main conclusions: Forest structure and the availability of large trees may be more important predictors of the abundance and distribution of large lianas in African tropical forests than environmental variables and disturbance. Changing environmental conditions are likely to have little direct effect on large lianas, but climate change, defaunation and land‐use activities that diminish forest structure and reduce the number of large trees could have strong indirect effects on large lianas in Central African forests.
Effect of soil texture and wheat plants on N2O fluxes: A lysimeter

20 © 2016. This manuscript version is made available under the Elsevier user license http://www.elsevier. com/open-access/userlicense/1.0/ 2 Agricultural soils are a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and an understanding 21 of factors regulating such emissions across contrasting soil types is critical for improved 22 estimation through modelling and mitigation of N2O. In this study we investigated the role of 23 soil texture and its interaction with plants in regulating the N2O fluxes in agricultural 24 systems. A measurement system that combined weighing lysimeters with automated 25 chambers was used to directly compare continuously measured surface N2O fluxes, leaching 26 losses of water and nitrogen and evapotranspiration in three contrasting soils types of the 27 Riverine Plain, NSW, Australia. The soils comprised a deep sand, a loam and a clay loam 28 with and without the presence of wheat plants. All soils were under the same fertilizer 29 management and irrigation was applied according to plant water requirements. In fallow 30 soils, texture significantly affected N2O emissions in the order clay loam > loam > sand. 31 However, when planted, the difference in N2O emissions among the three soils types became 32 less pronounced. Nitrous oxide emissions were 6.2 and 2.4 times higher from fallow clay 33 loam and loam cores, respectively, compared with cores planted with wheat. This is 34 considered to be due to plant uptake of water and nitrogen which resulted in reduced amounts 35 of soil water and available nitrogen, and therefore less favourable soil conditions for 36 denitrification. The effect of plants on N2O emissions was not apparent in the coarse textured 37 sandy soil probably because of aerobic soil conditions, likely caused by low water holding 38 capacity and rapid drainage irrespective of plant presence resulting in reduced denitrification 39 activity. More than 90% of N2O emissions were derived from denitrification in the fine40 textured clay loam determined for a two week period using K 15 NO3 fertilizer. The 41 proportion of N2O that was not derived from K 15 NO3 was higher in the coarse-textured sand 42 and loam, which may have been derived from soil N through nitrification or denitrification of 43 mineralized N. Water filled pore space was a poorer predictor of N2O emissions compared 44 with volumetric water content because of variable bulk density among soil types. The data 45
The effect of a repeat septic shock simulation on the knowledge and skill performance of undergraduate nursing students

Background: Prelicensure nursing students possess minimal knowledge and skill to implement sepsis protocols effectively. This article evaluates an educational project to assess the impact of a repeat septic shock simulation on pre-licensure nursing students' knowledge and skill competency. Methods: A quasi-experimental, repeated measures, pre-post design strategy was used to evaluate a repeat septic shock simulation. A convenience sample of one-hundred-forty-three (N = 143) senior baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in the study. The project consisted of a septic shock didactic session, septic shock simulation with a high-fidelity mannequin, debrief, repeat simulation followed by a second debrief as a component of a complex health nursing course. Ninety-seven (n = 97) participants were randomly assigned to groups of up to five students to participate in a repeat septic shock simulation. Forty-six (n = 46) participants were randomly assigned to up to five students and served as a control group. The control group participated in all study elements except the repeat simulation. Results: The percent change in nursing students’ knowledge scores from Pre-simulation to Post-simulation was statistically significant ( p < .001). The initial and repeat simulation realized modest gains in competency scores between the initial and repeated simulation. Conclusions: Providing concurrent experiences using a screening tool in real-time while simultaneously providing an opportunity to practice and refine clinical judgment through a repeat simulation proved effective.
Interbank Asset-Liability Networks with Fire Sale Management

Mobiliser des liquidites lorsqu’il y a des difficultes de financement exerce des pressions sur le marche financier. Liquider de grandes quantites d’actifs fait baisser leur prix et peut amplifier les chocs de financement. Comment les mesures prises par les banques pour surmonter une crise de financement accroissent-elles le risque de contagion? Nous proposons un modele permettant d’etudier la transmission des difficultes au sein d’un systeme bancaire ebranle par un choc de financement. Le modele prend en compte 1) les effets indirects qui decoulent de l’incidence sur les prix d’un reinvestissement optimal de l’actif des banques et 2) les effets de reseau observes si les banques ne sont pas en mesure de rembourser tout ce qu’elles doivent aux autres banques (expositions interbancaires directes). Nous demontrons comment, et a quel prix, les banques liquident leurs actifs a l’equilibre, et examinons le role des organismes de reglementation sur la stabilisation des prix pendant une crise de financement. Nos resultats empiriques, bases sur les donnees de l’autorite canadienne de surveillance, revelent que meme des chocs de financement de tres grande ampleur sont peu susceptibles de declencher des defauts en cascade. Cependant, les pertes attribuables a la liquidation d’actifs en catastrophe pourraient etre substantielles. Neanmoins, une banque a moins tendance a reagir de maniere excessive ou a vendre plus que le strict necessaire quand elle prend en compte les actions des autres banques.
Productivity, quality, nitrate-N and disease incidence in fodder pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as influenced by irrigation and nitrogen levels

Fodder yield, quality NO3-N concentration and disease prevalence (leaf spots and downy mildew) in pearl millet were evaluated under different irrigation and N levels in Kharif 2010 and 2011. Green fodder and dry matter yield of pearl millet increased significantly with increase in N levels upto 75 kg N/ha (535.8 and 116.4 q/ha) due to improvement in yield attributes like plant height, tillers/plant and number of leaves per plant. The highest level of nitrogen (150 kg N/ha) resulted in reduced in fodder yield due to lodging of the crop. The irrigated crop gave significantly higher fodder yield than un-irrigated and magnitude of increase was 15.9%. Crude protein content increased from 7.05% in control to 9.46% at 150 kg N/ha. The high crude protein content (8.50%) was obtained in un-irrigated as compared to irrigated (8.01%) crop. The NO3-N concentration in pearl millet fodder increased with increase in nitrogen levels upto 150 kg N/ha under both irrigated and un-irrigated conditions but was below toxic limit of 2000 ppm. The NO3-N concentration was more under un-irrigated conditions. Downy mildew disease incidence in pearl millet was maximum (7.33%) at 150kg N/ha as compared to 1.95% in control under irrigated conditions. Similar trend was observed in percent severity of leaf spots.
Endocannabinoid system and anticancer properties of cannabinoids

Cannabinoids impact human body by binding to cannabinoids receptors (CB1 and CB2). The two main phytocannabinoids are Δ 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC interacts with CB1 receptors occurring in central nervous system and is responsible for psychoactive properties of marijuana. CBD has low affinity to CB1 receptor, has no psychoactive characteristics and its medical applications can be wider. CB receptors are part of a complex machinery involved in regulation of many physiological processes – endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids have found some applications in palliative medicine, but there are many reports concerning their anticancer affects. Agonists of CB1 receptors stimulate accumulation of ceramides in cancer cells, stress of endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) and, in turn, apoptosis. Effects of cannabinoids showing low affinity to CB receptors is mediated probably by induction of reactive oxygen species production. Knowledge of antitumor activity of cannabinoids is still based only on preclinical studies and there is a necessity to conduct more experiments to assess the real potential of these compounds.
Exploring Gender Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder in Responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

1 Chapter One: Introduction . 2 Chapter Two: Literature Review . 3 Diagnostic Overlap Between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder . 3 Gender Differences in Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder . 10 The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) . 13 Rationale for Present Study . 22 Aims and Hypotheses . 25 Chapter Three: Methodology . 27 Participants . 27 Measures . 27 Procedure . 28 Data Analysis . 28 Ethical Safeguards . 29 Chapter Four: Results . 30 Demographic Data . 30 Hypothesis 1. 33 Hypothesis 2. 37 Chapter Five: Discussion . 42 Hypothesis 1. 43 Hypothesis 2. 45 Limitations . 46
Evolution de la teneur en huile et de sa composition en acides gras chez deux variétés de tournesol (oléique ou non) sous l'effet de températures différentes pendant la maturation des graines

En vue d'apporter une contribution a la connaissance des facteurs de variations de la qualite de la graine de tournesol (huile et acides gras), les resultats presentes portent sur l'effet de deux scenarios climatiques durant la phase de maturite sur les caracteristiques finales de la graine de deux types varietaux contrastes: le premier de type «standard» au plan de ses equilibres en acides gras et le second de type «oleique». Les cinetiques d'accumulation de l'huile et des principaux acides gras sont ainsi decrites. Concernant la teneur en huile, il se confirme que la teneur finale de la graine est atteinte 45 jours apres le debut de l'anthese. Au plan des cinetiques d'accumulation des acides gras, on met bien en evidence les activites des desaturases convertissant ou non l'acide stearique en acide oleique ou l'acide oleique en acide linoleique. Sous l'effet des temperatures elevees, les teneurs en acide oleique sont toujours plus elevees, revelant un effet sur l'activite des desaturases. Des conclusions sont portees sur l'interet de la zone de culture du tournesol selon l'objectif final de production d'acides gras.
Molecular characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates harboring genetic elements mediating multiple-drug resistance

Intensive antibiotics’ use in the management of the disease in neonate calves, a major economic concern in bovine industry, is one of the contributors to high levels of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance patterns and the frequency of integrons classes among Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains isolated from neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) in South of Iran. 412 recto-anal mucosal swabs from diarrheic calves were analyzed by biochemical fingerprinting and for virulence genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates were examined for their susceptibility to a panel of 8 antibacterial agents using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Finally, the frequency of integron classes was detected in multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP). 194 out of 412 (47.09%) diarrheic fecal samples harbored E. coli and 35 (18%) of them were identified as ETEC. The drug susceptibility test showed that all isolates were resistant to erythromycin, penicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and more than 80% were resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. All isolates were MDR. 17 out of 35 (48.57%) isolates were identified possessed class 1 integron. High prevalence of class 1 integron in ETEC isolates was mainly associated with multidrug resistance. Cefixime was the most effective antibiotic in vitro.