Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benthic and hyporheic invertebrate assemblages along a flow intermittence gradient: effects of duration of dry events

Summary 1. A large proportion of the total river length on Earth comprises rivers that are temporary in nature. However, the effects of periodical dry events have received far less attention from ecologists than those of floods and low flows. 2. This study concomitantly examined the effects of flow intermittence on invertebrates from the streambed surface and from a depth of 30 cm in the hyporheic zone. Invertebrates were collected during 3 years in the Albarine River, France, before and after summer dry events from 18 sites (seven were perennial) distributed along a longitudinal flow intermittence gradient. 3. I predicted benthic and hyporheic density and taxonomic richness to decrease, and assemblage composition to shift from desiccation-sensitive to desiccation-resistant taxa with increased dry event duration. Second, I predicted benthic and hyporheic assemblages from sites that dried for longer periods to be nested subsets of assemblages from sites that dried for shorter periods. Last, I predicted a convergence in benthic and hyporheic assemblage composition with increasing duration of dry events, resulting from increased vertical migration of benthic taxa into the hyporheic sediments to cope with dry events. 4. Increased dry event duration in the Albarine River led to a decrease in both benthic and hyporheic density and taxonomic richness. Invertebrate assemblage composition shifted along the gradient of increasing flow intermittence, but broad taxonomic overlap between perennial and temporary reaches and nestedness patterns indicated that these shifts were because of the loss of taxa susceptible to drying rather than selection for desiccation-resistant specialists. 5. Assemblage composition between benthic and hyporheic invertebrates diverged with increasing dry event duration, suggesting that the hyporheic zone did not act as a refuge during dry events in this river. 6. Quantitative studies on the relationships between ecology and intermittence are still rare but are needed to predict the consequences of future changes in flow intermittence. The relationships found in this study should be tested across a wide range of temporary rivers to better evaluate the generality of these findings.
Uterine involution in the post-partum Balady goat

Twenty post-partum Balady goats (primiparous n=10; pluriparous, n=10) were slaughtered at different intervals between the day of parturition and day 37 post-partum (PP). Macroscopic changes included uteri weight and volume, and length of uterine body and horns were measured. Histomorphomolgical changes in the endometrial epithelium cell types and height, glands, stroma and caruncles were recorded. Macroscopic study indicated three phases of uterine regression. A fast involution phase extended from the time of parturition to day 7 PP, a second moderately fast uterine involution phase, which extended until day 13 PP and a slow phase that ended by day 19 PP. By day 19 PP, weight and volume were reduced to less than 5% of the weight recorded on day 1 PP, discharges completely cleared, caruncles completely regressed, horns became symmetrical and the uteri in these animals were not different from uteri of the nulliparous goats. Similarly, microscopic changes were classified into three overlapping phases: disappearance of secretory signs, degenerative and regenerative phases. Microscopic involution and complete regeneration of the caruncular epithelium was evident by day 19. In conclusion, the uterus reassumed normal non-gravid macroscopic and microscopic characteristics by day 19 PP and was unrelated to parity in Balady goats.
Understanding, modeling and predicting the popularity of online content on social media applications

Hoje em dia, o fenomeno denominado de midia social emergiu como a forma predominante de publicacao de conteudo na Internet. Devido ao sucesso da midia social, um entendimento de como os usuarios criam, compartilham e disseminam conteudo online hoje em dia traz informacoes cruciais para diferentes partes de interesse como: criadores de conteudo, provedores de Internet, marqueteiros online, dentre outros. Motivado por tal sucesso da midia social, essa tese discute tres estudos complementares sobre como a popularidade de midia social evolui online. Inicialmente, apresentamos um estudo sobre como diferentes atributos textuais, sociais e do proprio conteudo se relacionam com a popularidade do conteudo de midia social. Esse estudo e feito com base em uma caracterizacao em larga escala do YouTube, a principal aplicacao de compartilhamento de videos hoje em dia, como tambem com base em estudo com usuarios usando ferramentas de crowdsourcing como o Amazon Mechanical Turk. Apos este estudo, apresentamos diferentes metodos de previsao de popularidade com objetivos de: prever a evolucao de popularidade e valores futuros de popularidade de conteudo de midia social. Diferente de outros trabalhos, nessa segunda etapa do nosso estudo contabilizamos fatores negligenciados pode outros esforcos de predicao como: contabilizar o interesse restante no conteudo apos a predicao. Por fim, apresentamos um estudo de como atividades dos usuarios (e.g., assistir, compartilhar, curtir etc.) se relacionam com a popularidade do conteudo de midia social. Este terceiro trabalho e feito com bases de dados do YouTube, Twitter e do LastFM. Na nossa analise, focamos em duas caracteristicas complementares do comportamento de usuarios: a revisita ao um mesmo conteudo ao longo do tempo, como a mudanca de interesse em conteudos distintos ao longo do tempo. Os resultados desta tese sao discutidos em luz de aplicacoes como: marketing online, provisionamento de conteudo e plataformas de dados analiticos.
Spatial distribution of Trichoderma sp. in Embu and Taita regions, Kenya.

The distribution of Trichoderma species in soils of Embu and Taita regions in Kenya with relation to land use practices was investigated. The study areas were chosen because of their significant land use intensification and for being biodiversity hot spots. Soil washing and dilution plate techniques were used to recover Trichoderma spp from the soil samples collected from different land use types. The fungal isolates were identified and assigned to nine species from Embu soils and eleven species from the Taita soils. Greater populations were however observed in Embu than in Taita. Geographic differences between the regions mostly explain the differences in ecological niches of the two regions that result to different soil assemblages and plant types in the regions and therefore variation in available substrate for the fungus. Land use at each site affected the distribution, richness and abundance of Trichoderma with Napier grass having the highest abundance in both Embu and Taita while coffee had the lowest richness and abundance. Trichoderma favoured plants with shallow and widely spreading rooting systems, compared to the deeply rooted perennial coffee and tea trees. This underpins the importance of plant type and in effect land use system in the abundance of Trichoderma. The unevenness in the distribution of Trichoderma within the LUTs suggests yet another factor influencing the distribution of Trichoderma apart from the LUTs. Unevenness was greater in Embu than in Taita. The differences could mostly be attributed to soil management practices employed by different farmers while managing their land and crops differently. Trichoderma harziunum was the most frequently isolated species and the most abundant in both Embu and Taita. The presence of Trichoderma species in some land use types and the absence in others, provides a clue on the most preferred habitats, plants and/or crops. Considering the beneficial aspects of Trichoderma such as being antagonistic to the pathogenic fungi, crops or plants such as napier grass that induce high abundance and richness of Trichoderma can be used in crop rotations or in combinations with other crops to maintain high levels of the fungus in the soil.
Are Changes of Organizational Form Costly? Income Shifting and Business Entry Responses to Taxes

Drawing on administrative data covering the full population of self-employed individuals in the UK, I study the extent of income shifting from personal to corporate tax bases through incorporation. Despite large tax savings to incorporation (exceeding 10% in some years), a substantial proportion of business owners fails to incorporate. Using a revealed preference approach, I estimate an average cost of incorporation to be greater than £3200. Next, I estimate a proportional hazard model and uncover moderate elasticities of hazard rate of incorporation with respect to tax savings. These findings imply that income shifting through incorporation is not the primary avoidance channel for the self-employed and that distortions to the choice of the organizational form are modest. At the same time, the large perceived cost of incorporation implies that barriers to entrepreneurship remain large.
Influence of Two Winemaking Techniques on Polyphenolic Composition and Color of Wines

The influence of two winemaking techniques, delayed extraction of anthocyanins (DE) and separation of the must (SM), on the extraction of polyphenols (anthocyanins and flavonoids) during fermentative maceration and on the polyphenolic composition and color of wines at racking and after 7 months of aging was examined. These techniques consist of reducing the frequency and intensity of mechanical operations on the cap of skins and limiting the oxygen intake to the must during the first days of maceration, working on the recently pressed must (DE) or after a drain (SM). At racking, the wines produced with these two techniques had more color and higher concentrations of anthocyanins (total and monomer) and total polyphenols (total flavonoids, flavans reactive with vanillin, and proanthocyanidins) than the wines produced by a traditional winemaking technique, consisting of several pump-overs in air, starting from the first day of maceration. These differences remained nearly stable after 7 months of aging. The greater extraction of polyphenols was likely due to better conditions for the activity of the pectolytic enzymes naturally present in grapes. The percentage increase in the extraction of anthocyanins was lower than the increase for polyphenols and varied with vintage and with composition of grapes. The evolution of the color was influenced by the extent of the oxygen intake during fermentative maceration.
Osmoregulatory Capacities in Disjunct Western Atlantic Populations of the Sesarma Reticulatum Complex (Decapoda: Grapsidae)

ABSTRACT Osmotic and ionic regulatory capacities of a population of Sesarma reticulatum from Brunswick, Georgia, on the Atlantic coast of the United States were compared with those of a population of S. sp. (near reticulatum) from coastal Louisiana in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Samples of similar-sized adults from both populations were subjected to simultaneous 8-day acclimation treatments over a range of salinities from 48-1 ppt. At acclimation salinities from >5 to <35 ppt, animals from the northern Gulf of Mexico hyperosmoregulated at a lower plateau of blood osmolality than did those from the Atlantic coast. However, from midrange to the lowest acclimation salinities, hyperosmotic regulation in the Gulf of Mexico population was maintained without measurable reduction of blood osmotic concentration. A major component of the variation in blood osmolality appears to be reflected in differential regulation of sodium at salinities < 10 ppt. We suggest that divergence in osmoregulatory pattern of sibling populations is genetically based and is maintained by the absence of gene flow around the peninsula of Florida. This divergence may reflect differential adaptation to habitats that vary in salinity structure, tidal effects, and temperature.
Fungal phylogenomics.A global analysis of fungal genomes and their evolution

Fungi is the eukaryotic group with a largest amount of completely sequenced species and therefore it is particularly well suited for comparative genomics analyses. A species tree is often an important part of phylogenomics analysis. Concern about its reliability led us to design several methods by which we could identify nodes in the species tree that were poorly supported by a whole phylome. We determined that the species tree was mostly well supported but some nodes showed large discrepancies to most genes.These results could partly be attributed to evolutionary events that result in topological changes in gene trees. Our analyses have shown that HGT plays an important role in fungal evolution. Gene duplications followed by differential loss are also often the cause of incongruence. The OXPHOS pathway, despite being formed by multi-protein complexes, has been affected by this process at similar levels than the rest of the genome.
Genetic variation in stem strength in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and its association with compressed stem thickness

We assessed genetic variation in stem strength in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) using physical and biological measures in order to develop selection criteria for breeding programs. A diverse group of 6 pea genotypes was subjected to 2 levels of disease (ascochyta leaf and stem blight), high and low. Stem samples were tested for physical stem strength (load at breaking point and flexion) using a universal testing machine. Stem diameter and compressed stem thickness were measured as biological indicators of stem strength. The genotypes varied significantly in physical and biological measures of stem strength, and in resistance to ascochyta blight. Load at breaking point was strongly associated with compressed stem thickness but only weakly associated with stem diameter. Significant variation in compressed stem thickness was present among pea genotypes, supporting this as an inexpensive, reliable, and quantitative measure for use in the field. There was no variation in stem lignin content among genotypes. Ascochyta blight resistance and stem strength, as assessed by load, flexion, or compressed stem thickness, were independent traits (the main effects of disease level and genotype × disease level interactions for load, flexion, and compressed stem thickness were non-significant). Therefore, concurrent genetic gains in both ascochyta resistance and stem strength should be possible in the same pea breeding population.
Effects of flow fluctuations on habitat use and survival of age-0 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a large, regulated river11This article is a companion to Korman et al. 2011, published this issue.

We evaluated effects of reduced hourly variation in flow from Glen Canyon Dam on survival of age-0 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Colorado River, Arizona, USA, based on monthly abundance estimates. The proportion of the age-0 population in low-angle shorelines, which are potentially more sensitive to flow variability, declined from 70% in June to 20% in November as fish grew and made an ontogenetic habitat shift to deeper habitat. Average daily instantaneous mortality between August and September was 0.008 units lower in years when there was no change in the minimum flow compared with years when there was a sudden 50% reduction in the minimum flow. However, mortality was 0.006 units higher during the fall when there was no hourly variation in flow compared with years when flows fluctuated. As a result of these opposing patterns, 3-month age-0 survival across steady (0.31) and unsteady (0.28) flow regimes were very similar. While additional replication is required to strengthen inferences about.
The relationship between substratum surface roughness and microbiological and organic soiling: A review

Substratum surface roughness has a well documented effect on the retention of microorganisms. Implications of this encompass problems in hygiene, infection, fouling, equipment function, corrosion and cleanabil‐ity. This paper reviews methods used for visualising surface topography and measuring roughness which are pertinent to microbiologists, and notes limitations of some of the descriptors of surface roughness. A major issue is the scale on which the surface defects are examined: measurements may now be made in nanometers, but the significance of surface texture at this scale in terms of microbial retention has yet to be investigated in detail. Stainless steel and ceramics are commonly used as hygienic food preparation surfaces. Their wear has been visualised, with roughness measured on a nanometer scale using the atomic force microscope (AFM), and the effect on surface wear of cleanability using microbial and organic soil investigated. Surface analytical methods such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToFSIMS) provided information on the chemical structure at the uppermost atomic layer and demonstrate that microorganisms were removed more rapidly than organic material from the worn surfaces, and that organic soil conditioned the surfaces prior to microbial contamination. On this scale, the dimensions of surface defects were more suited to soil retention than to microbial cell retention. Traditional microscopic methods were not able to differentiate adequately between soil and microbial removal. Surface analytical techniques provide the opportunity to measure and visualise surface roughness and its effect on microbial and organic soiling on a hitherto unavailable level of detection.
Phenotypic variability of primary spike length in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Spike length (cm) was studied in 10 wheat genotypes which were grown during two years on the experimental field in three replicates. Samples of 60 wheat plants (20 plants per replicate at each year) were analyzed in full maturity. Genotype G-3552 had highest average value of spike length (11.46 cm), while genotype G-3419 had lowest average spike length (8.58cm). All tested cultivars had higher average value of spike length in the second year (10.89 cm) in compare to the first year (9.53 cm) of examination. Average CV (%) for all examined cultivars in both years was CV=8.21%, that indicated expressed variability. The phenotypic components of variance of spike length indicated high effect of genetic factors (49.48%), and environmental factors (40.41 %) had high influence on expression of spike length, too.
A preliminary survey of the ecohydrological management challenges faced by Lake Gudera, Sekela woreda, West Gojjam, Ethiopia

Abstract Lake Gudera, a highland lake, is highly degraded by agricultural activity, but still serves the local community for irrigation and livestock watering. Preliminary investigations indicated chemical composition of NO3 (0.7 mg dm−3), turbidity (26 NTU) and conductivity (78 μs cm−1) with poor floristic and faunistic composition. The Community Elders explained that the wetland encroachment started in 1986/1987, was aggravated in 2002/2003 and now had resulted in 25% littoral zone macrophyte loss. Wetlands had been converted for agriculture, leaving reduced filtering capacity of the lake which impacted on the ecosystem services. Now there are growing calls for sustainable management for the various values and functions, involving different stakeholders to alleviate negatively impacting factors.
Artificial Infection by Water Molds Following Net-shake Treatment in the Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculates)

Artificial infection with the fungi Saprolegnia diclina BKKU 0506 and Achlya bisexualis BKKU 0616 was induced in the platyfish (Xiphophorus maculates) via exposure to zoospores following artificial injury by scale removal and net-shake or “ami-momi” treatment. The results suggested that ami-momi treatment, but not scale removal, could be used to establish severe fungal infection in small freshwater tropical fish as well as salmonids.
The Interrelation of Fruit Development and Leaf Senescence in 'Anoka' Soybeans

In order to study the relationship between fruit development and monocarpic senescence in soybeans (Glycine max. [L.] Merrill `Anoka'), rapid, nondestructive methods were developed for measuring these processes. Both senescence (leaf chlorosis) and fruit development stages are given numerical designations and described quantitatively. Senescence is measured as the percentage of leaves ≤ 1/2 yellow, and this method is checked for reliability against two photometric methods that measure chlorophyll content. The fruit maturity stages are designated 1-5, depending on fruit size and color, and are also correlated with the growth of individual parts of the fruit. The onset of chlorosis coincides with mid pod fill when the seeds undergo their maximum growth. The developing fruit cause, at least in part, the slowdown of vegetative growth, a decrease in the number of fruit initiated, and an increase in the number aborted.
Tendencia de 2005 a 2010 de los niveles de Clembuterol en muestras de bovinos en Guerrero, México

This study was done between 2005 and 2010 in seven health districts in Guerrero, Mexico. Samples for clenbuterol analysis were collected (n= 1,221). The health districts Costa Grande and Norte had a higher number of contaminated samples (Clenbuterol >2000 parts per trillion –ppt-), with 38 and 37, respectively, Costa Chica had only 6 cases. Urine and liver samples were the most appropriated for clenbuterol detection. The results showed a progressive decrease in percentage of contaminated samples from 2006 (20.0 %) up to 7.1 % in 2009, however, there was a slight increase next year (9.3 %). There was a strong correlation between the percentage of contaminated samples obtained in Guerrero and nationally in the 2007-2010 period (r= 0.962) with higher levels in Guerrero (Mean= 11.3 %, National mean= 8.5 %) (P<0.05). During the study period 29 samples of intoxicated people were analyzed, which were confirmed in the urine of seven patients (24.0 %), whose concentrations were between 4,859 and 15,996 ppt (mean= 10,100), in the other samples of serum, clenbuterol was not detected. For health surveillance of clenbuterol was possible to reduce contaminated samples and the occurrence of poisoning; however, must be a permanent monitoring to prevent risks for the population of Guerrero.
Growth Rates and Body Condition in Norops polylepis (Polychrotidae) Vary with Respect to Sex but not Mite Load 1

Norops polylepis is a common anoline lizard that occupies both forest and pasture habitats at various elevations in southern Costa Rica. Previous studies have documented significant spatial variation in mite loads (Eutrombicula chiggers) on N. polylepis. My objective was to investigate whether mite load has a negative impact on growth rates and body condition. Growth rates were estimated in three sites using mark‐recapture with three intensive sampling periods over 12 mo. Nine hundred and forty lizards were captured and 200 individuals were recaptured across sampling periods. Mite load was significantly higher in forests than in pastures, and varied significantly among study sites. Males grew faster than females, and females and juveniles had higher body condition than males. I was unable, however, to detect any influence of mite load on growth rates or body condition. I conclude that Eutrombicula chiggers are either largely benign for N. polylepis or, if they do exert a negative effect on fitness, it is mediated through a trait other than growth or body condition.
Cephalopods: Ecology and Fisheries

Preface.Acknowledgements. Introduction.Form and Function.Origin and Evolution.Nautilus: The Survivor.Biodiversity and Zoogeography.Life Cycle.Growth. Physiological Ecology.Reproductive. From Egg to Recruitment.Coastal and Shelf Species.Oceanic and Deep-Sea Species.Cephalopods as Predators.Cephalopods as Prey.Fishing Methods and Scientific Sampling.Fishery Resources.Fisheries Oceanography.Assessment and Management.Conclusions. Appendix A: Classification of Living Cephalopod Families.Appendix B: Synopsis of Living Cephalopod Families.References. Index.