Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do honest signalling models of offspring solicitation apply to insects?

Honest signalling models predict that the intensity of solicitation by offspring influences the level of provisioning provided by parents and reflects offspring need. The empirical evidence supporting these predictions primarily comes from studies of birds or mammals. Thus, although parental care of altricial offspring is taxonomically widespread, the generality of these models is not well known. To investigate whether honest signalling models apply to insects, we manipulated parent and offspring behaviour in the burying beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis, a species with advanced parental care. First, within biparental care, we manipulated the brood size to alter the parents' perception of offspring need. We measured the care giving behaviour of male and female parents to examine whether either adjusts its level of care according to offspring need. In the second experiment, because two parents together provision the brood more often than single parents, we manipulated the number of care givers (uniparental and biparental care) and measured offspring solicitation to assess whether offspring change their behaviour in response to need. Our results show that parent behaviour is broadly consistent with the first prediction of the models; both sexes provisioned larger broods more often than smaller broods. Larval solicitation was also consistent with the second prediction; larvae that were provisioned less often begged more. Our results provide evidence that honest signalling models can be applied to insects as well as vertebrates, although there are also subtle differences in care giving behaviour that may be important.
Managing feral goat impacts by manipulating their access to water in the rangelands.

Feral goats are a significant threat to biodiversity in Australia. However, goats are also harvested by some landholders for commercial benefit and this can lead to disagreements regarding control techniques. In the rangelands of New South Wales, feral goat distribution is closely linked to artificial watering points (AWP) such as tanks and bores. Previous surveys indicated that goat activity was rare more than 4 km from water. We hypothesised that constructing sections of goat-proof fencing in areas where goats were feeding on National Parks but watering on neighbouring properties, such that they had to travel more than 4 km from the AWP to access the park, would result in a significant decrease in goat abundance in these areas. We tested this hypothesis in Paroo-Darling National Park, Gundabooka State Conservation Area and Gundabooka National Park using changes in index (fresh goat dung groups per 100-m transect). We also measured kangaroo dung and ground cover index changes. Twelve months after the fences were constructed, goat dung significantly declined compared with non-treatment areas and the relationship between distance to water and goat dung broke down at the treatment sites. Kangaroo indices were not affected by the fences. The results for bare ground were the same as for goat dung, with significantly less bare ground and a breakdown in the relationship with distance to water at the treatment sites after the fences were constructed, but this was due to a corresponding increase in litter rather than live vegetation. This technique can be a significant tool for protecting biodiversity from feral goats, without removing the potential for neighbouring landholders to harvest the goats. If strategically used to create zones free of resident goats around the boundaries of conservation reserves, it should increase the effectiveness of other techniques such as trapping, mustering and shooting, by reducing post-control reinvasion. Recognition of access to water as an important management tool should substantially improve our management of feral goats in the rangelands.
Simple method for the characterization of birefringence of single-mode optical fibers

Over the past few decades, various laboratories have worked on non-destructive methods for the evaluation of residual birefringence of single-mode optical fibers. Among them, polarimetric methods allowing the measurement of polarization eigenmodes represent the best option when it is necessary either to understand or to control the evolution of the state of polarization of light along the fiber. In this work, we present a polarimetric technique based on the use of Mueller calculus and the Poincare sphere. This is a simple, precise, and non-destructive method allowing the measurement of the azimuth and ellipticity angles of the polarization eigenmode, as well as the total retardation angle modulus-π.
Characterization of Cobalt Sulfide Thin Films Synthesized from Acidic Chemical Baths

Cobalt sulfide thin films were synthesized from acidic chemical baths by varying the deposition time. The powder X-ray diffraction studies indicated that there are hexagonal CoS, face-centered cubic Co3S4, and cubic Co9S8 phases of cobalt sulfide. The crystallite size of the hexagonal CoS phase decreased from 52.8 nm to 22.5 nm and that of the cubic Co9S8 phase increased from 11 nm to 60 nm as the deposition time increased from 2 hrs to 3.5 hrs. The scanning electron microscopic images revealed crack and pinhole free thin films with uniform and smooth background and few large polygonal grains on the surface. The band gap of the cobalt sulfide thin films decreased from 1.75 eV to 1.3 eV as the deposition time increased from 2 hrs to 3.5 hrs. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films confirmed the emission of ultraviolet, violet, and blue lights. The intense PL emission of violet light at 384 nm had red shifted with increasing deposition time that could be resulted from the increase in the average crystallite size. The FTIR spectra of the films indicated the presence of OH, C-O-H, C-O, double sulfide, and Co-S groups. As the deposition time increased, the electrical resistivity of the cobalt sulfide thin films decreased due to the increase in both the crystallite size and the films’ thickness.
Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy: Indications, technique, outcomes, and future directions

After the clinical success of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treatment of achalasia cardia, the principle of submucosal tunneling and mucosal flap valve has been used in several other areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric per-oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM, POEP, POP) is a relatively new procedure described for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. This review discusses the indications, patient selection, pre-procedure workup, and procedure details of G-POEM. It also reviews the current literature on this procedure and provides insights and future directions for research on this topic. Copyright © 2020, Society of Gastrointestinal Intervention.
Use of Nest Trees by the Mountain Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus Caninus) (Phalangeridae: Marsupialia). Ii. Characteristics of Occupied Trees.

The use of den trees by a population of the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosorus caninus) in forests of mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) at Cambarville, in the central Highlands of Victoria, is described. Relationships are explored between the use of trees with hollows by 16 radio-tracked T. caninus and a range of measures of the morphological characteristics of the 113 different den trees they occupied. The results of the analyses indicate that the most used trees contained a relatively large number of cavities and were not surrounded by dense vegetation. Male possums were found most frequently in the southern part of the 35-ha study area, and females were found most often in the northern part.
Dermatolithon litorale (Suneson) Hamel & Lemoine (Rhodophyta, Corallinaceae) in the British Isles*

Abstract D. litorale is a distinct species in the British Isles and closely resembles other European material of the same species which is known only in the bisporangial phase throughout its range. It is distinguished from D. pustulatum by its colour, its thinner thallus, and the size, shape and surface structure of its conceptacles. Shore observations over 2½ years have not revealed a seasonal pattern of occurrence; they do suggest that, where present, it remains in small quantity until local conditions particularly favour its growth when it is able to increase very rapidly to become abundant. The germination of its bispores agrees well with spore germination patterns in other species of Dermatolithon. Previously this species has been tentatively synonymized with other species reported from India and Pacific North America. On the basis of present knowledge it is suggested that these species are not in fact the same taxon.
Modelling combined harvest and effort regulations: the case of the Dutch beam trawl fishery for plaice and sole in the North Sea

Hoff, A. and Frost, H. 2008. Modelling combined harvest and effort regulations: the case of the Dutch beam trawl fishery for plaice and sole in the North Sea. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 822-831.Currently, several European fishing fleets are regulated through a combination of harvest and effort control. The two regulation schemes are interrelated, i.e. a given quota limit will necessarily determine the effort used, and vice versa. It is important to acknowledge this causality when assessing combined effort and harvest regulation systems. A bioeconomic feedback model is presented that takes into account the causality between effort and harvest control by switching back and forth between the two, depending on which is the binding rule. The model consists of a biological and an economic operation module, the former simulating stock assessment and quota establishment, and the latter simulating the economic fleet dynamics. When harvest control is binding, catch is evaluated using the biological projection formula, whereas the economics-based Cobb-Douglas production function is used when effort is binding. The method is applied to the Dutch beam trawl fishery for plaice and sole in the North Sea.
Noninvasive biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, where do we stand?

The 2010’s saw demonstration of the power of lung cancer screening to reduce mortality. However, with implementation of lung cancer screening comes the challenge of diagnosing millions of lung nodules every year. When compared to other cancers with widespread screening strategies (breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, and skin), obtaining a lung nodule tissue biopsy to confirm a positive screening test remains associated with higher morbidity and cost. Therefore, non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers may have a unique opportunity in lung cancer to greatly improve the management of patients at risk. This review covers recent advances in the field of liquid biomarkers and computed tomographic imaging features, with special attention to new methods for combination of biomarkers as well as the use of artificial intelligence for the discrimination of benign from malignant nodules.
Anterior Single Odontoid Screw Fixation for Type II Odontoid Fractures: In A Cohort Study of 11 Patients and literature review.

Objective: We aim to demonstrate the fusion efficiency of anterior screw fixation technique in all types of type 2 odontoid fracture by presenting a study of 11 cases and updating the literature. Methods: Retrospectively we analyzed 11 (8 males and 3 females) patients with type 2 odontoid fracture treated through anterior odontoid screw fixation in the Neurosurgery Department of XXX University Hospital between 2015 and 2018. All patient records were evaluated with current clinical, neurophysiological examination, radiological studies, and results. In operation we used retropharyngeal approach of Robinson and Smith and created a gutter in the superior edge of C3 corpus for proper trajection of screw. The patients were followed over a minimum period of eighteen months with a range (18-24 months). Assessments of the union, nonunion, screw displacement and overall, with complications were all recorded. Results: 10 patients had no postoperative complication. Separation of odontoid fracture was observed in 1 patient after discharge from hospital, but during follow up period computerized tomography revealed fusion of the odontoid of the patient. Our patients had no any complication such as screw related problems, pseudo-arthrosis and dysphagia. Conclusion: We recommend surgical treatment in all cases of type 2 odontoid fractures, including the anterior oblique fracture. The method used in our study is more reliable for trajection of screw and suitable for type 2 odontoid fracture, also fusion rate is higher than the other techniques
Physico - Chemical Analysis of Fresh Water of Ropar Wetland (Ramsar Site), India

Through anthropogenic activities such as dam building, river management works, indirectly through developments and disturbances in the landscape of the watersheds in particular effluent discharges and deforestation increasingly threatened the environmental integrity of freshwaters systems, world wide. In order to access the monthly and seasonally variations of “Ropar Weland”, study on various physio-chemical parameters was carried out from October 2015 to September 2017 at four representative sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4). The seasons were generally divided into winter (December to February), summer (March to May), monsoon (June to August) and autumn (September to November). Maximum amount of all the parameters except DO and free CO2 were observed in summer and monsoon season and minimum in winter season. Minimum value of DO and free CO2 during summer season is due to the higher temperature because temperature is inversely proportional to DO. Rest of the parameters such as phosphate, sulphate, magnesium, calcium were widely fluctuated according to seasons and are under permissible limits. Current World Environment www.cwejournal. org ISSN: 0973-4929, Vol. 15, No. (1) 2020, Pg. 117-126 CONTACT Saima Akhter saimaakhter.87@gmail.com Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Punjabi University,
Effect of Nutrient Management on Dry Matter Production and Nutrient Uptake of Hyacinth bean in Baby corn (Zea mays L.) – Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) Cropping System

The field experiments were conducted at Horticultural Research Station, SKLTSHU, Adilabad, Telangana State, India during rabi seasons (October-February) of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management practices on dry matter production and nutrient uptake of hyacinth bean in baby corn–hyacinth bean cropping system. Experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design for baby corn during kharif 2015 with seven treatments comprised of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF 150:60:60 N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O kg ha -1 ), 25 % N supplemented through farm yard manure or vermicompost+75% RDF with or without bio-fertilizers Azospirillum and Bacillus megaterium @ 5 kg ha -1 each in addition to control and replicated thrice. Each main treatment was divided into four subplots and the treatments of 100% RDF (20-50 N, P 2 O 5 kg ha -1 ) and 75% RDF with or without Bradyrhizobium @ 500 g ha -1 (seed treatment) were imposed for hyacinth bean in rabi season and data of rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17 was analyzed in split plot design. Application of 25% N through FYM in conjunction with 75% RDF and bio-fertilizer to baby corn during kharif and 100% RDF along with seed treatment with Bradyrhizobium to hyacinth bean during rabi resulted in significantly higher dry matter production at various growth stages and nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) over rest of the treatments.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Objectives: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection reduces the low back-leg pain and enables daily activities of the patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the treatment of transforaminal epidural steroid injection for lumbar spinal stenosis, which was mainly performed for lumbar disc herniation and share our diagnostic experience for lumbar spinal stenosis which is treated surgically. Methods: In our study, 37 patients were included who were treated by transforaminal epidural steroid injection for Grade B lumbar spinal stenosis in our clinic between June-2014 and June-2018. We evaluated the patients at the second weeks, third/sixth months and one year after the treatment by Oswestry-Disability-Index and Visual-Analogue-Scale and followed up for surgical treatment after one year. Results: The mean low back and leg pain Visual Analogue Scale was 5.1±0.3 before the transforaminal epidural steroid injection procedure, and it was 2.7±0.1 after two weeks. It was 2.8±0.2, 3.1±0.1 at three and six months after procedure, respectively. The improvement of low back-leg pain mean Visual-Analogue-Scale is statistically significant at two weeks, three and six months after transforaminal epidural steroid injection procedure, respectively. The mean Oswestry-Disability-Index was 29.6±0.4 before the transforaminal epidural steroid injection procedure, and it was 14.1±0.3 after two weeks. It was 15.3±0.5, 24.4±0.2 at three and six months after procedure, respectively. The improvement of Oswestry-Disability-Index is statistically significant at two weeks, three-six months. Conclusion: The transforaminal epidural steroid injection is safe procedure for non-surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and this procedure may be preferred support to the indication of the surgical treatment of level of lumbar spinal stenosis.
The influence of temperature on egg mortality in the budmoth Zeiraphera diniana (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae), and its role in determining the regional abundance of an important forest pest

The range of the moth Zeiraphera diniana Guenee and the regions where high population densities are infrequent and unpredictable are thought to be determined by high temperatures during egg pre-diapause. Exposure of eggs to incubation temperatures known to be optimal for Z. diniana elsewhere resulted in a pre-diapause mortality of 13% which corresponds to known rates of egg mortality in British forests. Evidence suggests that high temperature and its duration are both important determinants of pre-diapause egg mortality which, if experienced in forest conditions, may prevent populations from reaching outbreak levels. Historical records of outbreaks were associated with lower than average August temperature. However, high temperatures on their own are unlikely to determine the range of the insect in Britain since a high proportion of eggs survives extremes; more than 70% of British eggs survived 24 h exposure to a temperature of 30 degrees C. Variations in egg mortality among families of moths suggests a genetic basis for differences in thermal tolerance. Furthermore, there may be selection for thermally-tolerant eggs in British forest environments and this could be connected with other forms of genetic differentiation in budmoth populations.
A Mathematical Approach to Optimize Crop Allocation – A Linear Programming Model

Received: 20 January 2020 Accepted: 9 March 2020 Agriculture plays a significant role in the social and economic development of a country. To get optimum farm outputs; decisions such as crop allocation, crop combinations, operational activities performed for crop production are very crucial. All these factors are needed to optimize in each growing season. Proper farm planning and resource allocation play a significant role in optimizing farm revenues. Thus, the study is carried out to analyze the cropping pattern in different districts of Rajasthan. The survey is conducted, to get an insight about the difficulties faced by the growers in each season. It is observed that the farmers in a region often practice crop rotation to enhance the farm output. The Linear programming approach is an effective tool to determine optimal crop combinations and feasibility of decision variables. Thus, a Linear Programming approach is used to determine the solution of the proposed farm model. The results of the mathematical model formulated show an increase in farm output by adopting optimized cropping pattern. The proposed model provides an alternative so as to maximize farm revenues. LINGO 18.0 Software is used to analyze the result of Linear Programming Model. To establish the crop preference WSM is applied to the model.
Sika Deer Browsing Differentially Affects Web-Building Spider Densities in High and Low Productivity Forest Understories

Abstract: The effects of sika deer (Cervus nippon) browsing and understory productivity on web-building spiders' density were experimentally examined. We particularly focused on the nonlinear effects of these 2 factors and their underlying mechanisms. Our field experiments controlling deer density and understory productivity revealed that the deer affected the densities of 2 abundant spider species nonlinearly: the deer effect was unimodal or constant in lower productivity plots and negative in higher productivity plots. The nonlinear effects seemed to occur because the response trend of the spiders' limiting factors to deer impact differed between lower and higher productivity plots. In lower productivity plots, the density of the most abundant spider species, Prolinyphia longipedella, was limited by dicot cover, and both spider density and dicot cover had unimodal-shaped responses to deer density. This spider species was limited by the availability of twigs in higher productivity plots and responded negatively to deer density. Deer seemed to affect web-building spider density in understory vegetation by changing the number of available sites for webs through browsing. However, the precise limiting factors differed with understory productivity. Since forest understory productivity is expected to show large variation at various spatial scales due to differences in canopy tree density, the availability of nutrients, and other environmental factors, considering nonlinear effects is important when predicting the impact of large herbivores on invertebrates in forest understories.
Valor nutritivo de silagens de seis cultivares de girassol em diferentes idades de corte

Caracteristicas agronomicas e bromatologicas de seis cultivares de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.), colhidas aos 95 e 110 dias apos a semeadura, foram avaliadas para producao de silagem. Utilizaram-se os hibridos Cargill C 11, Braskallb DK 180, Braskallb DK 4040, Morgon M 92007, Morgon M 742 e a variedade V 2000 da EMBRAPA. O delineamento foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repeticoes, em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, sendo considerados como fatores a idade de corte e as cultivares. As plantas foram picadas mecanicamente em particulas de 2,0 a 3,0 cm de tamanho e ensiladas por 30 dias em silos de "PVC" com dez centimetros de diâmetro e quarenta centimetros de comprimento. Avaliaram-se as producoes e os teores de materia seca (MS), concentracoes de proteina bruta (PB), extrato etereo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os valores de digestibilidade "in vitro" da materia seca (DIVMS) e de pH das silagens. A maior producao de MS foi de 11,27 t/ha, enquanto a menor foi de 4,88 t/ha, respectivamente, das cultivares M 92007 e V 2000. Em relacao a todas as caracteristicas avaliadas das silagens, observou-se diferenca significativa entre as duas idades de corte utilizadas. As cultivares apresentaram comportamento distinto para cada idade de corte analisada. Os resultados permitiram concluir que ocorrem diferencas bromatologicas nas silagens em funcao das cultivares e da idade de corte utilizada.