Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A stochastic model for landscape patterns of biodiversity

Many factors have been proposed to affect biodiversity patterns across landscapes, including patch area, patch isolation, edge distances, and matrix quality, but existing models emphasize only one or two of these factors at a time. Here we introduce a synthetic but simple individual-based model that generates realistic patterns of species richness and density as a function of landscape structure. In this model, we simulated the stochastic placement of home ranges in landscapes, thus combining features of existing random placement and mid-domain effect models. As such, the model allows investigation of whether and how geometric constraints on home range placement of individuals scale up to affect species abundance and richness in landscapes. The model encompassed a gradient of possible landscapes, from a strictly homogeneous landscape to an archipelago of discrete patches. The model incorporated only variation in home range size of individuals of different species, with a simple suitability index that controlled home range spread into areas of habitat and areas of inter-habitat matrix. Demographic details of birth, death, and migration, as well as effects of species interactions were not included. Nevertheless, this simple model generated realistic patterns of biodiversity, including species–area curves and increases in diversity and abundance with decreasing isolation and increasing distance from patch edges. Species–area slopes (z values) generated by the model fell within the range observed in empirical studies on both true islands and habitat patches. Isolation and edge effects were stronger when the matrix was unsuitable, and became progressively weaker as matrix suitability increased, again in accordance with many empirical studies. When applied to a real data set on the abundance of 20 small mammal species sampled in forest patches in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, the model predicted increases in abundance and richness with increasing patch size, consistent with the general pattern observed with field data. The ability of this simple model to reproduce realistic qualitative patterns of biodiversity suggests that such patterns may be driven, at least in part, by geometric constraints acting on the placement of individual ranges, which ultimately affect biodiversity patterns at the landscape level.
Greenwoodiella, a New Genus of Spiranthinae (Orchidaceae) from North and Central America and the Greater Antilles, with a New Species from the Chihuahuan Desert

Abstract A new orchid species from the Chihuahuan Desert region in Tamaulipas, Mexico and Texas, U. S. A. , is described and illustrated. The phylogenetic position of the new species was assessed by parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK-trnK, trnL-trnF) DNA sequences of 61 species/35 genera of Spiranthinae and 15 additional species and genera of Cranichideae. The results indicate a close relationship of the new species to several species previously included in Schiedeella, especially S. wercklei, but our analyses also show that such a group does not belong to the clade that includes the type species of Schiedeella (S. transversalis), being instead sister to Mesadenus. A new genus, Greenwoodiella, is proposed to include the new species (G. deserticola) and its closest relatives (G. micrantha var. micrantha, G. micrantha var. garayana, and G. wercklei). The identity of Lexarza's Neottia micrantha is clarified, the other species belonging in this clade are discussed, and the required transfers made. An identification key to the three species and two varieties we recognize in the new genus is provided.
Mixed culture of fishes in seasonal ponds through fertilization and feeding

A study on mixed culture of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio Lin.), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Lin.), silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix Val.) and Thai sharpunti (Puntius gonionotus Bleeker) in the ratio of 1:2:2:5 was conducted in 12 seasonal mini ponds (30 m² each) for 105 days. There were six treatments each with two replicates and each pond was stocked with a total of 100 fishes. Rice bran and mustard oil cake were used as supplemental feed either in combination or alone in presence or absence of fertilizer. Fertilizers were used in the form of organic, inorganic or both. The best growth performance of mirror carp, tilapia and Thai sharpunti was obtained in treatment III which received both fertilizer (organic+inorganic) and rice bran while the highest growth of silver carp was obtained in treatment VI receiving only inorganic fertilizer. However, the overall best production (2450 Kg/ha) and economic return for the culture period was obtained in treatment VI followed by treatment III. The results are discussed in the light of water quality parameters.
COMPARISON BETWEEN STRAIN-CONTROLLED AND STRESS- CONTROLLED FATIGUE TEST PROCEDURES IN AA7175-T1 ALUMINUM ALLOY

The AA7175 aluminum alloy is widely used in high specific mechanical strength applications; however, to satisfy this demand the mechanical design must consider the fatigue life. This work describes the mechanical behavior (monotonic and cyclic) of AA7175 aluminum alloy, and compares the strain-controlled fatigue tests with stress-controlled ones. Tension tests were conducted in a 250 kN MTS universal machine, and low-cycle (strain-controlled) fatigue tests were conducted in the same equipment, following the ASTM E-606 standard procedure until its final failure, obtaining the total number of cycles to failure for a given strain amplitude. These results allow the determination of the Coffin exponent and the fatigue ductility coefficient, which characterizes the plastic strain influence on fatigue life, and the Basquin exponent and fatigue strength coefficient, related to elastic strain influence on fatigue life. These values were compared with the ones obtained in previous work of fatigue life determination using stress-controlled fatigue tests. It was concluded that strain-controlled fatigue tests are much more reliable than stress controlled ones to determine fatigue life of AA7175-T1 aluminum alloy studied.
Effect of soil and foliar application of micronutrients mixture on economics of maize (Zea mays) in Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2015 at College of Agriculture VC Farm, Mandya to study the response of maize to soil and foliar application of micronutrients mixture. Two grades of micronutrients mixture, one for soil application (SMM) and another for foliar spray (FMM) were tested with 7 treatment combinations and replicated thrice in a randomized completely block design with maize as test crop. The treatment with Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (150:75:40 kg ha N: P2O5: K2O) + FYM @ 10 t ha was considered as control. Soil grade SMM was applied as basal @ 30 kg ha whereas foliar grade FMM was tested in two concentrations i.e., 0.40% and 0.80% sprayed at 30 and 45 Days After Sowing. Significantly higher kernel and stover yield of maize (82.00 and 83.67 q ha) were recorded with soil application of SMM + foliar application of FMM@ 0.8% along with RDF+FYM over control and found on par with same treatment combination except FMM was sprayed @ 0.4%. The percent increase in kernel and stover yield were 42.28 and 42.61over control.
Use of Atlantic Forest protected areas by free‐ranging dogs: estimating abundance and persistence of use

Worldwide, domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are one of the most common carnivoran species in natural areas and their populations are still increasing. Dogs have been shown to impact wildlife populations negatively, and their occurrence can alter the abundance, behavior, and activity patterns of native species. However, little is known about abundance and density of the free-ranging dogs that use protected areas. Here, we used camera trap data with an open-robust design mark–recapture model to estimate the number of dogs that used protected areas in Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We estimated the time period these dogs used the protected areas, and explored factors that influenced the probability of continued use (e.g., season, mammal richness, proportion of forest), while accounting for variation in detection probability. Dogs in the studied system were categorized as rural free-ranging, and their abundance varied widely across protected areas (0–73 individuals). Dogs used protected areas near human houses for longer periods (e.g., >50% of sampling occasions) compared to more distant areas. We found no evidence that their probability of continued use varied with season or mammal richness. Dog detection probability decreased linearly among occasions, possibly due to the owners confining their dogs after becoming aware of our presence. Comparing our estimates to those for native carnivoran, we found that dogs were three to 85 times more abundant than ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), two to 25 times more abundant than puma (Puma concolor), and approximately five times more abundant than the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). Combining camera trapping data with modern mark–recapture methods provides important demographic information on free-ranging dogs that can guide management strategies to directly control dogs' abundance and ranging behavior.
ROLES OF P2Y2 PURINERGIC RECEPTOR AND LIPID RAFTS IN BONE CELL MECHANOTRANSDUCTION

As said in the first chapter, our long term goal is to discover the mechanisms behind bone cell mechanotransduction. We hypothesize that P2Y2 is involved in this process based on previous studies, so our first specific aim is to examine the role of P2Y2 purinergic receptors in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. We first examined the influence of direct ATP stimulation on MC3T3-E1 cells expressing different levels of P2Y2. We found that ERK1/2 activation was significantly decreased after siRNA knockdown. On the contrary, when we overexpressed P2Y2 in osteoblasts, ERK1/2 activation was significantly increased. Given the close relationship between ATP and mechanical stimulation, our data imply that P2Y2 is involved in osteoblast mechanotransduction. Further, we examined the response MC3T3-E1 cells to oscillatory fluid flow (10 dyne/cm, 1Hz). We found that cell sensitivity to fluid flow was significantly increased after P2Y2 overexpression. When GRK2 (a possible desensitizer) for P2Y2 was overexpressed, cell sensitivity to flow was significantly decreased. 2.
Ectoparasite susceptibility in lizards from populations sympatric and allopatric with ticks1

Abstract: Theory suggests that host-parasite interaction should lead to local adaptation of parasites to their hosts and vice versa. The degree of local adaptation depends on, for example, migration, relative generation time of host and parasite, and the number of host species. Furthermore, in any coevolutionary process, local adaptation of one species is dependent on the evolution of sympatric and allopatric populations of the other species, and the degree of gene flow. The tick Ixodes ricinus is a generalist tick feeding on hosts of a variety of taxa. We contrasted populations of common lizards (Lacerta vivipara) differing in their evolutionary history of exposure to ticks. Juvenile lizards were raised in a common garden experiment. We monitored growth rate, physiological performance, and aspects of immune function in tick-exposed and control offspring. There were no differences in response to tick infestation between host populations, with both sympatric and allopatric hosts showing impaired growth and endurance under parasite exposure. Ticks were marginally more engorged on allopatric hosts (P = 0.06); hence, our results do not support the hypothesis of local adaptation of parasites.
The Role of Prophetic Leadership on Workplace Spirituality At sufism-based Islamic Boarding School

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of prophetic leadership on the workplace spirituality among officials and employees in an Islamic boarding school. This quantitative research used data collection through a survey, in a form of a set of questionnaire, in the Sufism-based Islamic boarding school in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. The study sample consisted of 270 officials and employees of the boarding school. The data was analyzed using SEM with the AMOS 24 program, to test the effects. The research findings showed a significant effect of the prophetic leadership on the workplace spirituality. Originality of this research on the unit analysis of officials and employees at the sufism-base Islamic boarding school.
Genetic Parameters and Accuracy of recording Dry Matter Intake in first parity Holstein-Friesian cows

A total of 30,483 records for dry matter intake (DMI) recorded between 1990 and 2011 were available from 1,273 Dutch Holstein-Friesian first-parity cows. Genetic parameters were estimated for the first 324 days in milk (DIM) using random regression models. Estimated heritabilities for DMI ranged from 0.21 to 0.40 across lactation, being highest between 80 and 205 DIM. Entire lactation heritability was 0.46. Genetic correlations between DMI in early lactation and during the rest of the lactation were negative (-0.5), and were most positive between DMI in mid lactation and during the rest of the lactation (0.80). Dry matter intake was genetically different across lactation, especially in early and mid lactation. Accuracies of selection for the entire lactation for DMI were 0.58, 0.47 and 0.33, when it was measured for 15, 10 or 5 weeks, respectively and best recording periods were during mid and late lactation.
Reliability-Based Assessment of Doubly Reinforced Beams for Limit State of Collapse

This study examines the reliability levels of doubly reinforced beams designed according to the Indian standard code for plain and reinforced concrete (IS456:2000). Mathematical models were developed for limit state of collapse for flexure and shear according to IS456:2000. The resistance was expressed in the form of limit state of equations and the random variables identified were grade of concrete and grade of steel. The significant load variables considered were dead load and live load. Reliability indices were evaluated using first order reliability method. The analysis was carried out on beams designed for different live load intensities. The effect of reinforcement bar diameter and the effect of limit state equations on the reliability indices were evaluated. The results obtained were compared with international standards. This study evaluates the IS456:2000 provision for beam design from the probabilistic and risk-based analysis point of view. Accordingly, some suggestions have been made for setting the target reliability levels for IS456:2000. This analysis aims to initiate the basic application of reliability to design methodology of the code.
Nesting Titanosaurs from Auca Mahuevo and Adjacent Sites UNDERSTANDING SAUROPOD REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

clutches, some containing eggs with exquisitely preserved embryonic bone and integument, have been discovered in the Late Cretaceous nesting site of Auca Mahuevo (Chiappe et al. 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004; Dingus et al. 2000; Chiappe and Dingus, 2001; Coria et al. 2002) and adjacent localities in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina (fig. 10.1). Five expeditions to this extraordinary area (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002) have yielded a wealth of information for understanding the prehatching development, the nesting structure, the egg morphology and malformation, and the reproductive behavior of these dinosaurs. Cranial characters of the in ovo embryos allowed the identification of the eggs as those of titanosaurs (Chiappe et al. 1998, 2001; Salgado et al. 2005). Textural differences in the sediments containing some clutches have illuminated aspects of the nest structure of these animals (Garrido et al. 2001; Chiappe et al. 2004). Microstructural studies have expanded our understanding of the eggshell variation (Grellet-Tinner et al. 2004) and incidence of egg malformation (Jackson et al. 2001, 2004) within a titanosaur population. Detailed mapping of clutch spatial distribution and egg-bed stratigraphic position, together with studies of their sedimentary context, have provided the basis for inferring aspects of the nesting behavior of these dinosaurs (Chiappe et al. 2000; Chiappe and Dingus 2001). Combining taxonomic constraint with extensive sampling, research at Auca Mahuevo and its adjacent localities offers the clearest picture to date of sauropod reproduction and embryonic development. In this chapter, we summarize the major developments of this research program and discuss their significance in light of previous interpretations of the reproductive biology of these colossal dinosaurs.
On Anoplocephalidae (Cestoda), parasitizing Rodentia and Lagomorpha in Europe

A critical analysis of the genus Andrya Railliet, 1893, Paranoplocephala LUhe, 1910 and Anoplocephaloides Baer, 1923 (Anoplocephalidae) is given. The genus Andrya contains the species originally parasit1zing the Lagomorpha in the Palaearctic region . The genus Paranoplocephala (synonym ~! ,_Q.­ statandrya Kirschenblat, 1938) contains the species parasitizing Rodentia in the Palaearctic, Nearctic and Aethiopian regions. The genus Anoplocephaloides consists of species parasitizing Rodentia, Lagomorpha and Perissodactyla in the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Neotropic and Aethiopian regions. A review of all species of Andrya, Paranoplocephala and Anoplocephaloides is given.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OF Chrysoperla carnea GROUP (NEUROPTERA: CHRYSOPIDAE) IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The Chrysoperla carnea (Green lacewing) is an important predator of soft bodied insect pests of different crops like wheat, Maize, Cotton and others in Pakistan. Morphology, behavior and ecophysiology studies of Chrysoperla carnea were examined by the researcher while molecular study had not been checked. In this experiment the aim was to expand the studies up to molecular level to examine the systematic of Chrysoperla carnea. The results indicated that the level of DNA variation was high among the five Chrysoperla carnea species. Therefore, RAPD markers can be used successfully for the identification of Chrysoperla carnea species. The genetic similarity matrix of RAPD data for the five Chrysoperla carnea species was constructed. The genetic similarities of these lacewing species were ranging from 55% to 82%. Genetic similarity co-efficient for the five C. carnea species were utilized for the construction of a dandrogram by the UPGMA method. Since DNA polymorphism between the five green lace wing species is high (45%) as revealed by RAPD analysis. Dandrogram analysis showed a wide range of groupings for genetic similarity among five C. carnea species.
Evaluation of Local Entomopathogenic Nematodes for the Control of False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick, 1913), in a Citrus Orchard in South Africa

False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, is one of the most important insect pests of citrus in South Africa. No treatment is currently directed towards the soil stages of FCM, with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) having the potential to fill the niche. Laboratory bioassays in orchard soil, using Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, showed the LD50 to be ≈3 and the LD90 to be ≈58 infective juveniles (IJs) per FCM larva. In a field trial, after application of three concentrations (20, 40 and 80 IJs/cm2) of H. bacteriophora, mortalities of >90 %were obtained for FCM larvae, with significant difference between the lower concentrations, but not with higher concentrations. Twenty-one days after application, there was no further FCMcontrol.With the field application of H. zealandica after 6 days, no significant differences were found in FCM mortality of >80 % between three nematode concentrations (5, 10 and 20 IJs/cm2). After 21 and 35 days no significantly different FCM mortality was found for all three treatments compared to the untreated trees. In a field trial using three nematode species, treatment with H. zealandica resulted in significant control for each evaluation day, up to day 49. Results from field trials showed local EPN species to have great potential for control of the soil stages of FCM, with the added possibility of good persistence.
Influence of topography on long‐term successional trajectories in canyon grasslands

Question Some of the last remaining grassland communities of the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region (PNWBR) in North America are found in canyon grasslands, primarily because the rugged topography has left many of these associations untouched by agricultural development. However, there have been no prior examinations into how canyon grassland communities change over the long term or how topography relates to these changes. In this study, we examined how successional stages changed over a 33-yr time period and which topographical variables were most related to these long-term outcomes (elevation, aspect or slope). We predicted that areas with more gentle slopes (<20%) would have changed the most because they have seen a higher concentration of historical land uses (e.g. livestock grazing, wildlife herbivory, and cultivation). Location Canyon grasslands of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, northwest USA. Methods We looked at how the canyon grasslands have changed over the long term by repeating a vegetation survey of plant species cover and frequency that was completed in 1981 and comparing the results after a 33-yr time period. Results We found that 58% of our plots stayed in the same seral stage or transitioned into later ones. As predicted, the plots that remained in early seral condition or transitioned from later to early seral stages were found on more shallow slopes. In addition, drier aspects within all plant associations appeared to be less resistant and resilient to change, particularly invasion by exotic species. Conclusions The results of this resurvey suggest that topographic patterns may not only be related to the distribution of plant associations across the canyon grasslands, but may also influence which sites change most over time. Our findings are consistent with other studies of the relationships between topography and land uses through time in other grasslands, and are highly relevant to conservation management where unique vegetation communities develop within heterogeneous topographic areas.
Simulated bird damage to the plastic stretch-film surrounding baled silage and its effects on conservation characteristics

Two experiments were undertaken to determine the quantitative and qualitative effects of a range of simulated bird damage levels to the plastic stretch-film on the conservation characteristics of baled silage. In each experiment, the plastic stretch-film surrounding 30 bales was subjected to the following levels of damage: none, 1, 10 or 50 small holes, or 1 large hole. The plastic film was removed from the bales after 155 days ensilage and the bales were examined for mould growth, rotted silage, proportionate loss of volume or dry matter (DM), and physical and chemical composition. The bales with 50 small holes and 1 large hole suffered from the greatest amount of mould growth, rotted silage and volume loss. The extent of loss was much greater in Experiment 1 than in Experiment 2, and it is suggested that this was due to the higher DM concentration of the forage in the former experiment. Few significant differences between levels of damage were evident from the qualitative analysis of the cores taken from bales in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, the edible and inedible portions of each bale were physically separated, and significant (P < 0.001) differences were evident between them for most of the qualitative assays. It is concluded that holes similar to those caused by rooks and jackdaws to the plastic stretch-film surrounding baled silage result in potentially serious quantitative and qualitative forage losses, and that bales with high DM concentrations are likely to undergo greater losses than bales with low DM concentrations.