Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Size‐Dependent Sex Allocation in a Gynodioecious Wild Strawberry: The Effects of Sex Morph and Inflorescence Architecture

Some models of sex allocation predict that if male fitness gains decelerate faster than female fitness gains with increasing size, then plants should increase allocation to female function with increasing plant size. We tested this prediction in a gynodioecious (females and hermaphrodites) wild strawberry by manipulating plant size in clonally replicated genotypes, by hand‐pollinating with pollen from unrelated donors, and by measuring sex allocation response at two levels: among flowers and within flowers. These methods avoided potential confounding factors that can occur in studies of size‐based allocation under natural conditions, such as genotype‐based variation in size, and size‐based variation in pollen limitation or self‐pollination. They also allow us to determine if inflorescence architecture represented a constraint on the response to plant size. We found that a 75% increase in the vegetative size of hermaphrodites resulted in 78% more flowers, 91% more fruits, 10% more pollen per flower, and 16% more ovules per flower. These responses to plant size represent a significant modification of phenotypic gender at the within‐flower level (pollen:ovule ratio) but not at the among‐flower level (fruit:flower ratio). We also found that while female plants enhanced flower and fruit allocation with plant size to the same degree as hermaphrodites, they increased ovule number per flower to a greater degree. Sex differential effects of plant size such as those just described could influence breeding system evolution if they alter the relative seed fertility of the sex morphs. We also found that inflorescence architecture modified the response to plant size. Specifically, the effect of plant size on ovule number was strongest in basal positions and was absent at the most distal position. This, combined with a trend in the opposite direction for pollen production, resulted in position‐dependent pollen:ovule ratios. Small plants had higher pollen:ovule ratios than large plants at the primary (basal) position, equivalent ratios at intermediate positions, and lower ratios at the quaternary (distal) position. We suggest that this architectural variation in response to plant size may result from structural limitations or physiological trade‐offs within the inflorescence.
Versatile lab‐scale test rig for experimental analysis and heat transfer modelling of thermally activated building systems

Thermally activated building systems (TABS) constitute an energy efficient building conditioning solution through the combination of low‐exergy space heating and cooling and thermal energy storage (TES) features. Their implementation is, however, complex, due to the number of factors involved in their design and operation. Mathematical models are useful to overcome this, but require validation, while experimental setups to study sensible TES can be bulky and difficult to handle. In this work, a homogeneous concrete slab and a multilayer concrete‐sand‐gravel slab are built and activated with constant heat flow. Both slabs are experimentally tested and their thermal behaviour is modelled through a 1D finite difference method (FDM). Results demonstrate that materials such as sand and gravel can be used to provide relevant experimental data for TABS heat transfer model validation through a versatile lab test rig. A 1D FDM proves to be a simple, accurate method to predict the thermal behaviour of the slabs during transient peaks in charging and discharging processes as well as during steady‐state operation, given that most of the time absolute errors remain below the measurement uncertainty thresholds. Finally, this paper sets a basis to support future experimental work on sensible TES and provides data for further model validation.
IFRS adoption and firm value: African evidence

ABSTRACT We examine the impact of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on firm value using a sample of African listed firms selected over the 2000–2015 period. Our results show that the adoption of IFRS positively impacts firm value. We further find that the impact of IFRS adoption on firm value is more pronounced in environments where there is a greater commitment to the rule of law. Moreover, the increase in firm value is more pronounced for firms with a higher degree of financial constraints. Finally, additional results suggest that the benefits of fully implementing IFRS are higher than those arising from partial/modified adoption. Our results are robust to controlling for other factors that affect firm value and to alternative sampling procedures.
Highly efficient production of monoglycerides by the continuous removal of fatty acids from lipase-catalyzed oil hydrolysis

Highly efficient production of monoglycerides was achieved from lipase-catalyzed oil hydrolysis by the continuous addition of CaCl2 to remove the fatty acids produced. A fusion protein produced by connecting a cellulose-binding domain of Trichoderma hazianum cellulase to Bacillus stearothermophilus L1 lipase was used as a model 1,3-regiospecific lipase. The reaction was performed at pH 10 and 50°C, and the relationship between continuous removal of fatty acids and the production of monoglyceride was investigated by microscopic and HPLC analysis of oil emulsions and the reaction products. Without the addition of Ca2 + the reaction was inhibited by fatty acids, with the decrease in reaction rate being proportional to the concentration of fatty acids. When CaCl2 was continuously added in a 1:2 molar ratio with the released fatty acids, the reaction progressed unimpeded due to the formation of Ca-soaps. Both the yield and the fraction of monoglyceride in the reaction product increased due to the continuous removal of fatty acids.
Effects of Snow and Temperature on the Phenology of Alpine Snowbank Plants on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire

ABSTRACT. In northeastern North America, alpine snowbank (snowbed) communities are rare, highly diverse plant assemblages. They form in sheltered sites above treeline where late-lying snow provides insulation from late-season frosts and a longer-lasting source of water. We studied the effects of snowmelt timing and cumulative temperature on the vegetative and flowering phenology of seven common, alpine snowbank species on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. We observed snowmelt date and plant phenology at 14 alpine snowbank sites over one growing season and collected temperature data using automated dataloggers. We used Pearson correlations to analyze the relationships between snowmelt timing and temperature (i.e., growing degree days) and plant phenology. Snowmelt date was positively correlated with the dates of peak phenophases, and lag time (time between snowmelt and peak phenophase) was negatively correlated with snowmelt date. Snowmelt timing consistently delayed the onset of phenological stages, but later snowmelt had a less-pronounced delay. Plants at later-melting sites experienced higher mean daily temperatures and accumulated growing degree days more quickly, leading to a shorter phenological cycle. Continued monitoring of snowmelt timing, temperature, and the phenology of alpine snowbank plants may provide clues to how climate change will affect alpine areas of northeastern North America, especially in terms of diversity, pollination, and abiotic interactions.
Work-family balance and satisfaction with roles in parents of disabled children

ABSTRACT It is currently believed that functioning in family and professional roles can bring negative and positive experiences, indicating the development of competences useful in both areas. How these areas interact may indicate a particular type of balance achieved by the individual. Work-family balance is relatively well recognized in parents of non-disabled children, but to a lesser extent, in parents of disabled children. The article presents the results of the author's own research aimed at determining types of work-family interactions based on the results of conflict and enrichment in parents of disabled children and analyzing the influence of sociodemographic variables, characteristics of the child, parental satisfaction, and job satisfaction. 188 Polish mothers and fathers of children with selected types of disabilities participated in the study. Measures used: Work-Family Enrichment Scale by Carlson et al., The Work-Family Conflict Scale by Matthews et al., The Scale of Parenting Experiences (own construction), and The Work Satisfaction Scale by Zalewska. Four types were found: unbalanced parents experiencing strong conflict and poor enrichment; parents separating family and professional life (low conflict and enrichment); the blurred type with high conflict and enrichment; and balanced parents experiencing low conflict and high enrichment.
Latent period and infection efficiency of Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici populations isolated from different wheat cultivars

Five bulk populations of Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici were isolated from five susceptible wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars showing different levels of disease in the field. Each population was inoculated onto wheat plants of the cultivar from which they were originally isolated (their «own» cultivar) and onto the other four cultivars. Latent period and infection efficiency were measured in growth chambers for each of the population × cultivar combinations. No evidence of increased aggressiveness on the «own» cultivars was found for either infection efficiency or latent period. No significant cultivar × spore population interactions were detected in the infection efficiency analysis (.)
Charge Alterations of E22 Enhance the Pathogenic Properties of the Amyloid β‐Protein

Abstract: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) due to amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) is a key pathological feature of patients with Alzheimer's disease and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, Dutch‐type (HCHWA‐D). The CAA in these disorders is characterized by deposition of Aβ in the smooth muscle cells within the cerebral vessel wall. Recently, a new mutation in Aβ, E22K, was identified in several Italian families that, like HCHWA‐D, is associated with CAA and hemorrhagic stroke. These two similar disorders, stemming from amino acid substitutions at position 22 of Aβ, implicate the importance of this site in the pathology of HCHWA. Previously we showed that HCHWA‐D Aβ1‐40 containing the E22Q substitution induces robust pathologic responses in cultured human cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (HCSM cells), including highly elevated levels of cell‐associated Aβ precursor (AβPP) and cell death. In the present study, a series of E22 mutant Aβ1‐40 peptides were synthesized, and their pathogenic properties toward cultured HCSM cells were evaluated. Quantitative fluorescence analyses showed that mutant Aβ1‐40 peptides either containing a loss of charge (E22Q and E22A) or a change of charge (E22K) bind to the surface of HCSM cells and form amyloid fibrils. Similarly, this same group of E22 mutant Aβ1‐40 peptides caused enhanced pathologic responses in HCSM cells. In contrast, wild‐type E22 or the charge‐preserving E22D Aβ1‐40 peptides were devoid of any of these pathogenic properties. These data suggest that a change or loss of charge at position 22 of Aβ enhances the pathogenic effects of the peptide toward HCSM cells and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the phenotypically related HCHWA disorders.
Silene ozyurtii (Caryophyllaceae), a New Species from Anatolia, Turkey

A new species, Silene ozyurtii Aksoy & Hamzaoğlu (Caryophyllaceae), is described from the north parts of western Taurus facing central Anatolia, between the Konya and Isparta provinces, in southwest Anatolia, Turkey. The species is compared with morphologically similar taxa in sect. Tunicoideae.
BASIC CHROMOSOME NUMBER, CYANOGENETIC GLUCOSIDE VARIATION, AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF LOTUS SPECIES

Leaves of 51 species and three varieties of Lotus (Leguminosae) were assessed quantitatively for hydrocyanic acid (HCN) reaction intensity and the data correlated with basic chromosome number and geographic distribution. The presence of HCN was determined from 0.05 grams of fresh leaf samples by the picric acid – filter paper technique. A gradation of 10 different color reactions (−), (±), and (+1 to +8) was used to compare the HCN reaction for each species. On the basis of potassium cyanide equivalents, each gram of fresh leaf material was estimated to contain an amount of HCN which varied between the different plants and accessions from 0.5 mg to 750 mg. Most of the Old World species were positive for HCN, whereas the reverse was true for the North American species. This would favor the previous separation of the North American species into a separate genus Hosackia. All of the n = 7 species have a greater concentration of HCN than the n = 6 species in both the Old and New World. None of the n = 6 speci.
Reference intervals of some electrophoretic and haematological parameters in Italian goats: comparison between Girgentana and Aspromontana breeds

The aim of this study was to establish and compare reference intervals of some haematological and electrophoretic parameters at different ages (1–2, 3–4 and over 5 years) in two Italian goat breeds: Aspromontana and Girgentana. A total of 90 female Aspromontana goats and 95 female Girgentana goats, ranging from 1 to 11 years of age, clinically healthy, were used. Blood samples were collected from each animal and analysed for haematological parameters and serum proteins profile with routine methods. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of age on white blood cell (WBC, P < 0.0001) in Aspromontana goats and on haematocrit (Hct, P < 0.009) in Girgentana goats. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of age on concentrations of total protein (P < 0.05), albumin (P < 0.01) and on the albumin: globulins (A/G) ratio (P < 0.05) in Aspromontana goats. In Girgentana goats, statistical analysis showed a significant effect of age on concentrations of total protein (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01) α-globulins (P < 0.05), γ-globulins (P < 0.01) and on the A/G ratio (P < 0.01). Age-related effects were not detected in β1-globulins and β2-globulins fractions in booth breed. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of breed in the following haematological and electrophoretic parameters: WBC (P < 0.005), Hct (P < 0.0001), mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.0001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (P < 0.0001), concentrations of total protein (P < 0.03), α-globulins (P < 0.001), β1-globulins (P < 0.05), β2-globulins (P < 0.01) fractions and on the A/G ratio (P < 0.05).
Repurchase Intention in Online Knowledge Service: The Brand Awareness Perspective

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the influencing factors of consumers’ repurchase intention in the context of online knowledge service. Drawing on information systems (IS) success model, social identity theory, and expectation-confirmation theory, we examine the roles of IS success factors, satisfaction, switching barrier, and brand awareness in influencing repurchase intention in the online knowledge service setting. In line with the three core components of online knowledge service (i.e., platform, product, and service provider), this research splits a holistic view of brand awareness into three facets, namely platform brand awareness, knowledge-product brand awareness, and service-provider brand awareness, and discusses their negative moderating roles. In particular, this study highlights the “double-edged sword” effect of brand awareness in the success of online knowledge service. Based on the survey of 301 users, the empirical results support most of our hypotheses. The theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations are also discussed.
Flk prevents premature secretion of the anti‐σ factor FlgM into the periplasm

The flk locus of Salmonella typhimurium was identified as a regulator of flagellar gene expression in strains defective in P‐ and l‐ring formation. Flk acts as a regulator of flagellar gene expression by modulating the protein levels of the anti‐σ28 factor FlgM. Evidence is presented which suggests that Flk is a cytoplasmic‐facing protein anchored to the inner membrane by a single, C‐terminal transmembrane‐spanning domain (TMS). The specific amino acid sequence of the TMS is not essential for Flk activity, but membrane anchoring is essential. Membrane fractionation and visualization of protein fusions of green fluorescent protein derivatives to Flk suggested that the Flk protein is present in the membrane as punctate spots in number that are much greater than the number of flagellar basal structures. The turnover of the anti‐σ28 factor FlgM was increased in flk mutant strains. Using FlgM–β‐lactamase fusions we show the increased turnover of FlgM in flk null mutations is due to FlgM secretion into the periplasm where it is degraded. Our data suggest that Flk inhibits FlgM secretion by acting as a braking system for the flagellar‐associated type III secretion system. A model is presented to explain a role for Flk in flagellar assembly and gene regulatory processes.
Interdependencies of structural constraints, attachment and behavioural intentions of sport spectators

ABSTRACT Research question Leisure behaviour has focused long time on positive outcomes for active and passive sport participants and it has been advocated that constraints play an important role in decision-making in leisure activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interdependencies of spectator constraints, attachment to a sport team, and behavioural intentions. Research methods Using a paper-pencil questionnaire, data were collected from spectators attending a J. League Division 2 matches in Japan using a convenience sampling approach. Five-hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed and total sample size used was n = 428. Results and Findings Structural equation modelling has found a negative and significant direct association of structural constraints on attachment which in turn has a positive and significant direct association with behavioural intentions. There is negative and significant indirect effect of structural constraints on intentions (mediated via attachment) whereas there is no significant direct effect of constraints on intentions. Thus, attachment serves as negotiator between constraints and intentions. Multi-group analysis has revealed significant gender differences. Implications Practitioners should identify the actual attachment of their spectators as attachment functions as mediator between perceived constraints and behavioural intentions. Since not all structural constraints can be remedied by management (e.g. weather), knowing the level of attachment is important to reduce constraints.
Seismic Vulnerability and Simplified Safety Assessments of Masonry Churches in the Ischia Island (Italy) after the 2017 Earthquake

ABSTRACT On August 21st 2017 an earthquake of magnitude Mw = 3.9 occurred in the Ischia Island (Italy), causing numerous damages to ordinary and monumental buildings and two casualties. Immediately after the earthquake, teams from the Universities of Napoli Federico II and ‘Parthenope’, carried out inspections on the churches of the island in two phases: the first was developed in the post-emergency and was mainly aimed to assess the overall damage and the usability checks through the A-DC form, issued by the Italian Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activity and Tourism (MiBACT); the second phase was preparatory to the vulnerability assessment of each church, carried out by filling in the second level form, issued by the Italian Group for the Defence against Earthquakes (GNDT). Based on the available data, a database made of 27 churches was created to individuate the most representative typologies, to perform a territorial vulnerability assessment, to carry out a detailed analysis of the recorded damages and to construct damage probability matrices. Moreover, for a homogenous class of churches, a predictive formulation of the mean damage was assessed and compared with other formulations available in the literature. Finally, simplified methods for assessing the seismic safety of the inspected churches were applied to the database, in order to confirm the homogeneity of the Ischia churches in terms of seismic vulnerability.
Entrainment Properties of the Locomotor Activity Rhythm of Drosophila melanogaster Under Different Photoperiodic Regimens

In this paper we report the results of an experiment to assess how closely repeated brief light pulses (LPs) mimic the effects of 12:12 h light/dark (LD) cycles (PPc). The locomotor activity rhythm of individual fruit flies from a laboratory population of Drosophila melanogaster was monitored under four different photoperiodic regimens, created using 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness or brief light pulses (LPs). The phase relationship (Ψ) and the stability (precision) of the locomotor activity rhythm during entrainment were estimated in order to compare the state of the circadian clocks under the four different photoperiodic regimens. The flies (n = 72) were subjected to four different LD cycles: (i) 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness (complete photoperiod, PPc); (ii) a single brief LP of 15 min duration presented close to the onset of activity (SLP-1); (iii) a single brief LP of 15 min duration administered close to the offset of activity (SLP-2); and (iv) two brief LPs administered 12 h apart (skeleton photoperiod, PPs). The locomotor activity rhythm of the flies was first monitored under constant darkness (DD) for about 10 days and then under the four different photoperiodic regimens for about 10 days, and finally in DD for the remainder of the experiment. The Ψ of the locomotor activity rhythm and its precision under PPc and PPs did not differ significantly, but they were significantly different from the SLP-1 and SLP-2 conditions. The results provide interesting insights into photoentrainment mechanisms of circadian clocks in D. melanogaster, and suggest that skeleton photoperiods, but not single brief LPs, mimic the actions of complete photoperiods.
Can the activity budget hypothesis explain sexual segregation in western grey kangaroos

In many sexually dimorphic and polygynous species, individuals exhibit social segregation by grouping with others of their own sex. I tested one hypothesis proposed to explain this form of sexual segregation. The activity budget hypothesis proposes that segregation evolved because sex differences in body size induce asynchrony in activity between the sexes, leading to lower stability of mixed-sex than same-sex groups. Specifically, I examined two assumptions of this hypothesis in western grey kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus, which show strong social segregation: (1) that differences in body size result in activity budget differences, and consequently activity asynchrony, and (2) that activity asynchrony causes mixed-body size groups to be less cohesive than same-body size groups. Definitive tests of the first assumption are lacking in ungulates, because body size is confounded with sex in most ungulates. However, kangaroo populations are composed of a spectrum of body sizes: young adult males are the same size as adult females, and older males may be more than double that size. By exploiting this heteromorphism, I found that differences in body size do not result in activity budget differences, and consequently activity asynchrony in kangaroos: individuals of different body size did not have different transition times between feeding and resting, sex-size classes were not least synchronized when in mixed-body size groups, and synchrony was not lower among mixed-body size than same-body size groups. Activity asynchrony did not cause mixed-body size groups to be less cohesive than same-body size groups in kangaroos. Although mixed-body size groups were fused for less time than same-body size groups, synchrony was not correlated with group stability. These results question the validity of the activity budget hypothesis as a universal cause for social segregation.