Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Winter Scavenging of Ungulate Carrion By Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, and Coyotes In Northern Arizona

Abstract Ungulate carrion supports an unusual canine-corvid-eagle winter scavenging guild in northern Arizona. To evaluate the effect of location and habitat on carcass use and longevity, between December 1996 and April 2008 we recorded 870 observations of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Common Ravens (Corvus corax) and coyotes (Canis latrans) scavenging 123 ungulate carcasses: 103 elk (Cervus canadensis), 12 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), seven pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), and one domestic cow (Bos taurus). Our temporal metric for measuring carcass longevity and scavenger presence was carcass-day (CD), numbered consecutively from the first day a carcass was recorded until it was consumed. We observed 38 separate carcasses (individual placement), 39 carcasses as part of three-carcass arrays in habitat associated with open, edge, and forest cover types (simultaneous choice), 22 carcasses left along the roadway where killed (monitored in place), and 24 carcasses partially skinned and/or cut open (facilitated). Elk carcasses lasted a mean 11.9 d (range 3–41), with 60% consumed during the first wk. Deer and pronghorn lasted 5.5 d (range 3–12) and 3.0 d (range 2–4), respectively. Ravens normally arrived by CD 3, Bald Eagles by CD 4, and coyotes by CD 6. Bald Eagles relied on ravens for discovery and sentinel duties, whereas both species depended on coyotes for accessibility. Winter- and road-killed carrion, not canine predation, drove carcass availability. Bald Eagles and coyotes used natural carrion more than human-influenced (road-killed or cut-open) carcasses, whereas Common Ravens were uninhibited by the latter. Removing ungulate carcasses from highway rights-of-way and partially opening them will promote quicker carcass consumption and safer avian scavenging by reducing potential for collisions with passing vehicles. A better understanding of the use of road-killed, large ungulate carrion may facilitate managing this supplemental food source as potential mitigation for other anthropogenic threats to both Bald and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), including wind-energy development.
Processing of local features in the zebrafish optic tectum

The optic tectum is the main visual processing area in zebrafish and is involved in a variety of visually-driven behaviours. A key question is how information about the visual environment is processed and integrated in order to generate guided behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the response properties of tectal neurons, i.e., their preference for certain features of the visual input. To do this, I developed a custom set-up for calcium imaging and simultaneous visual stimulation in older zebrafish larvae, up to the age of 21 dpf. First, this set-up was employed to measure the spatial receptive fields of tectal neurons with small moving spots. Notably, the results suggested that receptive field development is not completed by 9 dpf as previously believed; instead, receptive field refinement continues beyond this age. The results also confirmed that receptive fields in the optic tectum were relatively large in older larvae. Based on this, I formulated the hypothesis that tectal neurons might process multiple local features simultaneously. To test how the optic tectum encodes local features, I used small, moving oriented bars and combinations of bars, i.e., angles. Tectal responses to these stimuli suggested that, not only does the optic tectum encode local features, but is also tuned to horizontal-oriented local stimuli. Finally, I used a set of moving stimuli, consisting of simple features (i.e., lines and angles) and a composite feature (i.e. square) to test how information about multiple local features was integrated by tectal neurons. The results indicated that local features are spatially integrated in a sublinear fashion. The outcomes of the work presented in this thesis add to our understanding of how visual information provided by the retina is processed within the optic tectum.
Rearing Norwegian Red heifers : growth and effects on subsequent milk production of primiparous cows

The effect of age and parity of dams on their daughters’ milk yield is not well known. Lactation data from 276,000 cows were extracted from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System and analyzed using a linear animal model to estimate effects of parity and age within parity of dam. The 305-d milk yield of daughters decreased as parity of dam increased. Daughters of first-parity dams produced 149 kg more milk than did daughters of seventh-parity dams. We also observed an effect of age of dam within parity on 305-d milk yield of daughters in first lactation. Dams that were young at first calving gave birth to daughters with a higher milk yield compared with older dams within the same parity. The effect of age within parity of dam was highest for second-parity dams. Extensive use of heifers would have a systematic effect, and age and parity of dam should be included in the model when planning a future strategy.
COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL NITROGEN METABOLISMS OF SUBTROPICAL AQUACULTURE POND MICROBIOTA

Microorganisms play a substantial role in the aquatic nitrogen cycle. However, the community structures and metabolic potential of microbiota inhabiting subtropical aquaculture ponds are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the community structure of pond microbiota by amplicons sequencing using the MiSeq sequencing platform and predicted their potential metabolic characteristics. A total of 614 dominant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected from 27 samples, of which 61 were dominant in more than half of the samples. Many of the taxa observed in this study have known roles in nitrification and denitrification. In addition, most genes related to nitrogen metabolism were detected using a predictive metagenome approach, and a complementary pattern in which ponds had different genes in the same metabolic pathway emerged. These results provide basic information for the management of microbiota to control the nitrogen balance in pond water.
Study of Gonado-Somatic Index of Cyprinid Fish, Salmostoma Untrahi(Day) from Bhadra Reservoir, Karnataka

The Cyprinid fish Salmostoma untrahi (Day) from Bhadra reservoir near Narasimharaja pura of Chikmagalore district (Karnataka) was studied for a period two years from July 1998 to June 2000 to evaluate the Gonadosomatic index (GSI). The minimum GSI values in both male and female fishes were observed in winter (I year0.3621 and 0.4913; II year-0.3832 and 0.6665) while, maximum of it was recorded in monsoon season for male and female respectively (I year1.0300 & 3.4691; II year-0.8939 and 3.6858). Based on GSI values the fish Salmostoma untrahi has three active spawning seasons in a year.
Synthesis of Silica Particles from Sugarcane Bagasse ash for its Application in Hydrophobic Coatings

Wastes like sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) can be used as raw material in the ceramics, by the elaboration of bricks and tiles, and glass industry due its high amount of silica in its composition (>70 %). Another application for the SCBA is the synthesis of metallic silicates. In this work is studied the synthesis of sodium silicate with SCBA as main raw material and the future application of the sodium silicate for the preparation of silica particles to create hydrophobic surfaces for ceramic materials to prevent its erosion. The sodium silicate synthesis was carried out by the thermochemical method with batches of ash and sodium carbonate in a 1:1 sodium oxide-silicon oxide molar ratio. The thermal treatment was in a electric furnace at 800 °C for 8 hours, then for the synthesis of the silica particles, the sodium silicate was dissolved in water and there was added methanol in a 3:2 water methanol volume ratio, the solution was aging for an hour to create the bond Si-OH, finally TEOS was added and the solution was stirred for 2 hours to originate a hydrophobic and hydrolytically resistant siloxane by the displacement of the H in the Si-OH bond. The application of the solution was by the spray-coating method over substrates of concrete and red clay with an application of 10, 15 and 20 layers. The hydrophobicity was evaluated with the water contact angle test, with results of contact angles above the 110°, thus demonstrating the capacity of a waste for the generation of coatings to prolong the useful life of building materials.
Biocompatibility, Antioxidant and Anti-Infective Effect of Biosurfactant Produced by Marinobacter litoralis MB15

Objective: In this study, the biosurfactant, produced by a potent non-pathogenic bacterial strain of Marinobacter litoralis MB15 was used for anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and biocompatibility assay. Materials and Methods: Biosurfactant producing bacteria were screened by oil displacement assay and emulsification assay. The best isolate was sequenced by 16S rRNA gene analysis. The biosurfactant was produced in modified Zobel marine broth media followed by the recovery of biosurfactant by solvent extraction method. The produced biosurfactant was characterized by using thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Electron spray Ionization-Mass Spectroscopy analysis. 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, crystal violet assay, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay were performed to determine the anti-oxidant activity, anti-microbial activity and biocompatibility of biosurfactant respectively. Results: The best biosurfactant producing isolate was found to be Marinobacter litoralis. The produced biosurfactant was characterized as rhamnolipid molecules, comprising of both mono (m/z = 358.98 [M+H]+, Rha-C12:2; m/z = 543.29 [M+K]+,Rha–C10-C10) and di rhamnolipid homologs (m/z = 689.34 [M+K]+,Rha-Rha-C10-C10). The product showed excellent antimicrobial properties against several pathogens including Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antioxidant activity of biosurfactant was 72.6% at 5 mg/ml. The biosurfactant showed negligible cytotoxic effect to mouse L292 fibroblastic cell line. Most importantly, after 48 h of incubation, 84.7 % of cell viability on L292 was observed at 250 μg/ml for biosurfactant. Conclusion: Therefore, this investigation shows the utility of rhamnolipids as non-cytotoxic, natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent for various industrial and biomedical application.
Creencias sobre la enseñanza y uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en docentes de educación superior

The aim of this study was to determine a typology of beliefs of professors’ teaching and their relationships to the use of Moodle. This study also aimed to assess whether or not there were significant differences between profiles and the use of this platform. This study surveyed 641 professors from a Chilean university. The survey was designed to analyze and measure teaching concepts and information and communication technologies (ICT) usage in the classroom. A non-hierarchical K-Media cluster analysis generated two teacher profiles: constructivist and behavioral. Constructivists used technology with Moodle support more often than behavioral professors. The average magnitudes of the indices for constructivist and behavioral professors was low and the median did not exceed the scale used in most cases. This led us to confirm that there is no alignment between student-centered beliefs and constructivist technology classroom practices. Instead, there are other barriers such as curricular practices and low technological and pedagogical background.
Distribution and Age Composition of Red Snapper across the Inner Continental Shelf of the North-Central Gulf of Mexico

The Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus is an economically and ecologically important species in the northern Gulf of Mexico, where it often dominates the reef ﬁ sh community in shallow to mid water depths along the continental shelf. The af ﬁ nity of Red Snapper for arti ﬁ cial and natural reefs is well established; however, this af ﬁ nity appears to vary with age. We used a multigear survey that targeted all age-classes of Red Snapper to determine the distribu- tion by age-class on arti ﬁ cial reefs, natural reefs, and unconsolidated mud – sand bottom across the shallow-water ( < 100 m) portion of the north-central Gulf of Mexico continental shelf. Bottom trawl, remotely operated vehicle (video), vertical longline, and bottom longline surveys were conducted in randomly selected 2-km × 2-km grids that were previously surveyed with side-scan sonar to yield a synoptic understanding of habitat use by age-class. Zero- and 1-year-old Red Snapper (collected from trawls) were found primarily in shallow water ( ~ 20 – 40 m deep) on unconsolidated muddy bottom in the northwestern portion of the survey area. Vertical longline catch per unit effort was highest at arti ﬁ cial reef sites, followed by natural reef sites and lastly sites with unstructured bottom. The vertical longline surveys collected 2 – 8-year-old Red Snapper near arti ﬁ cial and natural reefs, yet the mean age and size of these ﬁ sh did not differ between the two habitats. Older Red Snapper (5 – 42 years old) were collected on bottom longlines, away from reef structures on unstructured bottom throughout all depth strata. Our results demonstrate ontogenetic
Early Neural Correlates of an Auditory Pitch - Visual Size Cross-modal Association

Research has shown participants associate high pitch tones with small objects, and low pitch tones with large objects. Yet it remains unclear when these associations emerge in neural signals, and whether or not they are likely the result of predictive coding mechanisms being influenced by multisensory priors. Here we investigated these questions using a modified version of the implicit association task, 128-channel human EEG, and two approaches to single-trial analysis (linear discriminant and mutual information). During two interlaced discrimination tasks (auditory high/low tone and visual small/large circle), one stimulus was presented per trial and the auditory stimulus-response assignment was manipulated. On congruent trials preferred pairings (high tone, small circle) were assigned to the same response key, and on incongruent trials non-preferred pairings were (low tone, small circle). The results showed participants (male and female) responded faster during auditory congruent than incongruent trials. The EEG results showed that acoustic pitch and visual size were represented early in the trial (~100 ms and ~220 ms), over temporal and frontal regions. Neural signals were also modulated by congruency early in the trial for auditory (<100ms) and visual modalities (~200ms). For auditory trials, EEG components were predictive of reaction times, but for visual trials they were not. These EEG results were consistent across analysis methods, demonstrating they are robust to the statistical methodology used. Overall, our data support an early origin of cross-modal associations, and suggest that these may originate during early sensory processing potentially due to predictive coding mechanisms.
Corporate-startup Co-creation for Increased Innovation and Societal Change

The emphasis on corporate-startup collaboration has reached a new level in the context of digital transformation of most industries. Co-creation, as one non-equity based model for corporate-startup collaboration is increasingly getting attention among corporations and startups, but also among local governments. However, even if companies, governments, and startups invest in this approach for innovation and societal change, the concept is under-researched. The purpose of this paper is to further examine corporate-startup co-creation by conducting a systematic literature review, as well as present a real case ‘FirstBuild’. The findings were that co-creation as a corporate-startup collaboration model increases in attention. However, there is currently a large knowledge gap in previous research in regards to this phenomenon and more research on corporate-startup co-creation is needed, specifically in regards to metrics and its effects on corporate innovation, startups’ growth, and society.
Robust Estimation of the Phylogenetic Origin of Plastids Using a tRNA-Based Phyloclassifier

The trait of oxygenic photosynthesis was acquired by the last common ancestor of Archaeplastida through endosymbiosis of the cyanobacterial progenitor of modern-day plastids. Although a single origin of plastids by endosymbiosis is broadly supported, recent phylogenomic studies report contradictory evidence that plastids branch either early or late within the cyanobacterial Tree of Life. Here we describe CYANO-MLP, a general-purpose phyloclassifier of cyanobacterial genomes implemented using a Multi-Layer Perceptron. CYANO-MLP exploits consistent phylogenetic signals in bioinformatically estimated structure-function maps of tRNAs. CYANO-MLP accurately classifies cyanobacterial genomes into one of eight well-supported cyanobacterial clades in a manner that is robust to missing data, unbalanced data and variation in model specification. CYANO-MLP supports a late-branching origin of plastids: we classify 99.32% of 440 plastid genomes into one of two late-branching cyanobacterial clades with strong statistical support, and confidently assign 98.41% of plastid genomes to one late-branching clade containing unicellular starch-producing marine/freshwater diazotrophic Cyanobacteria. CYANO-MLP correctly classifies the chromatophore of Paulinella chromatophora and rejects a sister relationship between plastids and the early-branching cyanobacterium Gloeomargarita lithophora. We show that recently applied phylogenetic models and character recoding strategies fit cyanobacterial/plastid phylogenomic datasets poorly, because of heterogeneity both in substitution processes over sites and compositions over lineages.
A study of situational awareness in a small group of sea kayaking guides

ABSTRACT Situational awareness, which informs the decisions made by sea kayaking guides, is a critical safety factor in guided sea kayaking experiences. This study examines the situational awareness of a group of sea kayak guides operating in moderate water conditions. Utilising virtual reality technology, a freeze probe technique was employed with a small group of sea kayak guides. The findings suggest that the guides’ recognition and understanding of key informational cues lacked both comprehension of their meaning and the ability to project their future impact on the situation. It is proposed that sea kayaking guide training needs to provide better comprehension of the (emerging) situations guides may experience as well as a capacity to predict the potential impacts of those situations. Improvements in metacognition and perception/action associations, rather than simple attention to the situation, are also a useful potential avenue to explore.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES, TOTAL CARBON AND 13C NATURAL ABUNDANCE IN FERRALSOL UNDER DIFFERENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bulk density, total pore volume, carbon stock and natural abundance of 13C in Rhodic Ferralsol in no-tillage system (NTS) areas under different succession and rotation of cultures in the Cerrado of Goiás State, Brazil. In order to do so, NTS areas were selected in Montividiu, Goiás, under the same soil and climatic conditions as the following rotations: soybean-corn succession, soybean-millet succession, soybean-corn-millet-beans-cotton rotation, soybean-corn-brachiaria succession and a pasture area (PA), used as a control. In each area, samples were collected at depths of 0.0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, 0.10–0.20, and 0.20–0.40 m. The lowest levels of carbon content and stocks were verified in PA in comparison to the other areas evaluated. The NTS with soybean-corn-millet-beans-cotton crop rotation followed by NTS with soybean-corn-brachiaria succession were those that presented greater potential for carbon stock increase and total soil pore volume, as well as bulk density reduction. The origin of the soil organic matter in the NTS areas is related to plants employing the C4 photosynthetic cycle; however, for mixed C3 and C4 plant systems, the isotopic signature of 13C is reduced, mainly in areas with crop rotation.
Chemical signatures of honey bee group membership develop via a socially-modulated innate process

Large social insect colonies exhibit a remarkable ability for recognizing group members via colony-specific cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) pheromonal signatures. Previous work suggested that in some ant species colony-specific signatures are generated through a “gestalt” mechanism via the passive transfer and homogenization of CHCs across all individual members of the colony. In contrast, we demonstrate that nestmate recognition cues of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera) mature in foragers via a sequence of stereotypic age-dependent quantitative and qualitative chemical transitions, which are driven by intrinsic biosynthetic pathways. Therefore, in contrast to predictions of the “Gestalt” model, nestmate recognition cues in honey bee colonies do not represent a passive “average” signature that is carried and recognized by all colony members. Instead, specific colony members develop the relevant cues via an innately-determined developmental program that can be modulated by colony-specific social environmental factors.
Biometric analysis in maize genotypes suitable for baby corn production in organic farming system

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to estimate and quantify the degree of association between phytotechnical variables for simultaneous selection of maize genotypes suitable to produce baby corn. Seven genotypes were arranged in field in randomized complete block design with four replicates. Genetic parameters, simple, path and canonical correlations of phytotechnical variables were estimated. The variables production of marketable spikes, length of marketable spikes, final plant stand and plant height showed over 80% heritability and variation index higher than the unity, indicating that superior genotypes can be obtained and selection gains. Significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were observed for production of marketable spikes, positive and of high magnitude with crude protein, dry mass and final plant stand. However, the direct effect between dry mass and production of marketable spikes was pronounced negative (-0.7085), whereas the phenotypic correlation was positive and showed medium magnitude (0.5343), which should be considered the indirect effect of final plant stand (0.7367), to take advantage of the gains of these two traits. The final plant stand is determinant to increase the production of dry matter and marketable spikes, both direct and indirectly. Given the data, we could identify promising variables for plant breeding which can be indicative to select maize genotypes for baby corn production.