Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Olfactory response of predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to synthetic methyl salicylate

We studied the role of methyl salicylate as an important part of volatile blends in searching behaviour of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot). We showed that Methyl Salicylate (MeSa) attracted the predatory mites (1 h starved) in a dose range of 0.02–20 μg. The highest attraction was recorded at the dose of 0.2 μg. The dose of 0.002 μg was considered under the detection level of the predator. P. persimilis could not detect the extra amount of MeSa (100 and 200 μg). The probable effect of starvation period on the predator response is discussed.
Size selection of common mussels, Mytilus edulis, by common eiders, Somateria mollissima: energy maximization or shell weight minimization?

Prey size selection by common eiders, Somateria mollissima, preying on common mussels, Mytilus edulis, in northern Norway is described. The mean length (± 1 SD) of mussels preyed upon was 13.9 ± 5.7 mm (range 3.5–38.1 mm). The dry flesh weight as a percentage of the total dry weight ranged from 4.2 to 8.6% in different body-length categories and was greatest in the mussels most frequently fed upon. There was a close negative correlation between the size of mussels fed upon and the estimated total shell weight that birds had to ingest to obtain their daily requirement of food (rs = −0.86). A hypothesis is proposed that common eiders select mussels of certain size classes to minimize the daily shell weight intake.
The Gibbs and splitmerge sampler for population mixture analysis from genetic data with incomplete baselines

Although population mixtures often include contributions from novel populations as well as from baseline populations previously sampled, unlabeled mixture individuals can be separated to their sources from genetic data. A Gibbs and splitmerge Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is described for successively partitioning a genetic mixture sample into plausible subsets of individuals from each of the baseline and extra-baseline populations present. The subsets are selected to satisfy the HardyWeinberg and linkage equilibrium conditions expected for large, panmictic populations. The number of populations present can be inferred from the distribution for counts of subsets per partition drawn by the sampler. To further summarize the sampler's output, co-assignment probabilities of mixture individuals to the same subsets are computed from the partitions and are used to construct a binary tree of their relatedness. The tree graphically displays the clusters of mixture individuals together with a quantitative meas.
Language as an Emergent Construction-Network: A Close-up on Italian Idioms

In this contribution, I investigated the structure of Italian idioms from a perspective that combines insights from constructionist and dynamic-systems approaches to language. First of all, I empirically analyzed the occurrences of a sample of constructions downloaded from the itTenTen corpus, interrogated via the online corpus-query system Sketch Engine. On the basis of the tendencies observed in the analysis, I observed that the patterns of stability and variation of idioms in use can be satisfactorily accounted for in dynamic-systems terms. I then argue that the use of idiomatic constructions is governed by a principle of causal circularity, whereby the attractor state constrains the possible use of a construction, but at the same time the bulk of occurrences of an idiom shapes the attractor in an ongoing, nonlinear process of self-organization. Looking beyond idioms, I propose that similar mechanisms may regulate the functioning of the linguistic system as a whole, consistent with the constructionist view of language as a network of interconnected units.
Aspects of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of benzodiazepines with particular reference to clobazam

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the benzodiazepines are discussed and differences which may be important in the clinical situation are stressed. Clobazam, one of a new generation of benzodiazepines, is discussed in relation to the 1,4‐benzodiazepines.
Worldwide impact of alien parrots (Aves Psittaciformes) on native biodiversity and environment: a review

More than 16% of parrot species (Aves Psittaciformes) of the world have currently established at least one breeding population outside their natural distribution ranges. Though including the most introduced bird species all over the world, their interactions with native biodiversity and environments are still poorly known. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge about impacts of introduced Psittaciformes and we identify possible gaps to be filled with future research. Breeding site requirements of alien parrots, e.g. trunk cavities, indicate potential routes of direct and indirect competition with native hole-nesting bird species. Interactions with arboreal rodents, bats and insects are poorly documented, but appear to be limited. Psittaciformes potentially affect economy and human wellness, being responsible for damage to crops and to electrical infrastructures. Association with noise pollution has also been suggested, as many alien populations breed in urban parks or close to human settlements. Psittaciformes are potential reservoirs of Chlamydophila psittaci, the etiological agent of human psittacosis, and other diseases transmittable to humans and wildlife. Less is known about impact on native flora as well as on ecosystem functions. Predictive research and information on ecosystem recovery after parrot removal are scarce too, as eradication programs are often hampered by the emotional affiliation linked to these birds.
Can culturally, disciplinarily and educationally diverse (D3) teams function and be creative? A case study in a Korean university

Drawing from research in team creativity enhancement, this study focuses on a “Creativity, Innovation and Design Thinking” course for the International Summer Semester at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected among 15 teams of 89 students that participated in the course. Performance of the teams was measured by the grade they received from peers and instructor for all the creative projects. Participants answered a precourse and postcourse questionnaire to compare gains. There was a statistically significant shift in the students’ perceptions from pre-test to post-test in agreeing that diversities help teams to be more productive and more creative.
Do streaks matter in multiple-choice tests?*

ABSTRACT Success in life is determined to a large extent by school performance, which in turn depends heavily on grades obtained in exams. In this study, we investigate a particular type of exam: multiple-choice tests. More concretely, we study if patterns of correct answers in multiple-choice tests affect performance. We design an experiment to study if students who take a multiple-choice test with streaks of identical answers earn fewer points than students taking a test with a variable pattern of answers, and we study several potential mechanisms. We do not find a clear treatment effect, as multiple-choice test points were not significantly lower in a consistent manner in the treatment groups. We observe that in a streak, the likelihood to choose a different and incorrect answer than the previous ones is higher in the treated group. The number of identical previous answers does not seem to explain these choices of incorrect answers.
Effects of dietary protein levels on amino acid digestibility at different sites of male adult chicken intestines.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of varying dietary protein levels on amino acid digestibility at different sites of fistulized chicken intestines. Chickens were fistulized to either the middle part of the jejunum (MJ), the distal end of the jejunum, the middle part of the ileum, the distal end of the ileum or the distal end of the rectum (DR). Intestinal digesta were collected from each site of the intestine, and contents of amino acids were measured. The true digestibilities of all amino acids in intestinal digesta at MJ were significantly lower than those at DR in the 10% protein group. In the 15% protein group, the true digestibilities of Asp, Thr, Glu, Pro, Gly, Val, Met and Ile in intestinal digesta at MJ were significantly lower than those at DR. The true digestibility of Ser in intestinal digesta at MJ was significantly lower than that at DR in the 20% protein group. In the 30% protein group, there was no significant difference in the true digestibilities of amino acids in intestinal digesta between the sites of the intestine. The true digestibilities of all amino acids in intestinal digesta at MJ in the 10% protein group were significantly lower than those in other groups. These results clearly demonstrated that dietary protein levels influence amino acid digestibility at MJ in chickens.
A model of innovation and learning with involuntary spillovers and absorptive capacity

We develop a model of innovation and learning that incorporates explicitly the need for a firm to conduct its own research and development (R&D) in order to realize involuntary spillovers from other firms’ R&D activity and the development of absorptive capacity of research firms over time. The conclusions of the model follow directly from the functional forms that are used to describe the generation and absorption of technological knowledge. The first proposition formally characterizes the steady-state rate of growth of technology for the model. The analysis also shows how some of the key features of two distinct, pure modes of organization of the production of new knowledge, the R&D model and the new localized knowledge model, are implied by our model by simply drastically changing the relative magnitude of two exogenous parameters: the ease of learning and the pace of knowledge advance. The second proposition formally characterizes the connections implied by the model between involuntary spillovers and absorptive capacity. Analysis of the long-term interactions between involuntary spillovers of knowledge and absorptive capacity provides the essential insights into an understanding of the elements of a self-sustained process of endogenous growth. The third and last formal proposition of this paper accommodates firm-level arguments and the crucial role of a firm's absorptive capacity in taking advantage of its location in clusters, as implied by the theoretical model.
Patterns in the Composition of Arctic Tundra Pond Microcrustacean Communities

On the basis of intensive collections of Microcrustacea (Cladocera, Copepoda, Anostraca, and Notostraca) from 11 sites in the Canadian arctic archipelago, patterns of species richness, distribution, and community composition were evaluated. Microcrustacean communities of pond habitats in the high arctic of Canada are much less diverse than communities at more mesic, subarctic sites. There is both a marked decline in species richness and a dramatic change in the composition of pond communities with increasing latitude and decreasing summer temperatures. Ponds in the low arctic have 3–4 times as many species as those in the high arctic and are dominated by calanoid copepods, a group largely absent from the high arctic. Sites with similar climatic conditions in Alaska have microcrustacean communities with higher species richness, a phenomenon correlated partially with the presence of glacial refuges throughout the Pleistocene. The failure of certain zooplankton taxa, especially calanoids, to colonize areas i.
Year-Round Mixed-Age Shelter Aggregations in Duvaucel's Geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii)

Abstract: Little information on the behavioral ecology and social organization of New Zealand's diplodactylid geckos is available. At least two species may be gregarious and share shelters, but data on the extent and possible function of this behavior are lacking. We examined the spatial distribution patterns of Duvaucel's Geckos in diurnal retreats over the four seasons. We tested whether geckos formed aggregations more often than expected by chance, and investigated whether or not the thermal properties of used shelters, gecko body temperatures and group composition affected aggregation patterns. Duvaucel's Geckos utilized a range of natural structures as diurnal shelters and showed a tendency to aggregate throughout the year (47–71% of individuals). Mixed-sex groups of up to eight individuals, including juveniles, occurred year round. Aggregations never contained more than one adult male and typically consisted of a male–female pair. Shelter-sharing adult males were larger than solitary males. Juveniles sheltered in close association with adults of either sex throughout the study. Shelter thermal properties did not appear to influence aggregative behavior. Aggregation patterns fluctuated seasonally, but the factors affecting these distribution patterns remain unclear. The occurrence of year-round shelter aggregations and frequent male–female and adult–juvenile associations indicate that this species might possess a complex social system. Further research examining the social and genetic relationships between group members, juvenile dispersal rates, and the temporal stability of aggregations is required to confirm the degree of complexity.
Temperatura inicial de germinação no desempenho de plântulas e mudas de tomate

Seedling production is an important step for the tomato production and can be influenced by the initial temperature of germination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this factor in the tomato germination and seedling growth. It was used four seed lots which were tested for germination, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity to evaluate the physiological potential. After lots characterization, seeds were exposed to initial germination temperatures (20-30, 30, 33 and 35°C) and were analyzed by the SVIS® software. The seedling performance was evaluated using the emergence speed index and percentage, height and dry weight of shoots and roots. In general, the higher temperatures decreased the seedlings development. However, 28 days after sowing, the seedlings growth was similar among temperatures.
The moderating role of resilience in the relationship between academic burnout and the perception of psychological health in nursing students

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyse the role of resilience in the dimensions of academic burnout syndrome and psychological health in a sample of nursing students. A battery of questionnaires was administered to 218 nursing students, all of whom were in the second year of their degree at the University of Murcia (Spain). The applied protocol used the CD-RISC 10 scale for the measurement of resilience, the burnout scale MBI, and the GHQ-12 questionnaire to assess psychological health. The findings showed a significant relationship between resilience and burnout, emotional exhaustion, and self-efficacy, as well as with psychological health. Moreover, three burnout dimensions were found to be significantly linked to psychological health in the way we had predicted. Regression analysis indicated the moderating role of resilience on psychological health in emotionally exhausting situations. We conclude that the psychological characteristic resilience moderated the effect of emotional exhaustion on the psychological health of the students. The practical implications of the results are discussed in order to introduce measures for the proper training of nursing students for professional practice; we also make several suggestions for future research in this field.
On Conditions for Evolutionary Stability for a Continuously Varying Character

The two conditions for stability of an evolutionary equilibrium, the m-stability and the δ-stability conditions, are discussed. The m-stability condition is a condition for the convergence of the population toward the equilibrium, and the δ-stability condition coresponds to a local version of the classic evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) condition. Together the two conditions provide the condition for a continuous stable strategy. The convergence stability condition corresponds to the requirement for convergence due to initial increase of rare alleles in a monomorphic population, and the local ESS stability condition corresponds to the stability of a monomorphic population at the evolutionary equilibrium against the increase of rare alleles. In this way, an evolutionary equilibrium that is convergence stable, but not local ESS stable, will tend to become polymorphic. The local ESS stability condition therefore contributes more to a description of the dynamics of variation at an evolutionary equilibrium than to the description of the stability of the evolutionary equilibrium. However, the characterization of a polymorphic evolutionary equilibrium cannot be reached by studying the initial increase of rare variant alleles, just as this method cannot describe all aspects of the convergence stability either. Combining these analyses provides a powerful tool in the initial exploration of evolutionary equilibriums of complicated systems, and convergence stable and local ESS unstable equilibriums point toward very interesting polymorphic evolutionary stable states. The analysis is illustrated on a model for intraspecific exploitative competition that may show monomorphic and polymorphic evolutionarily stable equilibriums.
The knowledge multiplier

The paper develops a formal model of external knowledge and identifies the role of knowledge multipliers. Social interactions and knowledge multipliers play a crucial role in determining the rate of technological change. The analytical identification of the knowledge multiplier expression constitutes a key step in the appreciation of the crucial role of knowledge interactions. First, social considerations endogenously change the knowledge production function of each firm. The knowledge multiplier is the specific mechanism by means of which external knowledge contributes to enhance the innovative capacity of each firm. The production function of knowledge shows that the larger the knowledge multiplier is the stronger are the cumulative positive effects of external knowledge on the generation of new knowledge. Second, social considerations explain the long-run dynamics of innovation. Social reinforcement and the knowledge multiplier determine the rise or fall in the rate of accumulation of technological knowledge.
Habitat use and habitat selection by spotted seals (Phoca largha) in the Bering Sea

Twelve spotted seals (Phoca largha) equipped with satellite-linked tags were tracked in the Bering Sea for 46-272 days during August-June 1991-1994. Alaskan seals were mostly near shore during August-October and 100-200 km offshore in January-June, and were broadly distributed in the region north of the 200-m isobath. Russian seals were located primarily near shore and within 100 km of the 200-m isobath during all months. During August-October, all seals were usually more than 200 km south of the sea-ice edge. In January-June, seals were mostly 0-200 km north of the sea-ice edge, often in areas with extensive ice coverage (7/10-9/10). We tested for habitat selection by determining how frequently a randomly moving seal would have been located in each habitat and comparing that with observed habitat use. Russian seals selected for nearshore and shallow-water areas in September-October and for near shore, within 25 km of the 200-m isobath, and the ice front during November-April. Alaskan seals selected for n.
The Effects of Lead Exposure on the Activities of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase with the Modification of the Relative Genotypes

To investigate the effects of blood lead and other related factors on δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in lead workers. In 121 lead workers and 117 reference subjects, the following data were collected from health examination: blood lead, BMI, glucose AC, and Hct. A questionnaire including of demographic data, medical history, smoking and alcohol consumption was completed by each of subjects. ALAD activity was determined by the standardized method of the European Community. ALAD genotyping was using a method of PCR-RFLP. In this study, 229 ALAD1-1 homozygotes (96.2%), 8 ALAD1-2 heterozygotes (3.8%) were identified, and none of ALAD2-2 homozygote was observed. Blood lead levels in lead workers and reference subjects were 19.5 µg/dL (SD = 14.7) and 2.9 µg/dL (SD = 1.9), respectively. Lead workers had significantly lower ALAD activity then reference subjects (42.6 ± 22.4 U/L vs. 64.3 ± 13.8 U/L, P < 0.001). According to the multiple regression results, the following independent variables were significant related to ALAD activity: ALAD activities in females were much lower 8.15 U/L then males (P < 0.001); blood lead and glucose AC were inversely associated with ALAD activity (P < 0.001), but the effect of blood lead was profound. The regression coefficients of blood lead and glucose AC were 1.04 and 0.11, respectively. Individuals with alcohol consumption showed lower ALAD activity (P = 0.049). The possible threshold value of blood lead for ALAD activity was determined around 10 µg/dL. ALAD activity was inhibited by lead sensitively and stoichiometrically, thus ALAD activity may be adopted as a reliable biomarker of lead toxicity in humen.
Nutritional evaluation of kale (Brassica oleracea) diets:3. Changes in plant composition induced by soil fertility practices, with special reference to SMCO and glucosinolate concentrations

SUMMARY Nitrogen (0, 150 kg N/ha), sulphur (0, 50, 150 kg S/ha) and molybdenum (0, 400 g sodium molybdate/ha) fertilizers were applied to kale sown in spring on soils either low (4 mg/kg, site L) or high (22 mg/kg, site H) in sulphate (SO4-S). The plots were harvested after growing periods of 100, 160 and 220 days. Dry-matter (D.M.) yields were determined on each occasion and comprehensive plant analyses carried out on material harvested at 160 days. Nitrogen application increased both the D.M. yield and nitrate content of kale grown at both sites, and increased S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide (SMCO) content in kale grown at site H and in the plots receiving S fertilizer at site L. Glucosinolate content was unaffected by N application in kale grown at site H, but was higher in the absence than in the presence of N in kale grown at site L. Molybdenum fertilizer had no effect upon D.M. yield or upon any aspect of plant composition. At site H, S fertilizer application produced a range of soil SO4-S values from 10 to 23 mg/kg on day 160 and had no effect upon either kale D.M. yield or composition. At site L, corresponding soil SO4-S values ranged from 4 to 9 mg/kg; as soil SO4-S was reduced, concentrations of plant sulphate declined first, followed by SMCO and then protein-S (% D.M.), with the reductions in SMCO and sulphate being more pronounced in the presence of N application. Glucosinolate and nitrate contents, and the yields of D.M. and protein N, were unaffected by restricting fertilizer S supply. It was concluded that SMCO synthesis in kale is stimulated by the application of N when soil SO4-S values are high, but is progressively reduced as soil SO4-S declines below 9–10 mg/kg, particularly if N is applied at the same time to stimulate synthesis of plant protein and hence the incorporation of S into protein. Use of this technique to produce kales of low SMCO content for animal feeding is discussed, utilizing tests to define soils initially low in SO4-S. It was further concluded that sulphate and SMCO function as storage of S that is taken up in excess of requirements for plant protein synthesis, thus explaining their ease of manipulation by soil fertility practices.