Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Restoring a Mediterranean‐climate shrub community with perennial species reduces future invasion

Successful restoration of an invaded landscape to a diverse, invasion‐resistant native plant community requires determining the optimal native species mix to add to the landscape. We manipulated native seed mix (annuals, perennials, or a combination of the two), while controlling the growth of non‐native species to test the hypothesis that altering native species composition can influence native establishment and subsequent non‐native invasion. Initial survival of native annuals and perennials was higher when seeded in separate mixes than when combined, and competition between the native perennials and annuals led to lower perennial cover in year 2 of mixed‐seeded plots. The plots with the highest perennial cover had the highest resistance to invasion by Brassica nigra. To clarify interactions among different functional groups of natives and B. nigra, we measured competitive interactions in pots. We grew one native annual, one native perennial, and B. nigra alone or with different competitors and measured biomass after 12 weeks. Brassica nigra was the strongest competitor, limiting the growth of all native species, and was not impacted by competition with native annuals or perennial seedlings. Results from the potted plant experiment demonstrated the strong negative influence of B. nigra on native seedlings. Older native perennials were the strongest competitors against invasive species in the field, yet perennial seedling survival was limited by competition with native annuals and B. nigra. Management action that maximizes perennial growth in early years may lead to a relatively more successful restoration and the establishment of an invasion‐resistant community.
A systematic approach to methyl cinnamate photodynamics

ABSTRACT Methyl cinnamate (MC) is an ester within the cinnamate family. Recent time-resolved gas-phase studies have suggested that upon excitation to its first singlet ππ* (11ππ*) state, there is initial decay to the lowest lying singlet 1nπ* (11nπ*) state within 10 ps, en route to trans–cis isomerisation. In the present study, we have implemented time-resolved ion yield (TR-IY) and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TR-PES) experiments in the gas-phase to precisely determine the lifetime of the 11ππ* state. We found this lifetime to be ∼ 4.5 ps using both TR-IY and TR-PES. MC was also studied in a more complex cyclohexane solution environment, using transient electronic absorption spectroscopy. Along with complementary steady-state irradiation and 1H NMR studies, these studies demonstrate that trans–cis isomerisation is preserved in the more complex, cyclohexane solution environment. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Antioxidant activities of three stingless bee propolis and green propolis types

Propolis is a bee product that results from the mixture of beeswax and resinous compounds. It can scavenge free radicals; therefore, it displays antioxidant activity. Here, we have investigated the antioxidant potential of propolis produced by three Brazilian stingless bee species: Melipona quadrifasciata anthidiodes (Mandaçaia) and Tetragona clavipes (Borá), which inhabit the southeastern region of Brazil (state of São Paulo), and Scaptotrigona spp. (Tubi), which inhabits the northeastern region of Brazil (state of Maranhão). The antioxidant activities of propolis produced by different bee species were compared to the well-known antioxidant activity of green propolis, produced by the honey bee Apis mellifera. The ethanolic extract of propolis produced by Mandaçaia displayed the strongest antioxidant activity. The activity was even stronger than the antioxidant activity of green propolis. The ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction of propolis produced by Mandaçaia presented the highest antioxidant activity. This result agreed with the higher total polyphenol content verified in this propolis. high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the groups of compounds present in propolis produced by Mandaçaia, Tubi, and Borá were not the same as those previously identified as the main constituents of green propolis. In fact, propolis produced by Mandaçaia contained many other polyphenols in the fingerprint, and hence its composition requires further elucidation.
Acid corrosive injury of stomach: management and long-term outcome

Corrosive ingestion whether accidental or suicidal remain a significant problem in our society. Lack of legal regulations, easy accessibility and unrestricted sale of acid is the main contributor of the acid poisoning cases. Unlike alkali which is viscous and tend to adhere to esophageal mucosa, acid rapidly transcends esophagus, induces pyloric spasm, this results in greater duration of contact with gastric mucosa, coagulative necrosis and gastric stricture. Presenting features depend upon the timing of presentation and ranges from acute emergency to later stage with sequel of pyloric antrum stricture. In this article we report our experience in surgical management of gastric corrosive injury and its long-term outcome.
Polypores and associated beetles of the North Karelian Biosphere Reserve, eastern Finland

Polypores (poroid Basidiomycota) and associated beetles were inventoried in the Koitajoki Natura 2000 area (Ilomantsi municipality) and the Kitsi forest fire area (Lieksa), both belonging to the North Karelian Biosphere Reserve of the EU. As a result 105 polypore species were collected; together with earlier reports by other authors, the amount of species totals 121. This is a high number, surpassed in Finland by a few first-rank nature reserves only. Of the species found, 29 are red listed: 2 endangered (EN: Antrodia crassa (P. Karst.) Ryvarden, Piloporia sajanensis (Parmasto) Niemela), 11 vulnerable (VU), and 16 near-threatened (NT). Hyphodontia latitans (Bourd. & Galz.) E. Langer has been found in Finland only once from the same area; now it was recollected. The research area is in a way a meeting-point of some northerly species (e.g. Daedaleopsis septentrionalis (P. Karst.) Niemela, Trichaptum laricinum (P. Karst.) Ryvarden), those with an eastern distribution in Fennoscandia (e.g. Trichaptum pargamenum (Fr.) G. Cunn. ), and some southern ones (e.g. Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr.) Donk). Remarkably numerous were some species which indicate old growth forests of high conservation value (e.g. Amylocystis lapponica (Romell) Singer, Antrodia albobrunnea (Romell) Ryvarden, A. crassa, Fomitopsis rosea (Alb. & Schwein. : Fr.) P. Karst. , Phellinus nigrolimitatus (Romell) Bourd. & Galz. , Skeletocutis stellae (Pilat) Jean Keller). Beetle imagines were collected from polypore basidiocarps, and their larvae from basidiocarps and underlying decay, and then reared into adults. Special attention was paid to beetles living on rare polypore species. The polypore-associated beetle fauna totals 115 species, including 24 previously unrecorded from the Reserve. Our paper includes beetle records from ca. 30 such polypore species of which no previous beetle finds have been reported in the literature. The ecology of beetles living on fungal basidiocarps is discussed. Polypores can be divided into different ecological groups according to which beetles they attract; a division into basidiocarp consistency classes is proposed to describe such groups. Furthermore, the freshness or decomposition of a basidiocarp determines the amounts of beetles and their larvae, and their species composition.
Factors influencing organizational agility in higher education

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that can facilitate agility in higher education and to analyze the interrelationship between the factors.Design/methodology/approachA structured model of factors facilitating agility in higher education was developed using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). Cross-impact matrix multiplication (MICMAC) analysis helped in classifying the factors on the basis of their driving and dependency power.FindingsAn extensive literature review and expert opinion helped in identifying eight enablers that can promote agility in higher education. The ability to sense the environment, organizational structure, adoption of ICT, organizational learning, human resource strategies, leadership, readiness to change and collaboration with the stakeholders were the eight factors identified. The structural model revealed leadership as the most crucial enabler followed by human resource strategies and organizational structure.Research limitations/implicationsThe model has incorporated and prioritized all the crucial drivers of agility that can help universities and colleges design, adopt and implement policies and practices that would facilitate agility.Originality/valueSo far, the research on agility in higher education has looked into each factor in isolation. This research provides a comprehensive list of the factors and establishes the interplay between the factors making this study new and original.
Ants as Flower Visitors and their Effects on Pollinator Behavior and Plant Reproduction

Ants regularly visit flowers, but they may decrease plant reproductive success by competing with pollinators or damaging reproductive structures. However, how ants may exert these costs needs further clarification. In Chapter 1, I review the literature, finding that flower-visiting ants often have neutral effects on plant fitness. In Chapter 2, using artificial flowers with male and female function, I investigate how interference competition between flower-visiting Myrmica rubra ants and Bombus impatiens bumblebees changes pollen analogue movement patterns. Ant presence and scent significantly reduced pollen analogue donation and reception because bees avoided flowers with ant cues. In Chapter 3, to assess the frequency of palynivory among ants, I conducted an acetolysis survey of 75 neoand paleo-tropical ant species. Ants consistently contained low numbers of pollen grains, suggesting opportunistic pollen consumption may be widespread. Altogether, ant visitation may be costly, but the mechanism depends on the plant, pollinator and ant identities.
First Chromosome Analysis of the Humpback Cardinalfish, Fibramia lateralis (Perciformes, Apogonidae)

1 Department of Aquatic Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand 2 Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand 4 Department of Fundamental Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Surindra Rajabhat University, Muang, Surin 32000, Thailand 5 Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Muang, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand 6 Toxic Substances in Livestock and Aquatic Animals Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Muang, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Ethiopian indigenous goats offer insights into past and recent demographic dynamics and local adaptation in sub‐Saharan African goats

Knowledge on how adaptive evolution and human socio‐cultural and economic interests shaped livestock genomes particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa remains limited. Ethiopia is in a geographic region that has been critical in the history of African agriculture with ancient and diverse human ethnicity and bio‐climatic conditions. Using 52K genome‐wide data analysed in 646 individuals from 13 Ethiopian indigenous goat populations, we observed high levels of genetic variation. Although runs of homozygosity (ROH) were ubiquitous genome‐wide, there were clear differences in patterns of ROH length and abundance and in effective population sizes illustrating differences in genome homozygosity, evolutionary history, and management. Phylogenetic analysis incorporating patterns of genetic differentiation and gene flow with ancestry modelling highlighted past and recent intermixing and possible two deep ancient genetic ancestries that could have been brought by humans with the first introduction of goats in Africa. We observed four strong selection signatures that were specific to Arsi‐Bale and Nubian goats. These signatures overlapped genomic regions with genes associated with morphological, adaptation, reproduction and production traits due possibly to selection under environmental constraints and/or human preferences. The regions also overlapped uncharacterized genes, calling for a comprehensive annotation of the goat genome. Our results provide insights into mechanisms leading to genome variation and differentiation in sub‐Saharan Africa indigenous goats.
Individual and dialect differences in perceiving multiple cues: A tonal register contrast in two Chinese Wu dialects

This study investigates how multiple cues contribute to multi-dimensional phonological contrasts at both the group level and the individual level, and how dialectal experience shapes listeners’ perceptual strategies. We examine a tonal register contrast in two Chinese Wu dialects signaled by three cues: pitch height, voice quality, and pitch contour. We found that 1) at the group level, cue weights are context-specific, i.e., vary by tone, and some contrasts rely more heavily on multiple cues than others; 2) dialectal experience affects listeners’ perceptual strategy: Shanghai listeners, with their own dialect having a smaller voice quality distinction, do not rely more on the cue even when listening to stimuli with a clear breathy-modal distinction, comparing to Jiashan listeners; 3) individuals’ cue weights are correlated in a positive manner, meaning that some listeners show overall larger cue weights than others; larger variability is found when the contrast has more than one salient cue, in which case individuals have different options of choosing one cue over another as the primary cue and this can work against the positive correlation.
Dynamics of retracting surfactant-laden ligaments at intermediate Ohnesorge number

The dynamics of ligaments retracting under the action of surface tension occurs in a multitude of natural and industrial applications, such as inkjet printing and atomisation. We perform fully three-dimensional, two-phase direct numerical simulations of the retraction dynamics with soluble surfactants. A full parametric study is performed using a hybrid interface-tracking/level-set method, which is utilised to treat the interface; this method is capable of capturing faithfully the topological transitions that are a feature of the flow over a certain range of ligament aspect ratios and Ohnesorge numbers. Our results demonstrate the delicate interplay between capillarity, modulated by the presence of surfactants, surfactant-induced Marangoni stresses, inertial and viscous effects. Particular attention is paid to the formation of vortices, which accompany the retraction process, and the influence of surfactant on the vortex dynamics.
Catalytic Performance of SBA-15-Supported Poly (Styrenesulfonic Acid) in the Esterification of Acetic Acid with n-Heptanol

A polystyrene sulfonic acid-functionalized mesoporous silica (SBA-15-PSSA) catalyst was synthesized via an established multistep route, employing 2-bromo-2-methylpropionyl bromide as initiator of atom transfer radical polymerization. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermal, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed outstanding structural characteristics of the catalyst, including highly ordered mesopores, high surface area (726 m2/g), and adequate estimated concentrations of active sites (0.70 mmol H+/g). SBA-15-PSSA’s catalytic performance was evaluated in the esterification of acetic acid and n-heptanol as a model system at various temperatures (50–110 °C), catalyst loads (0.1–0.3 g), and reaction times (0–160 min). The conversion percentage of acetic acid was found to increase with the temperature, catalyst load, and reaction time. Furthermore, results indicated a fast conversion in the first 20 min of the reaction, with remarkable conversion values at 110 °C, reaching 86%, 94%, and 97% when the catalyst load was 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g, respectively; notably, at this temperature, 100% conversation was achieved after 60 min. At 110 °C, the reaction conducted in the presence of 0.3 g of catalyst displayed more than 6.4 times the efficiency of the uncatalyzed reaction. Such activity is explained by the concomitant presence in the polymer of strong sulfonic acid moieties and a relatively high hydrophobic surface, with adequate numbers of active sites for ester production.
Audiences’ Communicative Agency in a Datafied Age: Interpretative, Relational and Increasingly Prospective

This article develops a conceptualization of audience agency in the face of datafication. We consider how people, as audiences and users of media and technologies, face transforming communicative conditions, and how these conditions challenge the power potentials of audiences in processes of communication—that is, their communicative agency. To develop our conceptualization, we unpack the concept of audiences’ communicative agency by examining its foundations in communication scholarship, in reception theory and sociology, arguing that agency is understood as interpretative and relational, and applied to make important normative assessments. We further draw on emerging scholarship on encounters with data in the everyday to discuss how audience agency is now challenged by datafication, arguing that communicative agency is increasingly prospective in a datafied age. Thereby, we provide a theoretical conceptualization for further analysis of audiences in transforming communicative conditions.
Expanding known dinoflagellate distributions: investigations of slurry cultures from Caspian Sea sediment

Abstract To investigate the disparity between plankton and cyst records, sediment slurry cultures were used to isolate the motile stage of dinoflagellates from Caspian Sea sediment. This has resulted in new records for this area of Kryptoperidinium foliaceum, Gymnodinium aureolum and Woloszynskia sp. and for the cyst record, Scrippsiella acuminata. Two Gonyaulax species were isolated, one was identified as Gonyaulax baltica and the other an unknown species. Cultures of Lingulodinium polyedra were also isolated. The approach of using slurries was useful to provide cultures from sediments that were relatively poor in dinoflagellate cysts with contents.
Targeting clams: insights into the invasive potential and current and future distribution of Asian clams

SUMMARY Bivalves are among the main groups of invasive freshwater species, with the Asian clam genus Corbicula in particular being widely distributed. While global studies have focused on Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), the invasive potential of Corbicula largillierti (Philippi, 1844) and Corbicula fluminalis (Müller, 1774) is still unknown. The spread of invasive species may be intensified by climate change. We estimated and compared environmentally suitable areas for these species under hypothetical climate scenarios, generating global maps of invasion risk. We found large climatically suitable areas for C. largillierti and C. fluminalis (under species distribution models) and that their invasive potential is currently underestimated. The analysis revealed many areas in which changing climate may favour the invasion of Corbicula spp.
Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations

Grain legumes are nutritionally important components of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, limited access to quality seed of improved varieties at affordable prices due to inadequate seed systems has reduced their contribution to improving nutrition and reducing poverty in these regions. This paper analyses four seed systems case studies: chickpea in Ethiopia and Myanmar; cowpea in Nigeria; and tropical grain legumes in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and the enabling factors which supported the successful innovations. All four case studies highlighted at least some of the following outcomes: increased adoption of improved varieties and area planted; increased productivity and income to farmers; improved market access and growth; and significant national economic benefits. Important lessons were learned including the value of small seed packets to reach many farmers; the value of innovative partnerships; capacity building of value chain actors; and continuity and coherence of funding through Tropical Legumes projects II and III and the recently funded Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA) project. Successful adoption of innovations depends not just on the right technologies but also on the enabling environment. The case studies clearly showed that market demand was correctly identified, establishment of successful partners and institutional linkages overcame constraints in production and delivery of improved seed to smallholders, and fostered conducive policies supported national seed systems. All were integral to seed system viability and sustainability. It is hoped that these examples will provide potential models for future grain legume seed systems efforts. In addition, the analysis identified a number of areas that require further research.
Analytical relationships for yield stress of five mechanical meta-biomaterials

Abstract In this article, five fundamental unit cells namely BCC, hexagonal packing, rhombicuboctahedron, diamond, and truncated octahedron, for which there was a lack of accurate analytical yield stress relationship in the literature, were studied analytically and numerically using the Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli beam theories. Two different approaches based on force or displacement methods were considered. The results of the analytical models were validated against finite element models results as well as experimental data from literature. The results demonstrated that the newly developed analytical relationships based on Timoshenko beam theory give more accurate results as compared to Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, especially in higher values of relative densities.
Exploring the Victimization of British Veterans: Comparing British Beliefs About Veterans With Beliefs About Soldiers

Evidence suggests that most of the UK public appreciate currently serving UK Armed Forces personnel but are less positive in their beliefs about veterans. This research examined the social representations held by civilian participants of UK veterans and serving soldiers to understand why veterans may be seen more negatively. An open-ended word association task was completed by 234 UK participants where they were asked to provide three initial responses to the words “veteran” and “soldier” and to evaluate their responses in accordance to prototypicality. The 1,404 resultant associations were grouped into 14 thematic clusters. Using the hierarchical evocation method, the results suggest “heroizing associations” to be a defining core element for “soldier” and “veteran” but “victimizing associations” to be an element only for “veteran. ” Principal component analyses suggest victimizing associations are related to war and deindividuated associations; “heroizing associations” are related to characterizations of the veteran’s personality. Implications and future directions are discussed.