Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Time-Scale Problem in Exploiter-Victim Models: Does the Solution Lie in Ratio-Dependent Exploitation?

Standard exploiter-victim models assume an instantaneous connection between foraging and population dynamics. However, in nature this connection is inevitably time-delayed: it takes time to convert food into offspring. R. Arditi and L. R. Ginzburg proposed that this time delay implies ratio-dependent exploitation. Models with ratio-dependent exploitation predict that primary productivity has no impact on food chain length and that the standing crop of all trophic levels increases linearly with increasing primary productivity. Conversely, the traditional victim-dependent models imply that food chain length increases with increasing primary productivity and that only top trophic levels and trophic levels that are an even number of links below the top respond positively to increasing primary productivity. We study the impact of time-delayed numerical responses on predator isoclines, and we do not find support of the theoretical arguments of Arditi and Ginzburg. We also review data on biomass patterns in plants and herbivores, which seem to support the predictions of the victim-dependent model.
NETs By-products and Extracellular DNA May Play a Key Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Incidence on Patient Monitoring and Therapy

Neutrophils play an important role as the first line of innate immune defense. One function of neutrophils, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), has been discovered recently. NETs are extensive fibrous structures released extracellularly from activated neutrophils in response to infection. They are composed of cytosolic protein assembled on a scaffold of released chromatin. These structures suppress the dissemination of micro-organisms in blood by trapping them mechanically, and by exploiting coagulant function to segregate them within the circulation. In addition, NET components (DNA, histone, and granule proteins) also contribute to the triggering of an inflammatory process. NET function, however, can be regarded as a double-edged sword. On one hand, NET formation is an efficient strategy for neutralizing invading micro-organisms. On the other hand, NET can be harmful to the host, as its exposed by-products that are toxic to endothelial cells and parenchymal tissue. We present here the analogous biological and physiological features of the harmful positive amplification loop between inflammation and tissue damage induced by NETosis dysregulation and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis. Considering the rapid evolution of this disease symptoms and its lethality, we hypothesize that COVID-19 progresses under an amplifier loop, leading to an massive, uncontrolled inflammation process. We also describe the correlations of COVID-19 symptoms and biological features with those consecutive to uncontrolled NET formation causing various sterile or infectious diseases. General clinical conditions, and numerous pathological and biological features, are analogous with NETs deleterious effects. We postulate that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) induces a disproportionate virus-induced NET release, and that this plays a key role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. While neutrophils are the principal starting point for extracellular and circulating DNA release, targeting NETs rather than neutrophils themselves may stand for an effective strategy. This paper offers an in-depth review of NET formation, function and pathogenic dysregulation, as well as of current and future therapies to control NET unbalance. As such, it enables us also to suggest new therapeutic strategies to fight COVID-19. In combination with or independent of the latest tested approaches, we propose that, in the short term, deoxyribonuclease I (DNase-1) treatment should be evaluated; we also advocate a significant increase in research on the development of toll-like receptors (TLR) and C-type Lectin like receptors (CLEC) inhibitors, and on anti-IL26 therapies.
Experiences with stigmatization among transgender individuals after transition: A qualitative study in the Netherlands

Abstract Background: Transgender individuals belong to one of the most stigmatized groups in society. Although the social stigma of transgender individuals has been examined many times, post transition stigma experiences among transgender individuals have received limited research attention. The aim of this study was to examine experiences with stigmatization among Dutch transgender individuals after their transition. Method: Ten trans women (age: M = 58.50, SD = 9.49) and 10 trans men (age: M = 42.90, SD = 13.62) participated in face-to-face semistructured interviews. Grounded theory was used to conceptualize and analyze the data. We examined the positive and negative reactions that transgender individuals experienced in the period after their transition. Furthermore, we explored differences between experiences of trans men and trans women. Finally, we examined differences between cisgender men and women regarding their reactions toward transgender individuals. Results: Participants reported improved psychological well-being since transition. However, they still experienced different forms of stigmatization. Trans women appeared to experience stronger social stigma than trans men. Trans women also experienced lower social status after their transition. They mainly experienced negative responses from cisgender men. Participants emphasized the importance of social and peer support. Conclusion: The current study findings demonstrate the presence of stigmatization after transition and argue for psychological aftercare. Social and peer support appeared to be important for coping with stigmatization, and improving the social network of transgender individuals is beneficial. Health providers and researchers are recommended to promote the development of constructive coping skills for transgender individuals with interventions especially targeting trans women.
The physiology of extremely desiccated Brassica juncea [L] seeds

Seeds of four raya cvs. , viz. RL 1359, RLM 198, RLM 619 and RLM 514 were desiccated for 2, 7, 15 and 45 days wchich led to different levels of seed moisture. Data on germination capacity speed of germination, seedling dry weight, electrical conductance, dehydrogenase activity and seed storage behaviour for up to two years after desiccation were recorded. Based on this data, cvs. RL 1359 and RLM 514 were found to be tolerant to desiccation 10 as low as 0.73 and 1.16 per cent seed moisture levels, respectively. Seeds of RLM 198 tolerated desiccation up to 2.28 per cent seed moisture. However, RLM 619 seeds showed desiccation injuries in seedling dry weight, electrical conductance and speed of germination at moisture levels below 5.67 per cent.
In vitro multiplication of 'Flordaguard' rootstock: cytokinin source and concentration effects, explants orientation and period of permanence in the culture medium

This work aimed at studying the effects of different sources and cytokinin concentrations, as well as explants orientation and time of their permanence in shoots induction medium to obtain high multiplication rate. Four experiments were carried out to evaluate the sprout percentage mean, shoots number per explant, elongated shoots percentage and shoots length. The treatments with 2iP and zeatin did not promote in vitro plant multiplication. When different BAP concentrations were tested, an increase in sprout percentage was obtained using BAP concentration up to 3.66 mg L-1 (80%), and for shoots number per explant a linear behavior was observed, showing a mean of four shoots per explant with 4.0 mg L-1 BAP. For the 'Flordaguard' rootstocks, the explants orientation did not alter the potential in vitro multiplication and the shoots growth. However, the explants permanence in the shoots induction medium for 40 days provided the best results for shoots growth.
Microsatellite analysis reveals substantial levels of genetic variation but low levels of genetic divergence among isolated populations of Kaka (Nestor meridionalis)

Abstract The Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) is a threatened, endemic forest parrot of New Zealand with a fragmented distribution. We present data from eight microsatellite DNA loci for 126 Kaka from nine locations along the length of New Zealand. The observed patterns of variation reveal little population structure in Kaka, despite substantial levels of genetic variation. Our estimate of RST over all populations is low (0.04) and a hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that most allelic variation (93.7%) is within populations rather than divided among them. Further, most inter-population genetic differentiation is attributed to the divergence of the possibly bottlenecked Kapiti Island population from all other populations surveyed. This overall homogeneity probably reflects historic population structure and is being maintained by the ongoing dispersal of individuals between populations. Conservation management of Kaka should reflect this New Zealand-wide gene flow, although special consideration may be given to Kapiti Island.
Field comparison of nonsticky and sticky pheromone traps for monitoring fruit pests in western New York.

Pheromone traps play an important role in monitoring insect pest populations of agricultural crops. Several different trap designs have been developed to monitor insects. The relative effectiveness of the following six commercially available pheromone traps was compared: Multi-pher 1, 2, and 3 nonsticky traps and Scentry wing, Pherocon lC, and Delta sticky traps. Traps were set for the following six major fruit pests in commercial fruit orchards during the 1986 and 1987 seasons: spotted tentiform leafminer, Phyllonorycter blancardella (F.); redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker); codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.); obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris); peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say); and lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson). Trap efficiency, in terms of quantity of moths captured, varied with the species of moth being monitored and with the trap design. However, sticky traps generally captured more moths than nonsticky traps regardless of species. Multi-phers 1 and 3 nonsticky traps and all sticky traps were able to indicate the first flights and population fluctuations. All of the nonsticky traps required less preparation and handling time in the field than sticky traps because they were easier to use. Specimens were also easier to identify in nonsticky traps than those caught in the sticky traps. Nonsticky traps cost more initially but are reusable from season to season and could result in considerable savings in trapping costs for yearly monitoring programs. In conclusion, the nonsticky pheromone traps, Multi-pher 1 and 3, offer considerable promise for monitoring insect pest populations in fruit orchards.
Clonal maturation of Corymbia torelliana × C. citriodora is delayed by minimal-growth storage

Summary Minimal-growth storage may be a simple method to preserve germ plasm while tree varieties undergo clonal selection, but there has previously been little evidence to demonstrate that minimal-growth storage delays maturation. This study assessed the maturation of 10 Corymbia torelliana × C. citriodora clones whose shoots had been stored for 12 months using three different methods: (1) as ex-vitro stock plants in the nursery; (2) in-vitro at 25°C; and (3) in-vitro under minimal-growth conditions at 14°C. Minimal-growth storage increased the subsequent frequency of adventitious rooting in cuttings of 6 of the 10 clones, providing increases in rooted cutting production of between 53% and 163% over ex-vitro nursery storage. Minimal-growth storage also increased adventitious root number in two clones and root mass in four clones. C. torelliana × C. citriodora clones underwent maturation during ex vitro stock plant archiving in the nursery, but in-vitro storage under minimal-growth conditions was highly effective in delaying clonal maturation.
Pea–oat intercrops to sustain lodging resistance and yield formation in northern European conditions

Abstract Locally produced crop protein is urgently needed in Europe. Pea is a good protein source and is well adapted to northern conditions. Pea can fix nitrogen that the following crop in rotation can benefit from. In cereal-dominated cropping systems pea is a break crop disrupting the life cycle of cereal diseases, leading to less fungicide application and thereby minimizing off farm inputs and benefiting the environment. Grain legumes provide animals with protein and energy, and the seeds of pulse crops are complementary to those of cereals. Field peas can be cultivated in most parts of Scandinavia and interest in peas has increased for inclusion in organic farming. Growing pea as a sole crop is a challenge since its stem is prone to lodging thereby resulting in harvesting difficulties, reduced yield and decreased profits. Intercropping of pea with oat could minimize the above listed problems but to our knowledge proportion of seeds mixture of the two crops and selection of pea cultivars without compromising the pea yield, especially protein production, at high latitudes conditions is limited. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate performance of sole cropped pea (Karita, Perttu, Hulda) and oat (seed proportions 7.5% and 15%) and their intercrop combinations and establish an appropriate seed mixture for a pea–oat intercropping systems that prevents lodging without markedly reducing pea yield. Field experiments were conducted at three locations (Jokioinen, Mietoinen, Ylistaro) of the Agrifood Research Finland in 2002–2004. Intercropping peas with oats prevented peas from lodging and made their harvest easier. Optimal numbers of oats in pea intercrops were difficult to determine, varying according to pea cultivar and local growth conditions. Excess oats in the seed mixture or conditions favouring oat growth prevented peas from lodging but pea yield was decreased.
Effect of dietary protein level on growth, survival and ammonia efflux rate of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) raised in a zero water exchange culture system

Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae (1.96±0.07 g) were reared in a zero water exchange system for 25 days at 28°C. They were fed four commercial diets containing 25%, 30%, 35% or 40% crude protein in three replicate aquaria per dietary treatment. Total ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH were monitored weekly and total ammonia levels were additionally measured every 3 days using the flow injection analysis method. Total ammonia efflux rates were measured at days 0, 14 and 21, and survival and growth rates were recorded at the end of the experiment. No significant differences between water quality parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH were found. Nitrite concentration remained low in all dietary treatments up to the second week increasing considerably from day 14 onwards suggesting the initiation of the nitrification process. Water total ammonia of all experimental groups exhibited a gradual increase up to day 13; however, following this time ammonia levels of all experimental groups decreased, probably due to either the action of bacterial nitrification or ammonia-N uptake by the animals. High ammonia efflux rates were recorded at day 14, especially after the first hour of immersion in the 25% protein group, but no significant changes occurred in any experimental group after 3 h. No significant differences in weight gain, final weight or survival of shrimp were observed under these experimental conditions. The importance of zero water exchange systems and their effects on the nitrogen metabolism of crustaceans are discussed.
Chemical ripeners increase early season sugar content in a range of sugarcane varieties

Ripening in sugarcane refers to an increase in sugar content on a fresh weight basis before commercial harvest. Certain chemicals are applied to cane in commercial fields in some countries to accelerate ripening and improve profitability of sugar production. However, responses have usually been reported to be variety and environment specific. We examined changes in the sucrose content in the juice extracted from 43 Australian sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) varieties in response to 4 ripener treatments in the Burdekin region in northern Queensland over 2 years. The 4 treatments applied were ethephon (as Ethrel®) + fluazifop-P butyl (as Fusilade®), Fusilade® alone, glyphosate (as Weedmaster® Duo), and haloxyfop-R methyl (as Verdict®). These treatments were applied in March–April each year and compared with an untreated control. Of particular interest was whether economic responses are possible for Australian varieties harvested in the May and June period when sugar content in cane is usually low. Increases in sucrose (measured by pol) levels in cane juice were observed after combined application of Ethrel + Fusilade (E+F) and after application of glyphosate, although the result for the latter varied between years. These results suggest that opportunities exist in the Australian industry to improve the profitability of early-harvested sugarcane crops, but further research is required to quantify effects on cane yield and responses in diverse environments.
Long-term productivity growth and sustainability of Greek irrigated agriculture

The present study examines the long-term productivity growth and sustainability of Greek irrigated agriculture. A log linear trend model was used to measure long-term productivity growth, and the total factor productivity (TFP) approach measures the sustainability of the irrigated production system. A time series database of inputs and outputs data were used for the production period of 1961 – 2001 (41 years) which revealed that there is an increasing trend in the irrigated area of the country. The annual growth rate of the irrigated area is 2.6% during this time period. The long-term trends in yields of crops grown in irrigated agriculture are positive. Fertilizer use rate per ha sharply increases during this period. The productivity of irrigated Greek agriculture also increases over the time period as a result of the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV), seed, fertilizer and water technology. The measurement of TFP indices indicates that the long-term trend in productivity growth of irrigated Greek agricultural system is positive. The result implies that the irrigated Greek agricultural production system has long-term sustainability. The result also indicates that fertilizer, fixed capital, rainfall and temperature are positively contributing to the mean production of Greek irrigated agriculture. On the other hand, pesticide, labour and fixed capital reduces variability of irrigated agriculture. To this end, long-term agricultural sustainability depends on patterns of input use.
The responses of the understorey of forests and woodlands of the Southern Tablelands to grazing and burning

Field responses to various burning and grazing treatments in three sites on the Southern Tablelands were measured. Grazing by native mammals was unrestricted and continuous. Burning occurred once from fires of low intensity. Records of mortality, height growth and in some cases, seed production showed biologically significant effects of the treatments imposed on small plots. Dillwynia retorta plants were susceptible to a single fire but the species persisted through seedling germination. Other species showed vegetative survival to various extents from the fire. The burning–grazing combination was particularly potent in affecting survival, regeneration and growth of all species. Supplementary evidence of species’ responses were gathered from the treatment of selected individuals in the field and laboratory. Some of the implications of these results and in particular the practice of controlled burning are discussed in relation to the management of reserves set aside for flora and fauna conservation.
The phytoplankton of the Bay of Quinte, 1972–2008: point-source phosphorus loading control, dreissenid mussel establishment, and a proposed community reference

The objective of this contribution is to further the understanding of long-term (37 years) changes in the composition and biomass of the phytoplankton of the Bay of Quinte (northeastern Lake Ontario), especially those changes associated with the simultaneous point-source phosphorus loading reduction/white perch winter kill of early 1978 and the establishment of dreissenid mussels in the mid-1990’s. The relatively shallow and polymictic upper bay has facilitated the ice-free period domination of the phytoplankton by meroplanktonic diatoms (especially Aulacoseira spp.); while a more balanced representation by several algal Divisions has characterized the thermally stratified, dimictic lower bay. At all three stations (upper bay, middle bay and lower bay), phytoplankton biomass declined and community similarity decreased after both the phosphorus loading and the Dreissena interventions, but the biomass changes associated with the P load reduction were greater than those associated with Dreissena establishment. Conversely, the loss of phytoplankton community similarity after Dreissena establishment was greater than that associated with P loading reduction at all three stations. The Remedial Action Plan phytoplankton objective of 4–5 mm 3 l −1 (May-October mean) has been met inconsistently since the establishment of Dreissena. The post-Dreissena period, however, was also characterized by occasional very high biomass values for the potentially toxic cyanoprokaryote (blue-green alga) Microcystis, as well as by a dramatic decline in the bloom-forming blue-green Aphanizomenon, and the near extirpation of the diatoms, Tabellaria and Synedra spp. A partially synthetic phytoplankton community was constructed using data taken from three local aquatic systems (Trenton Bay, upper Hay Bay and West Lake). This might be used as a reference against which past and future changes in the upper Bay of Quinte phytoplankton can be compared and evaluated.
Oviposition in Scout-Apples by Plum Curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Its Relationship to Subsequent Damage

Plum curculio females, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were found to oviposit, before fruit set, on mature ‘Granny Smith’ apples attached to major branch junctions in the upper half of standard ‘McIntosh” apple trees. Observations for three growing seasons (1978, 1979, and 1980) within an insecticide-free orchard in southwestern Quebec are presented. Rank correlations between oviposition on these scout-apples and both “June” drop and harvest damage were found. Incidence of scarring was highest (17 to 25% of scout-apples had oviposition scars) in orchard sectors adjacent to a woodlot and lowest (7%) in the central sector of the 1.7-ha experimental orchard. This monitoring technique may be used in apple orchards to indicate when and where to concentrate control efforts.