Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Embryology and gonad development in Oscheius shamimi sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabditida)

A new species of Rhabditinae collected from compost, is described and illustrated together with observations on embryonic and post-embryonic development. Oscheius shamimi sp. n. is characterised by a medium-sized body (female: L = 0.76-1.52 mm, a = 12-20, b = 4.2-6.3, c = 6.8-13.8, c′ = 4.1-5.8, V = 45-51), finely annulated cuticle; slightly demarcated lip region; lips fused to form three doublets; six lines in lateral field; small stoma with isomorphic metastegostom; cylindrical pharyngeal corpus; slightly protruded vulval lips with subventral cuticular flap; long, proximally dilated, rectum; 53-61 μm long, robust spicules with long capitula having strongly cuticularised ventral walls; pseudopeloderan bursa with nine pairs of genital papillae in 1 + 1 + 1/3 + 3 + ph configuration and six to seven pairs of copulatory muscle bands. Oscheius shamimi sp. n. is amphimictic with a 1:1 sex ratio. The eggs are ovoid and smooth-shelled and measure 48-78 × 37-48 μm. Most eggs are laid in the late stages of embryonation. The embryonation time was 14-15 h at 25 ± 2°C. The genital primordium was orientated obliquely to the longitudinal axis and did not show division of primordial nuclei during the first moult. The didelphic female reproductive system was formed as a result of anterior and posterior elongation of the primordium while the monorchic reproductive system of the male developed from an anterior elongation of the primordium. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in 3-3.5 days at 25 ± 2°C.
HapToes: Vibrotactile Numeric Information Delivery via Tactile Toe Display

Tactile rendering of numeric information via a single actuator has been considered for such purposes as fitness progress tracking. However, multi-actuator designs, leveraging spatial mapping, may offer superior performance. Motivated to explore this approach without requiring hardware on the fingers or wrist, we designed HapToes, a novel ten-digit spatial mapping of numeric information to the toes, which overcomes inter-toe discrimination ambiguity. Compared to ActiVibe, a single-actuator wrist-based numeric rendering technique, under similar distraction conditions, HapToes demonstrates equivalent performance for single-value identification, and improved accuracy, response time, and cognitive load when conveying three values sequentially in a single message.
Management of groundnut root rot with biocontrol agents and organic amendments

Abstract Three isolates of Trichoderma viride, and one isolate in each of T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were evaluated in vitro, to assess their antagonistic potential against Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. causing root rot of groundnut. T. viride (Tv1) and T. harzianum were the most effective in reducing the mycelial growth and sclerotial formation of M. phaseolina. Culture filtrates of T. viride (Tv1) inhibited the growth of the pathogen as well as sclerotial germination to a greater extent. Due to the antagonistic effect of the biocontrol agents, sclerotial germination of the pathogen was poor when test verified by two methods. The three isolates of Trichoderma were found to release volatiles in vitro, which were fungistatic to M. phaseolina, with maximum effect being observed with Tv1. In greenhouse experiments, the application of T. viride with pungam cake each at 5 g/kg of soil markedly reduced root rot incidence recording 3.12% compared to 43.98% in control. Increased activities of defence-related enzymes viz., peroxidase (PO) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) were more noticeable in infected plants than in healthy ones. Though inoculation of the pathogen M. phaseolina induced the plants to synthesize PO and PPO an additional increase in activities was observed with P. fluorescens or T. viride treatments.
Waterborne transmission of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in Coho salmon eggs.

Fertilized coho salmonOncorhynchus kisutcheggs were immersed in diluted broth culture of Flavobacterium psychrophilum(1.0×108, 1.0t106, 1.0×104CFU/mL) for 30 min before water-hardening, after water-hardening and at eyed-egg stages. Just after exposure to the bacteria, the eggs were disinfected with povidone-iodine, and then discretely incubated in flowing water. After 7-28 days of incubation, F. psychrophilumwas isolated only from the egg group which had been exposed to 1.0 t 108CFU/mL before water-hardening. No bacteria were detected from the other egg groups exposed to 1.0 t 106or 1.0 t 104CFU/mL as well as the groups exposed to 1.0 t 108 CFU/mL after water-hardening or the group at the eyed-egg stage. The viable counts ofF. psychrophilumin the contents of the infected eggs ranged from 103to 107 CFU/g. Observations on the frozen sections stained by indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique revealed that manyF. psychrophilumcells were located within the infected eggs at the eyed stage. It was concluded that F.psychrophilumentered the eggs during the water-hardening stage.
A NAND Flash Endurance Prediction Scheme with FPGA-based Memory Controller System

The endurance of NAND flash memory continues to decrease with process scaling, leading to a decline in the reliability of the storage system and a rise on risk of data corruption. To enhance the reliability of the storage system, we utilize a neural network model with high accuracy and full application, to predict how far each block of a NAND flash can be cycled before the uncorrectable data errors occur. The input to the model includes program-time, erase-time and raw bit error (RBE) measured by FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and its output is a specific numerical value of endurance. Based on this prediction model, we propose a FPGA-based scheme for real-time endurance prediction with an accuracy of over 90%.
High‐resolution nmr study of yeast tRNA  CUALeu and the native and denatured conformers of yeast tRNA  UUGLeu

The high‐resolution nmr spectrum of baker's yeast tRNA CUALeu , a recently sequenced non‐denaturable tRNA, has been compared with the spectra of the native and denatured conformers of the closely related species tRNA UUGLeu . Because of the presence of many common base pairs in the different tRNA's, it is possible to assign most of the low‐field resonances to specific secondary‐structure base pairs. A comparison of the observed positions of the various resonances with those predicted by a semiempirical ring‐current shift theory shows a root‐mean‐square deviation of 0.14, 0.11, and 0.12 ppm for tRNA UUGLeu (native), and tRNA UUGLeu (denatured), respectively. These results support the ring‐current shift theory currently used to interpret the low‐field nmr spectra of the tRNA molecules. Differences between the predicted and observed positions of some resonances provide new evidence for higher order effects such as shifts from second nearest neighbors, anomalous shifts exerted by G·U base pairs, and tertiary‐structure effects. A model that was previously proposed for the denatured conformer of tRNA UUGLeu is also supported.
Captive husbandry and bioenergetics of the spiny butterfly ray, Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus)

Historically, gymnurid rays have not done well in a captive environment. This report describes success in maintaining two specimens of the spiny butterfly ray, Gymnura altavela, in captivity. An aggressive husbandry protocol of tube feeding and force feeding maintained energy levels until the rays began to feed on their own. The rays used their pectoral fins to strike at food items, a behavior they may use in the wild to stun and capture prey. The first estimates of growth in captivity for any species of butterfly ray are given. Growth rates for the male averaged 0.063 mm/day (s.d.=0.030) and 10.253 g/day (s.d.=9.689), whereas growth rates for the female butterfly ray averaged 0.303 mm/day (s.d.=0.215) and 22.777 g/day (s.d.=15.2). Estimates of gross conversion efficiency (Kl) were calculated using the caloric values and known food intake. The estimates of Kl averaged 5.4% (s.d.=3.857) and 16.1% (s.d.=7.511) for the male and female, respectively, with a combined average of 10.8% (s.d.=7.95). These are the first estimates of Kl reported for any species of batoid using direct methods (growth rate and food intake). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., feeding in Scottish coastal waters

Escaped reared salmon, Salmo salar L. , were distinguished from wild salmon in the catch of a coastal salmon fishery on the west coast of Scotland. The stomach contents of 54 escaped fish were examined to determine their recent feeding history and 19 (35%) were found to contain food. The predominant prey were juvenile whiting, Merlangius merlangus (L.), unidentified Gadidae and sandeels (Ammodytidae), although other fish and invertebrates, mainly post-larval hermit crabs (Paguridae), were recorded. All these prey are pelagic or semi-pelagic. These observations demonstrate that escaped salmon feed on natural prey in coastal waters and extend our knowledge of the diet of salmon in their marine phase.
Micronomads of the Mediterranean sea

Abstract The Structural Heterogeneity of Plants with a Thallus. Plants that evolved in aquatic environments developed a thallus, that is a multicellular body without structures deputed to the mass transportation of water along great distances. The structural organisations of thalli shows a number of different solution to reach the coordination necessary to the expression of differentiation in the multicellular thalli. Some of these structures are comparatively esamined, pointing out their peculiarities. The diversity observed among plants evolved in aquatic environments is expressed not only by the taxa that can be recognized, but also by a great number of solutions developed to express the differentiation of parts in a complex multicellular body.
Use of Water for Swimming and its Relationship to Temperature and Other Factors in Farm Mink (Mustela vison)

An investigation into swimming behaviour and its relationship to outdoor temperature was conducted in 40 ranch mink. Two different cage sizes were used and all animals had access to a basin filled with water 15 cm deep. During the years 1994-1998, water loss from the basin and temperatures at a nearby weather station were recorded once a week. In the last year 11 mink were video-recorded for 24 h. Using the monthly average daily water loss as an indicator, swimming activity showed a clear annual variation over 4 years and was positively correlated with average monthly temperature. With regard to swimming activity, a large individual variation existed: average water loss varied from 10 ml to nearly 4 litres per day, with those in large cage units having the greatest water loss. The video-recordings confirmed this variation: the number of swims ranged from zero to 177 during 24 h and there was an indication of more swimming bouts in the mink in the large cage units. The duration of swims varied from 2 to 55 s per bout. The relationship between swimming and general activity is discussed, along with the importance of water for swimming as a means of thermoregulation.
Characterization of Pseudomonas syringae ssp. savastanoi strains isolated from ash

Isolates of Pseudomonas syringae ssp. savastanoi from ash were examined for their ability to produce phytohormones in culture and for pathogenicity, in comparison with isolates from olive and oleander. Nineteen out of 20 ash isolates produced low levels of indole-3-acetic acid and its methyl ester but no cytokinins. In contrast, the remaining isolate, NCPPB3474, accumulated high levels of auxins and cytokinins in culture, comparable to those of olive and oleander strains. Hybridization of DNA preparations with tryptophan mono-oxygenase (iaaM) and isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene-containing probes showed sequences of DNA homologous to both probes only in isolate NCPPB3474, and in which the iaaM and ipt genes were located on the chromosome and on a plasmid of about 80 kb, respectively. When assayed for pathogenicity on ash, olive and oleander, 19 of the 20 ash isolates caused disease only on ash but NCPPB3474 caused knots on both ash and olive. Oleander isolates infected all three hosts whereas those from olive caused symptoms only on olive and ash. All the cultures were able to multiply in host plant tissues, but the growth rates and final population densities were correlated to the plant species inoculated and the host origin of the isolates. In particular, the highest population densities were reached by isolates capable of causing symptoms on the inoculated host. The phytohormone production shown by ash, olive and oleander isolates of P. syringae ssp. savastanoi was in accordance with the type of symptoms: cankers accompanied by wart-like excrescences on ash and knots on olive and oleander. Furthermore, the pathogenic features of these isolates and, in particular, their growth patterns in the different host tissues, support previous evidence on the existence of three distinct pathovars in P. syringae ssp. savastanoi.
Routing Protocols for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Aided Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A Survey

In intelligent transportation systems, a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) has a significant impact in enhancing road safety, traffic management efficiency, and in-vehicle infotainment features. Routing in a VANET is hampered by frequent link disconnection for non-line-of-sight communication due to roadside obstacles, high mobility, and frequent topological changes. With the help of three-dimensional movement capability, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can drastically improve the routing experience of a VANET, by increasing the line-of-sight probability, better connectivity, and efficient store-carry-forward mechanism. As a result, various routing protocols with different objectives have been reported for UAV-aided VANETs. Several surveys have been conducted based on different routing protocols for VANETs so far. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no survey exists till now that dedicatedly covers routing protocols for UAV-aided VANETs. This survey paper presents a comprehensive review on state-of-the-art routing protocols for UAV-aided VANETs. The protocols are categorized into seven groups in terms of their working mechanism and design principles. The shortcomings of the protocols are identified individually by critically analyzing them with regard to their advantages, disadvantages, application areas, and future improvements. The routing protocols are qualitatively compared with each other in tabular format as well on the basis of various design aspects and system parameters. In particular, not only performance and special features but also optimization criteria and techniques are extensively discussed in addition to the tabular comparison. Furthermore, open research issues and challenges are summarized and discussed.
Shoot structure, canopy openness, and light interception in Norway spruce

We analysed changes in shoot structure with canopy openness in control (C) and irrigated–fertilized (IL) Picea abies trees. Canopy openness, which was used to characterize light availability, varied between 0·23 and 0·90 for C shoots and 0·07 to 0·75 for IL shoots. Needle width and thickness increased with canopy openness, but were similar for C and IL needles. The ratio of needle thickness to width remained fairly close to one throughout the canopy. This resulted in large values (3·0–4·0) of the ratio of total to projected needle area. The ratio of total to projected needle area did not correlate with canopy openness. Shoot silhouette to total needle area ratio (STAR) and specific needle area decreased with canopy openness. As a result, shoot silhouette area per unit needle mass was up to three times larger in shade shoots than in sun shoots. STAR and specific needle area were similar for C and IL shoots and needles. Needle nitrogen concentration varied between 0·7 and 1·1% (C), and between 1·0 and 1·6% (IL). On both plots, nitrogen content was linearly related to estimated relative light interceptance (RLI) (both expressed per needle area), but the ratio of nitrogen content to RLI increased with decreasing canopy openness.
Plasmonic Demultiplexer With Tunable Output Power Ratio Based on Metal-Dielectric-Metal Structure and E7 Liquid Crystal Arrays

A novel tunable plasmonic demultiplexer is proposed and numerically investigated by finite element method (FEM). It consists of two half-nanodisk cavities and two sets of E7 liquid crystal arrays which are side-coupled to three metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguides. The demultiplexer can split the input lights into two parts corresponding to port1 (1310 nm) and port2 (1550 nm). The Q-factors of port1 and port2 are 54.6 and 36, and the crosstalk values are −20.7 dB and −29.9 dB, respectively. Obviously, both channels have high Q-factors and low crosstalk value. Moreover, the E7 liquid crystal arrays play a key role in the whole structure, which makes the output power adjustable proportionally by adjusting the applied voltage. This novel feature greatly enriches the function of our demultiplexer. Using the electronical tunable birefringence characteristic of liquid crystal and its arrays structure paves a new way to realize practical on-chip plasmonic system, which can be widely used not only in demultiplexers but also in nanosensors, optical splitters, filters, optical switches, nonlinear photonic and slow-light devices.
Density‐Dependent Growth and Survival of Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus vannamei in a Semi‐Closed Recirculating System

— Two growth trials utilizing Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus setiferus were conducted at densities of 28.4, 56.8, 85.2, 113.6, 170.4, 227.3 and 284.1/ m2 in an indoor recirculating system. There was an inverse linear relationship between stocking density and growth among both species. The relationship between final weight and stocking density is described by the following linear equation: P. setiferus, Y =−0.00619X ± 4.46, adj. r2= 0.8572;. P. vannamei, Y=−0.00717X ± 7.39, adj. r2= 0.6230. Although the responses in terms of growth depressions were similar, P. setiferus growth was lower than that of P. vannamei. There was an inverse relationship between stocking density and survival for P. setiferus. Survival of P. vannamei was highly variable but was negatively correlated with density. Based on the results of the present study, P. setiferus has a similar tolerance of high density as that of P. vannamei and hence may be suitable for intensive culture systems. However, depressed growth rates of P. setiferus, which do not appear to be due to effects of water quality or density, must be solved if growth rates similar to P. vannamei are to be realized.
Semi-Real Evaluation, and Adaptive Control of a 6DOF Surgical Robot

Sophisticated surgeons are widely indicating the use of surgical robots in order to reject human error, increase precision, and speed. Among well-known robotic mechanisms, parallel robots are broadly more investigated regarding their special characters as higher acceleration, speed, and accuracy, and less weight. Specific surgical procedures confine and restrict their workspace, while controlling and validating the robots are complicated based on their complex dynamic. To this end, in this paper, a 6-DOF robot, with linear manipulators, is designed and controlled. Addressing the inherent nonlinearity of the robot mechanism, an adaptive PID manipulator is employed and validated with nonlinear model. Thus, this paper aims to implement the controller using MATLAB on the nonlinear model designed in Adams software as online. Furthermore, as feasibility study, a 3-axis gyro sensor is calibrated and used to produce complex real movements and desires, which is sending real time signals to MATLAB with microcontroller ATmega 2560. Simulation results show that the adaptive controller identifies the system's dynamic and proceed to reducing error of the position by the time. In addition, the method defines the workspace of both the states and forces which can be an introduction to comprehensive design of such robots.
Macrophyte biomass and water quality in Ontario rivers

An empirical survey of macrophyte biomass collected from 38 stations along 28 rivers in southwestern Ontario was conducted in 1999 and 2000 to quantify the relationship between biomass and instream nutrients and dissolved ions. Multiple regression models showed that mean and maximum biomass were weakly but significantly related to the nutrients N and P; these variables explained ∼27% of the variability in biomass across stations. Models developed with 1999 data were improved with the addition of measurements of total residue, which is correlated to ionic concentrations and turbidity, providing a rough indication of instream light availability. However, validation of the models with an independent data set, collected in 2000, showed that the nutrient-only models were the most robust across data sets. We detected a significant lack of fit in all of the models developed, indicating the independent variables used were not best at explaining variability in macrophyte biomass. Although our study yielded only weak predictions of biomass in rivers, the robustness of the models based on nutrients among data sets suggests that nutrient-abatement programs, focussed primarily on N, may be successful in reducing nuisance macrophyte biomass.
Partial substitution of fishmeal with soybean meal products and derivatives in diets for the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (L.)

Two growth trials were conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of several soybean products as constituents in diets for the gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata (L.). In a preliminary experiment, the fish were fed six diets containing different levels of solvent extracted soybean meal as a replacement for white fishmeal at four substitution levels: 10, 20, 30 and 40% of the fishmeal protein component. The diets supported less growth as the inclusion of soybean meal increased. However, significant reductions in growth were apparent at the 30% substitution level. All growth parameters followed the same trend. In the second experiment, six diets with 35% of the total protein contributed from differently processed soybean meals were tested. The products included three industrial full-fat meals heat processed for different periods, a solvent extracted meal and a soya protein concentrate. Protein digestibility coefficients were measured for all the experimental diets. All growth parameters of the fish fed the underheated full-fat meal, solvent extracted meal and soya concentrate were significantly lower than the control group. Protein digestibility coefficients were similar with no statistical differences (P < 0.05).
Familiarity modulates social tolerance between male lizards, Lacerta monticola, with size asymmetry

Theoretical and field studies suggest that inferior competitors may be able to avoid costly agonistic interactions, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood in lizards. The “Dear enemy recognition” theory proposes that higher tolerance among familiar than among unfamiliar conspecifics may reduce costly interactions. Male lizards Lacerta monticola are able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar conspecific males through chemical signals alone. To better understand the implications of this discrimination ability, we performed a laboratory experiment on the role of familiarity in social tolerance estimated as the degree of spatial proximity with no sign of aggressiveness between males with a size asymmetry. In natural conditions the outcome of neighbour-stranger interactions might be the result of asymmetries in residence. Therefore, we staged pairwise encounters between familiar and unfamiliar males in neutral terraria to avoid an interacting effect of residency asymmetry. The latency to the first time in close proximity was significantly longer when small males were faced with unfamiliar males. The time that unfamiliar lizards spent in close proximity was significantly lower than that with familiar males. Our design allowed us to conclude that there was a higher social tolerance among familiar individuals with a size asymmetry that was independent of residency asymmetry.