Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of Riparian Forest Buffers in Conservation of Stream Biodiversity: Responses to Land Uses by Stream-Associated Salamanders across Two Southeastern Temperate Ecoregions

Abstract Stream microhabitats are strongly influenced by adjacent terrestrial land use and other anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, sensitive stream fauna can be highly imperiled. We investigated relative susceptibility of stream-associated salamanders to riparian land use by studying species-specific responses that influence community assembly. The Piedmont and Blue Ridge ecoregions of the southeastern United States have high aquatic biodiversity, centuries of land use, and increasingly extensive urbanization. We surveyed low-order streams in these regions for salamanders across four riparian land uses (forests, agricultural, residential, and urban) and assessed 15 habitat variables at each sampling site. We found that forested streams were more diverse compared to streams affected by riparian land uses. Our study showed two distinct assemblages of salamanders in response to riparian land use: forest-dependent, large-bodied, long-lived species sensitive to riparian land uses (disturbance avoiders) and cosmopolitan, small-bodied, short-lived species that are relatively resistant to impacts of riparian land uses (disturbance tolerants). These assemblages varied in composition between the ecoregions, with Blue Ridge harboring more land-use–intolerant species. Results indicated that multiple habitat features of the riparian zone (canopy cover, canopy height, leaf litter cover), and stream geomorphology (bank complexity, streambed heterogeneity, sedimentation) are dramatically altered by riparian land uses, and influence the assemblage structure of salamanders. Riparian buffers in both ecoregions are largely unprotected (70% in Blue Ridge, 96% in Piedmont) and are possibly threatened with anthropocentric land uses. Results suggested that conservation of stream salamander communities should be strengthened with protection and restoration of riparian forests, connectivity among riparian forests, and soil-conservation practices.
The past, present and potential future distributions of cold‐adapted bird species

Species' distributions change through time, and many species have recently shifted their ranges in response to anthropogenic climate change. However, predicting future distributional changes remains a challenge. We tested the ability of climate‐only distributional models, built using present‐day climate data, to project distributions of four European bird species during the Last Glacial Maximum. Projected distributions under past climate scenarios were compared with fossil data to gauge the validity of the projections.
Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Students' Use of Learning Management Systems in Saudi Higher Education

Although learning management systems (LMS) have been widely adopted by higher educational institutions in many countries, they are considered an emerging technology in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that the students’ use of them is not always satisfactory. This quantitative study investigated the factors that affect the students use of LMS in higher education by extending the technology acceptance model (TAM) and adapting eight external variables. Based on the probability multi-stage cluster sampling technique, online surveys were sent by email to 2000 students registered in three public universities in Saudi Arabia. 851 responses were submitted by participants, and 833 responses were used for data analysis. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM), the results revealed that perceived ease of use is affected by six factors (content quality, system navigation, ease of access, system interactivity, instructional assessment and system learnability). The findings confirmed that perceived usefulness has five determinants (content quality, learning support, system interactivity, instructional assessment and perceived ease of use). This research is relevant to researchers, decision makers and e-learning systems designers working to enhance students’ use of e-learning systems in higher education, in particular where there is not yet widespread adoption.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE BIOLOGY AND FISHERY OF THE DEEP-WATER RED CRAB, CHACEON AFFINIS (A. MILNE-EDWARDS & BOUVIER, 1894) (DECAPODA, BRACHYURA, GERYONIDAE) IN DEEP WATERS OF THE CANARY ISLANDS (CENTRAL-EAST ATLANTIC)

Two exploratory trap fishing surveys were carried out from February to April and from June to July 2003, respectively, at depths ranging between 300 and 1200 m, with the objective to assess deep fishery resources of the Canary Archipelago. Despite the fact that the deep-water red crab, Chaceon affinis is a virtually unknown species for the artisanal fishermen of the islands, it was relatively frequent in catches, as an indication of its abundance in deep waters off the archipelago. This crab was captured in the whole range of depths sampled, although its highest abundance was found between 600 and 800 m, on muddy-rocky bottoms. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the average weight and length, according to depth of capture, island of origin, and date of survey. In general, the b parameter of length-weight relationship indicates a negative allometric growth pattern, although in some cases it was not statistically different from isometry, particularly in males. Males were heavier, larger, and more abundant in catches than females. Se realizaron dos campanas de pesca exploratoria de febrero a abril y de junio a julio de 2003, respectivamente, entre los 300 y 1200 m de profundidad con el objeto de evaluar los recursos pesqueros profundos del Archipielago Canario. A pesar de que el cangrejo rey ( Chaceon affinis ) es una especie practicamente desconocida para los pescadores artesanales de las Islas, fue relativamente frecuente en las capturas, prueba de su abundancia en las aguas profundas del Archipielago. Este cangrejo fue capturado en todo el rango de profundidades muestreado, aunque su mayor abundancia se encontro entre los 600 y 800 m de profundidad, tanto sobre fondos fangosos como rocosos. Ademas, se observaron diferencias significativas en los pesos y tallas medias, segun la profundidad de captura, isla y fecha de la campana. En general, el exponente b de la relacion talla-peso indico un patron de crecimiento alometrico negativo, aunque en algunos casos este no fue estadisticamente diferente de la isometria, particularmente en machos. En las capturas, los machos fueron mas pesados, grandes y abundantes que las hembras.
The future of Japanese quail for research and production

Japanese quail research measured by the number of published papers has gradually diminished over the past 10 years, and the trend appears to be due to the decrease of works using Japanese quail as an animal model or for biological studies. The flow of avian science-related papers on quail published in international journals remains about constant and low over the same period as the number of teams or laboratories with a quail research programme are few. On the other hand, commercial production of Japanese quail for eggs and meat is difficult to track precisely, and it is quite unequal across countries and continents, with increasing production in a few places, like Brazil. The futures of quail research and of quail production are not independent, however, and better links between both activities are needed to promote relevant research, explore new avenues of quail production, and help maintain this bird as an essential animal model.
The “physics” of capacity and backlog management in service and custom manufacturing supply chains

In this paper, we investigate the dynamic behavior of service supply chains in the presence of varying demand and information sharing. Each stage holds no finished goods inventory, rather only backlogs that can be managed solely by adjusting capacity. These conditions reflect the reality of many service (and custom manufacturing, such as capital equipment) supply chains. While there is a growing literature on finished goods inventory management in supply chains, relatively little research exists on managing capacity in the absence of finished goods inventory. To address this problem, we develop a capacity management model for a serial chain. At each stage in the supply chain, our model relates capacity, processing, backlog, and service delays to capture the aggregate dynamic interactions between the different stages. Using a system dynamics simulation model in an experimental design as well as a formal analysis of a simplified, yet representative, model using control theory and signal analysis techniques, we characterize the conditions under which a “bullwhip effect” (i.e., an increase in demand and backlog variability as one looks up the supply chain) can occur. We then study the impact of different management strategies and levels of information visibility on capacity and service delay variability in a two-stage model. Conventional wisdom, derived from studies of make-to-stock manufacturing supply chains, strongly supports lead-time reduction in order to mitigate the bullwhip effect. We show that lead-time reduction can exacerbate the bullwhip effect in a service or custom manufacturing setting if it is not carefully coordinated with capacity adjustment. In particular, lead-time reduction generally reduces backlog variance locally but often increases backlog variances at higher stages. Further, sharing end-customer demand reduces backlog variances as in inventory supply chains but over-reliance on it relative to local information may actually increase demand variance at higher stages. Finally, we show that the natural tendency to pursue system-wide process improvement by imposing uniform parameter targets across the supply chain exacerbates demand, capacity, and backlog variances at higher stages. Instead, we show that a superior policy is asymmetric, holding the bulk of system backlog at the stage closest to the point of end customer demand. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A preliminary study on fauna of medical important solpugid (Chelicerata: Arachnida: Solifugae) in Kashan City, Central Iran.

Solpugids are an order of hunter arthropods. They do not have poison glands or sting, but they can hunt animals larger than themselves using their powerful and large chelicerae. Due to their aggressive behavior and scary look, solpugids cause fear and horror in humans. Given the importance of solpugids in terms of causing fear, discomfort and the possibility of infection in case of biting, determining its species was noted in Kashan. This study was a descriptive research. Sixty five specimens of solpugids collected from homes and dormitories in Kashan City by hand-collecting method and were transferred to laboratory. All specimens had been collected from public and commuting places. The collected solpugids were preserved in 70% ethanol and were identified using special and valid keys under stereo-microscope in the laboratory. It was shown that at least 3 species of solpugids from Rhagodidae, Galeodidae and Gylippidae families exist in Kashan. Among 65 solpugids collected, 51% were identified Galeodes caspius, 41.5% Gylippus lamelliger and 7.5% Rhagodes melanochaetus. At least 3 species of solpugids live in 3 families in Kashan that sometimes penetrate the houses and dormitories. Thus, it is recommended that citizens be trained about the importance of these animals in ecosystem and that they know that these animals are not toxic.
Selective listening attention enhancement, using a simultaneous visual and haptic stimuli

ABSTRACT We explore the use of a simultaneous visual and haptic stimulus to increase the selective listening attention. In a psychophysical evaluation, the participants listened to three classical fugues while receiving a non-auditory stimulus synchronized with the notes of a single instrument. Thereafter, the participants (n=30) were asked to self report their listening attention on an instrument highlighted by the non-audio stimulus, while their initial detection and total focus time were measured. Visual-only, haptic-only and visual-haptic stimuli were compared. Regardless the participants' music skills or the instrument register, the visual-haptic stimulus obtained longer selective listening periods and faster detection times.
Tube Extrusion and Cheese Wiring Five Years Post Dacryocystorhinostomy

Objective: Dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) with silicone tube stenting is a common procedure for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). The incidence of congenital NLDO is about 6% in the newborn. The duration the tube is left in place varies depending on surgeon preference. Cheese wiring is one of the tube-related complications when the tube is left behind for a long duration. The term cheese wiring refers to the silicone stent or tubing cutting through soft tissue close to the punctum or canaliculi like wire cuts through cheese. We present a case of tube extrusion with cheese wiring 5 years post DCR. Methods: Study Design: Case report Setting: Tertiary Referral Centre Patient: One Results: A 16 year old Indian male with congenital bilateral NLDO underwent right and left DCR at ages 9 and 11 respectively. The patient presented with smelly nasal discharge 5 years later to the ENT clinic. On initial examination the right tube was in place but the left tube was not visualized. Nasal endoscopy however revealed that both tubes were still there and were subsequently removed. Conclusion: DCR with silicone intubation is a common practice. Early follow up is essential to prevent complications. If tube extrusion is suspected, early endoscopic examination is essential to confirm it Keywords: nasolacrimal duct obstruction, dacrocystorhinostomy, tube extrusion, cheese wiring
Degradation of the soil physicochemical properties resulting from continuous logging of Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis plantations.

This study assessed the changes in soil properties in sites subjected to continuous logging in exotics plantation sites of Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis with the aim to evaluate the deterioration level of the soil productivity in respect to human disturbance. Thirty five sampling plots, each measuring 40 m x 25 m were used for soil sampling. Standard field and laboratory methods were employed in the collection of data for 18 soil characteristics (sand, silt, clay, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity, bulk density, total porosity, pH, organic matter , total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, exchangeable acidity, cation exchange capacity and base saturation) at depths of 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm. The results indicated that values of soil and plant parameters decreased with length of continuous logging (1, 5 and 10 years respectively). The soil deterioration indices of the logged plots showed high deterioration of all the soil properties except electrical conductivity, bulk density exchangeable acidity and in exchangeable sodium, percent silt and sand at both levels of soil depths. The two exotic species were impacted differently on the soil properties on the study area as a result of adverse logging. If these plots area are left to fallow for a considerable period of time, the lost soil nutrients may be replaced.
8. How to Impute Interactions, Squares, and other Transformed Variables

Researchers often carry out regression analysis using data that have missing values. Missing values can be filled in using multiple imputation, but imputation is tricky if the regression includes interactions, squares, or other transformations of the regressors. In this paper, we examine different approaches to imputing transformed variables; and we find one simple method that works well across a variety of circumstances. Our recommendation is to transform, then impute—i.e., calculate the interactions or squares in the incomplete data and then impute these transformations like any other variable. The transform-then-impute method yields good regression estimates, even though the imputed values are often inconsistent with one another. It is tempting to try and “fix” the inconsistencies in the imputed values, but methods that do so lead to biased regression estimates. Such biased methods include the passive imputation strategy implemented by the popular ice command for Stata.
LIPID AND AROMA COMPOSITION OF BLACK CUMIN (NIGELLA SATIVA L.) SEEDS FROM TUNISIA

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of Tunisian Nigella sativa L. seeds was investigated. The results showed that linoleic acid (C18:2) was the major fatty acid with 65.1% of total fatty acids (TFAs) followed by oleic acid (C18:1) with 12.7% of TFAs. Neutral lipids (NLs) were mainly composed of triacylglycerols with 98.4% of total NLs. Polar lipids were mainly composed of phosphatidylcholine as the major phospholipid subclass, whereas digalactosyldiacylglycerol was the major galactolipid. Total sterols (TSs) represented 2.2% of the fixed oil and were composed of (-sitosterol as the major sterol representing 60.2% of the TSs. The results indicated that the sterols were mainly present in the esterified and in the free forms with 51.2 and 36.1%, respectively, of TS content. Finally, the aroma composition of the volatile oil from oleoresin exhibited the presence of many bioactive compounds such as p-cymene as the major component followed by ocimene,α-thujene, octen-3-ol with appreciable rates of 1,8-cineole and thymol. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results obtained showed that Nigella sativa L. seeds were a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), phytosterols (PSs) and phospholipids (PhLs) for the human diet. These seeds could be used by the food industry for formulating functional foods enriched with PUFAs and PSs. For pharmaceutical applications, N. sativa L. conjugated sterols could be used as precursors for the hemisynthesis of many hydrosoluble steroids. Also, N. sativa L. seeds are a good source of PhLs and aroma compounds, and therefore, they could be utilized in biscuit manufacturing and in food flavoring. The presence of many bioactive compounds in N. sativa L. essential oil (p-cymene, limonene, α-pinene, linalool and thymol), known for their powerful antimicrobial function, could support the utilization of the essential oil bactericidal agents.
Living

一方で,各国立大学が旧くから抱えている学生寄宿舎が年々老朽化を深め,例えば我が 横浜国立大学の例にみられたように,各学部の学生寄宿舎を廃寮とする代わりに,これま でどうり学生に住空間を保障するためには, 「統合案」という形での「新々寮」建設の必要 性に迫られている現状にある。 このように緊急並行する2つの状況で最近生まれたのが, 「日本人学生と外国人留学生と が起居をともにする」居住施設,すなはち「混住方式」による学生宿舎である。 これはす でに「00大学××国際交沈金館」といった名称で,平成4年の横浜国立大学を皮切りに, 宮崎大学,広島大学,東京大学,静岡大学と矢継ぎ早に計画・建設されるに至っている(1994 年2月現在)。 しかも今後建設される新々寮はすべてこの「混住」による国際交流会館型の 形式にするというのが文部省の方針である。 しかるに,言語・文化・習慣・風俗の異なる多国籍の学生のための「混住寮」の計画, 建設,管理・運営をどのように進めていくかに関しては現段階では各大学の試行錯誤に委 ねられている現状をみると,特に建築計画・住居計画的立場からの, 「混住学生」の顕在的
Compositional and Sensory Impacts from Blending Red Wine Varietals

Wine consumers are interested in components of red wines that contribute to health effects, flavor, and color. Three Vitis vinifera wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel) were blended using formulas created by an augmented simplex centroid mixture design, resulting in 10 wines (three single-component wines, three binary blends, and four tertiary blends). Compositional and color components of the wines were analyzed during 12 months of storage at 15°C with descriptive analysis and consumer evaluations at 30 days. Blending impacted compositional components and sensory profiles of the wines. During 12 months of storage, the blended wines exhibited similar compositional and color changes as their single counterparts; total anthocyanin content decreased and red color density and percent polymeric color increased. The primary anthocyanins detected in the wines by HPLC analysis were malvidin-3-O-monoglucoside, typical of V. vinifera. The anthocyanins decreased during storage with the formation of pyranoanthocyanins from condensation reactions. When descriptive and compositional analysis were compared, red color intensity and depth of color were correlated (r > 0.85) with clarity, flavor intensity, red color density, L*, chroma, total anthocyanin content, and polymeric color content. When consumer evaluations and compositional analysis were compared, consumer liking of appearance of the wines was positively correlated to red color density (r = 0.83), total anthocyanins (r = 0.85) and percent polymeric color (r = 0.93) and negatively correlated to L*(r = 0.99), chroma (r = 0.91), and hue (r = 0.99). Blending light-bodied wine with full-bodied wine positively affected consumer acceptance. Sensory and compositional data can be used to determine the overall impact of critical parameters for blending V. vinifera wines.
Stock and Recruitment

Plotting net reproduction (reproductive potential of the adults obtained) against the density of stock which produced them, for a number of fish and invertebrate populations, gives a domed curve whose apex lies above the line representing replacement reproduction. At stock densities beyond the apex, reproduction declines either gradually or abruptly. This decline gives a population a tendency to oscillate in numbers; however, the oscillations are damped, not permanent, unless reproduction decreases quite rapidly and there is not too much mixing of generations in the breeding population. Removal of part of the adult stock reduces the amplitude of oscillations that may be in progress and, up to a point, increases reproduction.
Ethanol production using hemicellulosic hydrolyzate and sugarcane juice with yeasts that converts pentoses and hexoses.

The use of vegetable biomass as substrate for ethanol production could reduce the existing usage of fossil fuels, thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts. Due to mechanical harvesting of sugarcane, the amount of pointer and straw has increased in sugarcane fields, becoming inputs of great energy potential. This study aimed to analyze the use of hemicellulosic hydrolyzate produced by sugarcane pointers and leaves compared with that of sugarcane juice fermented by yeasts that unfold hexoses and pentoses in the production of second generation biofuel, ethanol. The substrates used for ethanol production composed of either sugarcane juice (hexoses) or hemicellulosic hydrolyzate from sugarcane leaves and pointers (pentoses and hexoses), and the mixture of these two musts. Fermentation was performed in a laboratory scale using the J10 and FT858 yeast strains using 500 ml Erlenmeyer flasks with 180 ml of must prepared by adjusting the Brix to 16 ± 0.3°; pH 4.5 ± 0.5; 30°C; 107 CFU/ml with constant stirring for 72 h, with four replications. Cell viability, budding, buds viability, and ethanol production were evaluated. Among the yeasts, the cell viability was greater for J10. The use of FT858 + J10 was effective in producing ethanol. The hemicellulosic hydrolyzate had low efficiency in ethanol production compared with sugarcane juice. Key words: Hydrolysis of sugarcane straw and pointers, sugarcane juice, xylose, cell viability, ethanol