Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demographics, pollination syndrome and conservation status of Macrozamia platyrhachis (Zamiaceae), a geographically restricted Queensland cycad

To assess the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of Macrozamia platyrhachis F.M. Bailey, we surveyed this central Queensland cycad for its population abundance and health and its pollinator type and pollination syndrome (thermogenesis and volatile emissions). Plants are locally abundant within the 11 discrete populations surveyed, with an estimated population of 611 315 adult plants. Plants are highly restricted to a small area of occupancy, seed dispersal is nearly non-existent and extreme fires appear to have destroyed almost all seeds and seedlings and decimated the pollinators. Of known Macrozamia pollinators, only the thrips, Cycadothrips chadwicki Mound, were found on cones, and these were found in very low numbers. The pollination syndrome for this cycad appears to be unique, based on two cone traits. For one, thermogenesis peaks in early evening, a contrast with daytime peaks of other Cycadothrips-pollinated Macrozamia, but matches that of the Tranes weevil-pollinated Macrozamia machinii. In addition, cone volatiles include both previously unreported compounds as well as those reported exclusively on either Cycadothrips- or Tranes-pollinated species. Based on its small, fragmented area of occupancy, projected population declines and the unique pollination syndrome, we recommend that M. platyrhachis retain its current status as 'Endangered'. Habitat management plans should stipulate that controlled burns be avoided during cycad coning season and that wildfires be controlled to minimise damage to seedlings and pollinators.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Marketing, Internal Marketing and Organisational Commitment on Customer Loyalty with the Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction in the FMCG Sector of Pakistan

The objective of the study is to examine the impact of entrepreneurial marketing, internal marketing and organisational commitment on customer loyalty with the mediation of customer satisfaction in the FMCG market of Karachi, Pakistan. The study has gathered 167 responses from the target population using convenience sampling method and five-point Likert scale questionnaire as data collection instrument. Partial Least Square (PLS) method to SEM has been employed as data analysis technique using SmartPLS version 3.0. The results revealed that entrepreneurial marketing and internal marketing have statistically significant influence on customer satisfaction. Whereas, the impact of entrepreneurial marketing on customer loyalty with the mediation of customer satisfaction has also found statistically significant but internal marketing does not contributes to customer loyalty. However, organisational commitment does not contribute to customer satisfaction and customer loyalty either. The study consequently concluded that utilisation of external and internal resources for customer-orientation would provide beneficial outcomes to FMCG firms in Pakistan. The study also provides some practical implications and future research recommendations.
Density Dependence and Patch Dynamics in Tropical Rain Forests: Matrix Models and Applications to a Tree Species

In this article I present four matrix models that incorporate the possible combinations of two factors affecting populations in tropical rain forests: presence or absence of density-dependent demographic rates and presence or absence of density-independent patch dynamics. By mapping the contrasting results of population growth rate, size, and structure to the assumptions of these four models, the combined and isolated effect of density dependence and patch dynamics is quantified. The models were applied to Cecropia obtusifolia, a tropical pioneer tree species, for which field evidence on gap and density dependence is presented Models' parameters were estimated from new, 7-yr population data at Los Tuxtlas and published forest dynamics data The C. obtusifolia population at Los Tuxtlas suffers negative density-dependent regulation in fecundity and adult survival that significantly affects population structure. Its growth rate and size are strongly affected by the gap dynamics regime. The population is sensitive to the quality as well as the quantity of disturbances. Results also showed how the specification of a population model mediates evaluations of the importance of density-dependent mechanisms on population dynamics and structure, interpretations of the evolutionary dynamics of life-history traits, and assessments of the effect of harvesting regimes on the size and structure of populations.
Ecological status of Hout River Dam, Limpopo province, South Africa, using fish condition and health assessment index protocols: a preliminary investigation

The ecological status of Hout River Dam was evaluated in 2011 by assessing fish health, based on condition factor (K), health assessment index (HAI) and inverted parasite index (IPI), which provided a simple and rapid means of establishing the health of fish. Surveys were conducted during summer, winter and spring 2011. To verify results, water quality was analysed during each survey. Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis mossambicus and Cyprinus carpio were collected using conventional angling gear and gillnets. Mean K values of 0.6, 2.0 and 1.4, and HAI scores of 38, 41 and 35, were recorded for each species, respectively. The metrics that correlated best with fish health scores were haematocrit values and ecto- and endoparasite indices. Differences in K, HAI, and HAI using IPI determinations, were insignificant (p > 0.05) between species, while water contaminants, with the exception of ammonium (NH4), nitrate (NO3) and aluminium (Al) concentrations in summer, fell within the levels stipulated by the South African target water quality range guidelines for aquatic ecosystems. It was thus inferred that the dam was in a good ecological state.
Combination of Sparse Classification and Multilayer Perceptron for Noise-robust ASR

On the AURORA-2 task good results at low SNR levels have been obtained with a system that uses state posterior estimates provided by an exemplar-based sparse classification (SC) system. At the same time, posterior estimates obtained with a multilayer perceptron (MLP) yield good results at high SNRs. In this paper, we investigate the effect of combining the estimates from the SC and MLP systems at the probability level. More precisely, the probabilities are combined by a sum or a product rule using static and inverse-entropy based dynamic weights. In addition, we investigate a modified dynamic weighting approach which enhances the contribution of the SC stream based on the information about static weights and average dynamic weights obtained on cross-validation data. Our study on the AURORA-2 task shows that in all conditions the modified dynamic weighting approach yields a dual-input system that performs better than or equal to the best stand-alone system.
High viral suppression and low attrition in healthy HIV-infected patients initiated on ART with CD4 above 500 cells/µL in a program setting in Uganda

Background The World Health Organization recommends antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected patients at all CD4 counts. However, there are concerns that asymptomatic patients may have poorer viral suppression and high attrition. Objectives We sought to determine attrition and viral suppression among healthy HIV-infected patients initiated on ART in program settings. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled ART-experienced patients attending two PEPFAR-supported, high-volume clinics in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible patients were >18 years and had completed at least six months on ART. Participants were interviewed on socio-demographics, ART history and plasma viral load (VL) determined using Abbott Real-time. Predictors of viral suppression (<75 copies/ml) were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results Overall, 267 participants were screened, 228 were eligible and 203 (89%) retained in care (visit within 90 days). Of the 203 participants, 115 (56.7%) were key-populations. Viral suppression was achieved in 173 patients (85%; 95% CI, 80.3%–90.1%). The factors associated with viral suppression were prior VL tests (AOR 6.98; p-value <0.001) and receiving care from a general clinic (AOR 5.41; p=0.009). Conclusion Asymptomatic patients initiated on ART with high baseline CD4 counts, achieve high viral suppression with low risk of attrition. VL monitoring and clinic type are associated with viral suppression.
The lines of evolution of the Bacillariophyta - II. The centric series

Evolution is concentrated in very rapid events of speciation. Most species during their geological history either do not change in any appreciable way, or else they fluctuate mildly with no apparent direction. ’ (Gould & Eldredge 1977) The evolution of the centric series of diatoms from simple Ur-diatoms is discussed. Evidence from ecology and fossil studies which may help is briefly evaluated together with a discussion of phylogenetic considerations and of ‘punctuated equilibria’. The evolution of centric morphology, origin and development of areolae, occluding plates, rimoportulae, fultoportulae, ocelli and pseudocelli are discussed, and the possible lines of development of these is documented.
The ecology of three communities of small mammals at different altitudes in Malawi, Central Africa

This study compares the results of three studies and assesses the effects of seasonal changes in the environment on populations of small mammals at three altitudes in Malawi (Zomba Plateau [1900 m], Liwonde National Park [550 m] and Lengwe National Park [100 m]). Zomba Plateau had a higher annual rainfall (mean 2244 mm), longer wet season, shorter dry season, cooler temperatures and smaller water deficit than either Liwonde NP or Lengwe NP (which had similar climates). Maximum grass biomass (and fluctuation index) was 814 g/m2 (1.7) on Zomba Plateau, 1066 g/m2 (2.7) at Liwonde, and 854 g/m2 (30.5) at Lengwe. Sixteen species of rodents were recorded, 7–9 at each study area; the species on Zomba Plateau did not occur at the lower altitudes, and the lower altitude species did not occur on Zomba Plateau. Percentage Similarity and Coefficients of Community showed that there was considerable similarity between Liwonde and Lengwe, but no similarity between either of them and Zomba Plateau. Mean population densities of small rodents (range, fluctuation index) were 23/ha (15–35, 2.3) on Zomba Plateau, 12.6 (2.7–19.1, 7.1) at Liwonde, and 14.5 (0.9–30.9, 33.9) at Lengwe. Stability of the environment tends to confer stability in demographic characteristics. Reproduction was mainly confined to the wet season (December to April) at all altitudes. Comparison of the proportion of new individuals each month, and the duration of residence by individuals, suggests that turnover of the population was slowest on Zomba Plateau and fastest at Lengwe. There was no evidence for reduced litter size, reduced opportunity for reproduction, or increased age to maturity at the highest altitude compared with the lower altitudes as has been recorded in temperate environments.
Produção de amora-preta e amora-vermelha em Lavras - MG

Berries are widespread in temperate zones, but some cultivars have low requirements in cold weather and can be exploited in areas with high temperatures. The goal of this study was to evaluate the production of blackberries and redberry in Lavras (climate Cwb). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications and eleven treatments ('Arapaho', 'Xavante', 'Ebano', 'Comanche', 'Caingangue', 'Choctaw', 'Tupy', 'Guarani', 'Brazos' and 'Cherokee' blackberry cultivars and the redberry, native from Brazil). In each experimental plot it was evaluated phonological data, production data during 2010/11 and 2011/12 and physicochemical fruit characteristics. The blackberry cultivars have production cycle between 66 and 133 days, harvest period starting in September until January, and redberry production cycle has 283 days. 'Brazos' presented the highest estimated yield (kg ha-1). Brazos and Guarani cultivars enabled the production of higher fruit mass, while 'Caingangue', 'Tupy' and 'Choctaw' presented a good balance between soluble solids content and titratable acidity. The redberry had a high fruit production (527g per plant on 1st cycle and 344g per plant on 2nd cycle) and showed to be an excellent choice for processing
Habitat Use, Survival, and Site Fidelity of Rainbow Trout Stocked into an Appalachian River

Rainbow trout from private culture facilities were stocked into Bluestone River, West Virginia, to evaluate biological feasibility of stocking to enhance local angling opportunities. Between fall 2007 and spring 2009, over 2,400 fish were stocked. A subset of fish was tagged using radio transmitters (ATS model 1580), each bearing a unique frequency (48.000 to 49.999 Mhz) to monitor survival and availability of fish to anglers along a 1.6 km river reach. Tagged fish were 366 mm TL (33 mm SD) and 617g (128g SD) on average. Summarized seasonally, 73%–96% of fish remained within the study reach. Survival varied between years. Between fall 2007 and spring 2008 seasonal survival was 62%–89%, but from fall 2008 through spring 2009 it was 32%–66%. Mean availability (product of survival and site fidelity) ranged from 48%–78% over the study except it declined to 23% in winter 2008 due to low survival. This case study shows that cultured rainbow trout from private producers can be stocked into seasonally suitable streams to enhance local angling.
The Effect of Supply Chain and Organizational Culture on adoption of Green Practices by Restaurants and Hotels of Thailand

Sakapas Saengchai, Kittisak Jermsittiparsert, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand, Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam * Corresponding author Email: kittisak.jermsittiparsert@tdtu.edu. vn, sakapas.sa@ssru.ac. th
Effect of mash or pelleted supplements containing crab meal on intake and weight gains of beef cattle

Yearling beef steers showed a progressive decrease in rate of gain as crab meal replaced 33, 66 and 100% of supplemented soybean meal. The crab meal was highly resistant to degradation in sacco but was well digested in the whole tract of sheep. Rumen fluid from sheep fed crab meal was as effective for fiber digestion in vitro as that from sheep fed a similar diet without crab meal. It was concluded that the lower feed intake observed with cattle fed crab meal was not due to inhibition of fiber digestion. In a second experiment, there was no improvement in cattle performance when the crab meal was treated with the antioxidant ethoxyquin. Oxidation of crab meal that could lead to rancidity does not appear to be a problem, as adding ethoxyquin did not affect cattle performance. In a third experiment, pelleting a crab meal–alfalfa meal supplement increased intake from 1.22 kg d−1 to 1.64 kg d−1 (P < 0.01), and pelleting a crab meal–barley supplement increased intake from 1.55 kg d−1 to 1.80 kg d−1 (P < 0.05).
Effects of Seasonal Variations and Location on the Proximate Compositions of Vended Street Food in Parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State

This study examined the interaction effect of seasonal variations and locations on the proximate compositions of vended street food in parts of Port Harcourt metropolis. The study was carried out using complete randomized block design in factorial experiment. Three (3) Factorials were used (with factor A as Season, B as Location and C as Street Vended foods). The experiment was conducted in dry and raining seasons along the 3 locations (Makoba-station 1, Elekahia-station 2 and Rivers State University-station 3). The Six Food products investigated were roasted plantain, fish, yam, suya, meat pie and doughnuts that were purchased from parts of Port Harcourt city respectively. The foods were sampled twice each seasons and the mean results recorded. The Result for proximate composition of street vended foods during the raining and dry seasons, with moisture content ranged from RF1-3 Wet (58.90 - 62.53%) and Dry RF1-3 (52.55 - 59.56%), with the highest moisture content occurring in Fish at Makoba - 62.53% during the wet season, while the lowest moisture content was recorded by DN1-3 Wet (24.84 - 31.98%), Dry (19.08-23.52%) and showed that the Moisture content of each of the food types were significantly different (P 0.05) in spite of location. Three-way factorial analysis showed that the interaction effect of seasonal variation and location on the proximate composition of selected street vended foods were significantly different (P<0.05) and may be due to the processing and food handling methods, species, seasonal effects on the raw materials and not particularly about the location of food samples.
Laminarin (Beta-glucan) of Brown Algae Sargassum mcclurei: Extraction, Antioxidant Activity, Lipoxygenase Inhibition Activity, and Physicochemistry Properties

Laminarin is a storage glucan found in almost brown algae and possesses value bioactive. The study focused on the effect of the input factors of the extraction such as the temperature (30, 50, 70, and 90°C), the time (01, 02, 03, and 04 hours), the aqueous to algae ratio (20/1, 30/1, 40/1, and 50/1 (v/w)), and solvent pH (2, 7, and 9) on the function targets (laminarin content, total antioxidant activity, reducing power activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition activity), and the physical chemistry characterization of highest laminarin content was analyzed. The results showed the temperature, the time, the aqueous to algae, solvent pH affected on laminarin content, total antioxidant activity, reducing power activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition activity that got the highest value of 11.98±0.49 mg laminarin equivalent/g DW, 19.66±0.47 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW, 15.55±0.61 mg FeSO4 equivalent/g DW, and 73.04±2.53 µM linoleic acid equivalent/g DW, respectively. The suitable condition of extraction was collected consisting of the temperature of 90°C for 2 hours with the solvent to algae ratio of 40/1 (v/w) in pH solvent of 7. The average molecular weight, viscosity, and sulfate content of laminarin was 505.18 kDa, 14,17±0.29 cPs, and 48.72%, respectively. FTIR spectrum exhibited function groups of laminarin composed of O-H, -CH2-, C=O, C-O, –C–H, -O-SO3-, and -CH=CH-(cis).
Fertility preservation in endometrial cancer patients: options, challenges and perspectives

Several different approaches have been designed by physicians in order to preserve fertility in younger patients with endometrial carcinoma. There are various options offering different advantages, but hysteroscopic resection of pathologic endometrial tissue with placement of a Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device has proven to be the most successful in allowing patients to conceive and give birth afterwards. However, conservative treatments should only be considered in patients with low-grade and low-stage endometrial tumours. There are many published studies which have sought out a preferable approach to treating endometrial cancer whilst preserving fertility. However, more research on this matter is needed to allow a better understanding as to which techniques/approaches are optimal. In this review, we will summarise the current available treatment options for endometrial cancer in patients of reproductive age.
Foliar Herbivory Affects Floral Characters and Plant Attractiveness to Pollinators: Implications for Male and Female Plant Fitness

Plants are subject o selection exerted by both herbivores and pollinators simultaneously. Despite this fact, no previous tudy has directly linked foliar herbivory and pollination. A few studies have addressed how floral displays that attract pollinators may subsequently attract seed predators, when flowers mature to fruits (Campbell 1991; Brody 1992), but no one has examined how folivore-caused changes in floral characters, particularly corolla characters, affect pollinators. In the past, it has been assumed that floral characters, and particularly corolla characters, are relatively invariant because of the fitness consequences that reduced attractiveness to pollinators may have for self-incompatible plants (e.g., Harper 1977, p. 195). However, it is well known that natural variation in flower size, flower number, nectar production, and pollen production affects the attractiveness of plants to pollinators (e.g., Schemske 1980; Roubick and Buchmann 1984; Willmer 1986; Stanton and Preston 1988; Galen 1989). Effects of foliar herbivory on floral traits other than flower number are not well known (but see McKone 1989; Frazee and Marquis 1994; Quesada et al. 1995). Herbivore damage directly to corollas reduced the attractiveness of flowers to pollinators (Karban and Strauss 1993). The effects of foliar damage by herbivores on floral traits and, in turn, on the attractiveness of plants to pollinators have been generally ignored (Crawley 1989; Marquis 1992). The significance of floral responses to foliar herbivory is twofold. First, estimates of the effects of herbivory on plant fitness based on female fitness (seed production) may be misleading if plants suffer a reduction in male fitness (number of seeds sired on other plants through pollen). Herbivory affecting attractiveness to pollinators has the potential to strongly influence plant fitness through male function, since visitation rates can often affect male fitness (number of seeds sired by pollen) more strongly than female plant fitness (numbers of seeds set) (Bell 1985). Only a handful of studies have documented male and female plant fitness imultaneously, and at least three have shown that male and female plant fitness are either negatively or only weakly correlated (Bertin 1982; Ennos and Dodson 1987; Schlichting and Devlin 1989; Broyles and Wyatt 1990; Devlin and Ellstrand 1990). Thus, the impact of herbivory on the fitness of hermaphroditic plants requires knowledge of both male and female reproductive success. Second, how plants have evolved to respond to damage from herbivores in allocation patterns to floral resources may be influenced or constrained by floral adaptations
Lanonia (Arecaceae: Palmae), a New Genus from Asia, with a Revision of the Species

Abstract A recent phylogenetic study based on molecular data indicates that Licuala (Arecaceae: Palmae) is not monophyletic. A highly supported group of species is resolved separately from Licuala and the rest of the Livistoninae, and is closely related to Johannesteijsmannia, requiring that the segregate group be placed in a new genus. In this study a phylogeny based on seven gene regions resolves highly supported generic relationships of the Livistoninae. A survey of Licuala specimens from several herbaria indicates that, based on morphology, eight species should be recognized within this genus. A complete description of the new genus, Lanonia, is given. A review of morphology distinguishes synapomorphies in leaf morphology and dioecy of Lanonia species. All eight species are described with complete synonymy, their distributions are mapped, and lists of specimens examined are given. One species occurs in Hainan, one in Java, and six are endemic or nearly endemic to Vietnam. The following new combinations are made: L. acaulis, L. calciphila, L. centralis, L. dasyantha, L. gracilis, L. hainanensis, L. hexasepala, and L. magalonii.