Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Species’ roles in food webs show fidelity across a highly variable oak forest

Ecological communities are composed of many species and an intricate network of interactions between them. Because of their overall complexity, an intriguing approach to understanding network structure is by breaking it down into the structural roles of its constituent species. The structural role of a species can be directly measured based on how it appears in network motifs – the basic building blocks of complex networks. Here, we study the distribution of species’ roles at three distinct spatio-temporal scales (i.e. species, network, and temporal) in host–parasitoid networks collected across 22 sites over two years within a fragmented landscape of oaks in southern Finland. We found that species’ roles for hosts and parasitoids were heterogeneously distributed across the study system but that roles are strongly conserved over spatial scales. In addition, we found that species’ roles were remarkably consistent between years even in the presence of disturbances (e.g. species turnover). Overall, our results suggest that species’ roles are an intrinsic property of species that may be predictable over spatial and temporal scales.
Leaders, teams and work engagement: a basic needs perspective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between engaging leadership and open conflict norms in teams, with work engagement. A mediating role of basic needs satisfaction between these relations is proposed based on self-determination theory. ,Structural equation modeling was used with 133 employees who rated their leader, their team and their own basic need satisfaction and engagement to analyze the direct and indirect effects simultaneously. ,The analysis confirmed that both engaging leadership and open conflict norms had an indirect effect on work engagement through basic needs satisfaction. Furthermore, engaging leadership was positively related with open conflict norms. ,The current study adds to the validation of engaging leadership as it confirms that engaging leaders strengthen work engagement through basic need satisfaction. Furthermore, it shows that not only the leader is important, but the team can impact their well-being through the creation of other social resources as open conflict norms. ,This paper provides evidence that not only leaders are important to increase work engagement through basic needs satisfaction but also other social resources, such as conflict management. This offers a brand new perspective and opportunities on how to increase work engagement using social resources as conflict management.
Innovative development of human capital in the conditions of globalization

The role of human capital in the innovative development of the Ukrainian economy, which is formed through investment in the human being, is investigated. It is determined that an indispensable condition for sustainable development of the country is the implementation of the strategy of increasing the quality of human capital, which is actively involved in innovation processes and serves as a key resource for improving the competitiveness of the national economy. Emphasis is placed introduction of the model “lifelong learning” using modern technologies. A methodological approach to determining the level of innovative development of human capital is proposed and the value of the integral index of innovative development of human capital is calculated. The innovative-investment model of human capital development in the conditions of globalization is developed and the directions are defined. To overcome the problems of inefficient development of human capital and to improve its quality, a set of measures will be proposed that will contribute to the innovative development of the economy. The scientific novelty is to deepen theoretical provisions and to develop scientific and practical recommendations for improving the quality of human capital and its innovative development in the context of accelerating globalization processes.
Intra-Annual Spiral Compression Wood: A Record of Low-Frequency Gravitropic Circumnutational Movement in Trees

The majority of detailed studies on circumnutational growth movements have focused on herbaceous plants or on the primary growth of woody plant seedlings, ignoring completely secondary growth in woody plants. The relatively rapid movement in herbaceous tissues consists of two components: an autonomous growth rhythm and a gravitropic response. Since there is a gravitropic component to circumnutational movement and a gravitropic stimulus can induce compression wood formation, the formation of a compression wood spiral may be expected if there is a circumnutational movement of a woody stern. It is suggested here, that observed spirals of compression wood within annual growth rings in Pinus taeda L. and Abies concolor (Gord. ' Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr. represents an annual record of a slower circumnutational growth movement. Data derived from observations of greenhouse- grown 3-year-old Pinus taeda seedlings indicate that there are two distinct circumnutational patterns of different rotation al frequency present in woody plants associated with primary and secondary tissues.
Logging residue bundling at the roadside in mountain operations

Abstract The recovery of logging residue offers many benefits, and can be effectively performed with several techniques. This study presents the results of four distinct trials conducted on the Italian Alps with a truck-mounted bundler, and compares them with the figures obtained by the Austrian and German colleagues on the other side of the Alps. Average productivity varied between 14 and 22 bundles per productive machine hour (PMH), or between 10 and 15 bundles per scheduled machine hour (SMH). Mass production ranged from 3.1 to 4.3 oven-dry tonnes SMH−1. If the machine is used for at least 800 SMH year−1 bundling costs will range between €7 and 9 MWh−1, which is within the profitability limit indicated in Nordic studies. Although bundling may represent an additional cost in the slash-to-chip chain, it offers the important benefit of efficient outdoor winter storage, which is crucial in a region where the supply and demand of fuel biomass are often diachronic. The truck-mounted bundler used on the Alps adopts the same mechanism and achieves the same performance of the Nordic forwarder-mounted application. The main difference lies in its superior road mobility, which is crucial when covering scattered landings.
Dietary Fibre Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Sesame Seed Coats (Testae)

The dietary fibre contained in the seed coats (testae) of sesame, by-products of the dehulling processes during the manufacture of sweetened sesame paste (halaweh), were evaluated with two assays: the AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric method and the enzymatic-chemical method. Functional properties and antioxidant activity of sesame seed coats were also determined. The total, insoluble, and soluble dietary fibre contents measured were significantly higher using the AOAC method, than with the enzymatic-chemical method. The dietary fibre contained high amounts of neutral sugars (15.11 g/100 g seed coat dry matter), insoluble uronic acids (10.52 g/100 g seed coat dry matter), and lignin (5.42 g/100 g seed coat dry matter). Physical property analyses showed a high positive correlation between particle size reduction of seed coat, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity; however, there was a negative correlation with bulk density. Sesame testae showed a relatively high polyphenol content (9.9 mg/g of seed coat dry matter). Aqueous methanol, ethanol, and acetone extracts of seed coats yielded similar polyphenol levels (∼75 mg/g of extract), higher than those found in aqueous extracts (52.7 mg/g of extract). Aqueous organic solvent extracts possessed higher antioxidant activity than water extracts. Our results suggested that sesame seed coats can be used in the preparation of low calorie, high fibre, and antioxidant-rich foods.
LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Caesalpinia ferrea MART. AND Lippia origanoides CHAM. AGAINST Aedes aegypti (LINNAEUS, 1762) (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

The control of Aedes aegypti has been considered one of the most important public health challenges worldwide. Chemical compounds have long been used for this purpose, but resistance to these molecules has also increased. Therefore, over the last few years several studies have focused on the development of alternative tools, particularly those based on plant metabolites. The purpose of this study was to assess the larvicidal activity of Caesalpinia ferrea and Lippia origanoides against Ae. aegypti. Larvae (L3) of Ae. aegypti Liverpool and Rockefeller strains, as well as of the Recife population were exposed to different concentrations of C. ferrea (ranging from 13.1 to 105 mg/mL) and L. origanoides (ranging from 16.3 to 130 mg/mL), and the mortality rate was evaluated up to 48 hours after the beginning of the experiment. All tested groups and control group were quadruplicated. For C. ferrea, mortality ranged from 42.5% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Liverpool strain, from 67% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Rockfeller strain, and 57% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Recife population after 48 hours of larval exposure. For L. origanoides, the larvicidal activity ranged from 75% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Liverpool strain, from 61.5% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Rockfeller strain, and from 60.5% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Recife population. The hydro ethanol extract of C. ferrea and L. origanoides presented larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti.
Effects of different levels of humic acid on seedling growth and macro and micronutrient contents of tomato and eggplant

As opposed to direct sowing, production of seedlings of vegetable crops for transplanting is commonly practiced by vegetable growers. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of humic acid on the growth and the macro and micro nutrients contents in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) and eggplant ( Solanum melongena var. esculentum ) seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Different levels of humic acid (50, 100, 150, 200 ml l -1 ) were applied to growing media (peat) after transplanting of examined seedlings of the species every ten days by the time of planting. The highest growth rate for leaf stem and root growth were obtained at 50 and 100 ml l -1 HA and 50, 100, 150 ml l -1 HA for tomato and eggplant seedlings. , respectively as compared to the control. The highest content of macro and micronu trient contents were obtained at 100 ml l -1 HA and 200 ml l -1 HA for tomato and egg plant seedlings, respectively as compared to the control.
Quantitative and Qualitative Bacterial Flora of Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Cultured in Earthen Ponds in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Quantitative and qualitative analyses of bacterial flora associated with the digestive tract of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii cultured in earthen ponds of Saudi Arabia were carried out. Bacterial counts and flora of prawn-culture pond water, sediment, and prawn carapaces, along with important physicochemical parameters, were investigated, and the isolates were identified to the genus or species level. Total viable counts (TVC; mean ± SD) varied between (1.0 ± 2.3) × 104 and (1.7 ± 0.8) × 105 colony-forming units (cfu) per milliliter in pond water, (5.8 ± 1.7) × 107 and (1.1 ± 2.9) × 109 cfu/g in sediment, (1.5 ± 0.9) × 105 and (1.6 ± 2.4) × 106 cfu/cm2 in the carapace, and (9.1 ± 1.5) × 106 and (8.7 ± 1.8) × 107 cfu/g in the digestive tract of freshwater prawns. The bacterial flora was predominantly gram-negative, accounting for 80% of total isolated strains. Altogether, 21 bacterial species of 16 genera were identified. Aeromonas hydrophila, Shewanella putrefaciens, other .
Cone beam navigation bronchoscopy: the next frontier

Navigation bronchoscopy has reached a new horizon in its evolution. Combining with real-time imaging modalities, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and augmented fluoroscopy (AF), navigation success can finally be confirmed with high degree of accuracy in real-time. With utilization of this modality, additional clinical observations are being made to help address the CT-body divergence problem and further improve navigation accuracy. This review focuses on description of CBCT navigation technique, provide tips on addressing CT-Body divergence, and review evidence for CBCT applications in navigation bronchoscopy.
Unfamiliarity Breeds Resentment: Familiarity Bias in Inaugural Credit Ratings

Abstract While a company’s first-time, or inaugural, corporate credit rating should be highly informational, we are concerned that ratings agencies might be impacted by a lack of familiarity with newly rated firms. We examine this issue, finding that ratings agencies issue lower credit ratings for firms being rated for the very first time. We also find that this first-time under-rating moderates as time elapses, is lower for firms with higher financial leverage, and is less pronounced for larger companies, all of which are consistent with familiarity bias. We also examine the equity market impact, finding significant negative price performance surrounding inaugural credit ratings, quantifying the potential economic costs of familiarity bias.
The Importance of Virulence Prediction and Gene Networks in Microbial Risk Assessment

ABSTRACT For microbial risk assessment, it is necessary to recognize and predict virulence of bacterial pathogens, including their ability to contaminate foods. Hazard characterization requires data on strain variability regarding virulence and survival during food processing. Moreover, information on virulence is important for qualitative or quantitative description of public health outcomes following infection. The quest to understand bacterial disease started with the isolation of bacterial pathogens and continued with elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity. Now the goal is to predict virulence genes from total genome sequences. The deterministic approach of considering gene function relating to an organism's pathogenicity has its limits. Gene function prediction based on sequence similarity is also not without flaws. Bioinformatic analysis can reveal virulence potential of a genome-sequenced strain. However, a gene's contribution to phenotype is determined by the context of other genes present in the genome and this should be considered. Quantitative effects of gene expression should also be taken into account. Thus, if the gene networks essential for bacterial pathogenesis are understood, we can better predict genes coding for virulence. It may even become possible to identify species that are not yet pathogenic, but have the correct genetic repertoire to become so if particular genes were acquired. Gene network identification may become an important component for identification and characterization of microbial hazards, including emerging pathogens, in the context of microbial risk assessment.
Practicing CPR: A Qualitative Analysis of Resident Motivation

Background. For uncommon events in medicine, such as pediatric CPR, more frequent training is associated with improved performance among healthcare providers and physicians in training. Gamified learning may facilitate motivation to practice CPR, though studies to support this are lacking. Intervention. Residents were interviewed to understand motivating factors for CPR practice outside of a traditional classroom certification setting. Methods. We used a qualitative study design within a larger multinational study. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were completed with pediatric residents using a constructivist approach. Transcripts were reviewed independently by two authors (IHG, JLS). Results. The inductive framework gradually moved away from gamification and towards that of self-determination. Participating residents reported several types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drivers towards practicing CPR, such as practicing CPR to prepare, or as a connection to clinical practice. Some themes were amotivational, such as performance anxiety, and detracted from their drive to practice. Despite a gamification design to this curriculum, these components were rarely mentioned. These themes related to achieving Maslow’s three psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence. Conclusion. The motivation to practice CPR among residents aligns with the self-determination theory. By stimulating intrinsic motivating factors, future curriculum design may better motivate residents to practice CPR.
Milk-fat globule membrane in homogenized cream

Summary The proteins of the milk-fat globule membrane in homogenized cream have been studied using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy. The effects of pasteurization and subsequent storage of the homogenized cream on the strength and composition of the membrane have also been investigated. Caseins and undenatured whey proteins are adsorbed to the fat–serum interface during homogenization; the caseins are the more dominant group, but with no apparent preference for any individual protein. After homogenization, but before pasteurization, whey proteins are more easily removed by washing than are the casein components. After subsequent pasteurization, and on storage, whey proteins become more tightly bound and are no longer readily removed by washing. Electron micrographs showed that the interfacial membrane between fat droplets and the serum phase consists of a protein composite material containing casein micelles, casein micellar sub-units and molecular, or non-micellar protein.
Deep tritiated water uptake and predawn xylem water potentials as indicators of vertical rooting extent in a Quercus–Carya forest

Transpiration uptake from a tritiated water source (3H2O) associated with a sandstone bed at 3 m depth was examined in a second-growth Quercus–Carya forest. The effect of utilization of deep water on predawn xylem water potentials (Pstem) was also investigated. The 3H2O saturated the soil contacting the sandstone bed. As surface soils dried during the growing season, 3H2O uptake increased. Although all trees growing over the 3H2O reserve were capable of utilizing some of this water, Q. alba trees from all canopy levels generally exhibited higher foliage tritium (3H) activities than C. glabra (Mill.) Sweet. Higher (less negative) Pstem values were associated with trees having higher foliage 3H activities. The Q. alba tree with the highest foliage 3H activity, 1.2 × 106 Bq•L−1, exhibited the highest Pstem value, −0.875 MPa; the Q. alba tree with the lowest 3H activity also had the lowest Pstem value, 4.5 × 104 Bq•L−1 and −1.75 MPa, respectively. Pstem and the logarithm of 3H activity were highly correlated .
Compositions of seed fatty acids in some Vicia L. taxa from Turkey

Abstract In the present study, fatty acid composition in mature seeds of the Vicia L. taxa were determined by using gas chromatography. Present results indicate that the seed oils of studied Lathyrus taxa have palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) as major saturated fatty acids. Moreover, the present data showe that oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2 n 6) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n 3) were major unsaturated fatty acids in studied taxa. The highest oleic acid (C18:1 n 9) content was found in V. crocea (Desf.) B. Fedstch. (26.5%) but it was found at the lowest level in V. mollis (7.8%). In addition, present study determine that investigated Vicia species have linoleic acid (46.4–79.1%) and linolenic acid (3.8–21.3%) contents.
Effect of Constant and Cyclic Environmental Temperatures, Dietary protein, and Amino Acid Levels on Broiler Performance

Abstract The research was conducted to evaluate the concept of increasing dietary protein and amino acids in broiler grower diets to compensate for reduced feed intake caused by hot constant temperatures or hot cyclic temperatures in the environment. Broilers were housed at two constant temperatures and one cyclic temperature from 21 to 49 days of age. Regression analysis indicated the performance of the heat-stressed broilers was dependent upon temperature rather than protein and amino acid intake. The research indicates that heat-stressed 21 to 49-day-old broilers should be fed diets that contain between 90 to 100% NRC (1994) recommended levels of amino acids and protein when diets contain 3250 kcal ME/kg. Nutritionists should not try to compensate for a decreased intake in hot temperatures by increasing the concentration of protein and amino acids.
A taxonomic review of Rhinolophus stheno and R. malayanus (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from continental Southeast Asia: an evaluation of echolocation call frequency in discriminating between cryptic species

Abstract The taxon Rhinolophus microglobosus is elevated to specific rank on the basis of clearly defined morphometric and acoustic characters which differentiate it from Rhinolophus stheno. It is recorded from Cambodia for the first time. Rhinolophus malayanus exhibits considerable geographical variation in echolocation calls, with apparently two phonic types: a northern population with lower frequency calls and a predominantly southern population with higher frequencies. However, this acoustic divergence is not reflected in any morphometric divergence, and the taxonomic status of the two phonic populations remains unclear. Discriminating characters of all three species are given, together with distribution data and short ecological summaries. The value of echolocation as an indicator of cryptic species and the zoogeographical implications of the study are briefly discussed.
Patterns in the Species Diversity and Composition of the Fish Community of the Lacanja River, Chiapas, Mexico

ABSTRACT The Lacanja River, a tropical rain forest river in southern Mexico, remains relatively undegraded and serves as a good reference for comparison with other rivers in the region that are experiencing human impacts. We sampled 12 sites from the headwaters to the mouth of the river (120 km) in both the wet and dry seasons to quantify longitudinal and seasonal patterns in fish community diversity and composition. We collected 44 species (41 native) from the river, with Cichlidae the most speciose family. The most widespread and abundant species were Brycon guatemalensis, Astyanax sp. (both Characidae), and Cichlasoma intermedium (Cichlidae). Based on fish species composition, the river could be divided into an upper, middle, and lower zone; waterfalls impeded fish movements within and between these zones. The upper zone had the lowest species diversity, and the lower zone had the highest. All of the upper zone fishes also occurred in the lower zone, and community composition changed from upstream to d.
A Comparison of the Ecological Wood Anatomy of the Floras of Southern California and Israel

A comparison is made between ecological trends in wood anatomy found in southern California and Israel and adjacent regions. Trends for type of vessel perforation, vessel member length and the occurrence of helical thickenings show striking parallels. Characters like vessel diameter and frequency and incidence of (fibre-)tracheids show only weakly similar trends. Vessel grouping and ring-porosity do not show any parallel in the data for southern California and Israel. The differences between the two floras can largely be attributed to different floristic composition and the alternative possibilities for safe and efficient xylem sap transport and drought resistance in different taxa.