Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mating status regulates post‐mating refractory period in Striacosta albicosta females

In polyandrous insect species, males may transfer substances to reduce sperm competition by affecting female sexual receptivity. In this study, we determined the incidence of polyandry in females of Western bean cutworm (WBC), Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and investigated the influence of both previous female and male mating history on the duration of mating, the female refractory period, and subsequent calling behavior of females under controlled laboratory conditions. The mating status of WBC males influenced mating duration, with copulations involving previously mated males taking longer, possibly related to the time required to produce an ejaculate. The duration of the female refractory period and the onset time of recalling during the scotophase were both affected by female mating history, but not by that of the males. Females had a shorter refractory period and resumed calling activity earlier after their second and third matings than after their first mating. The earlier onset of calling by previously mated females could reduce competition with virgin females and their shorter refractory period could explain the high incidence of polyandry observed in nature.
Male Criminal Activity from Childhood Through Youth: Multilevel and Developmental Perspectives

Male Criminal Activity From Childhood Through Youth reports the results of a large longitudinal study from 1972 to 1985 on a sample of delinquents and a comparison sample of the population in Montreal. A clarification emerges from this extensive study: how to describe criminal activity in a comprehensive theory of crime which integrates the offense, offending, and patterns of offending. Using a developmental approach, Drs. Le Blanc and Frechette observed a gradation of crimes with subjects progressing through five distinct stages of offending. In all, the research investigates the factors that sustain the development of offending and the mechanisms which accelerate, stabilize, and decelerate the commission of crimes. This book represents a significant advance in the understanding of the development of criminal activity. "
Numerical modelling of hydrodynamics and tidal energy extraction in the Alderney Race: a review

The tides are a predictable, renewable, source of energy that, if harnessed, can provide significant levels of electricity generation. The Alderney Race (AR), with current speeds that exceed 5 m s−1 during spring tides, is one of the most concentrated regions of tidal energy in the world, with the upper-bound resource estimated at 5.1 GW. Owing to its significance, the AR is frequently used for model case studies of tidal energy conversion, and here we review these model applications and outcomes. We examine a range of temporal and spatial modelling scales, from regional models applied to resource assessment and characterization, to more detailed models that include energy extraction and array optimization. We also examine a range of physical processes that influence the tidal energy resource, including the role of waves and turbulence in tidal energy resource assessment and loadings on turbines. The review discusses model validation, and covers a range of numerical modelling approaches, from two-dimensional to three-dimensional tidal models, two-way coupled wave-tide models, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models, and the application of optimization techniques. The review contains guidance on model approaches and sources of data that can be used for future studies of the AR, or translated to other tidal energy regions. This article is part of the theme issue ‘New insights on tidal dynamics and tidal energy harvesting in the Alderney Race’.
Cold adaptation in geographical populations of Drosophila melanogaster: phenotypic plasticity is more important than genetic variability

Summary 1According to their geographical distribution, most Drosophila species may be classified as either temperate or tropical, and this pattern is assumed to reflect differences in their thermal adaptation, especially in their cold tolerance. We investigated cold tolerance in a global collection of D. melanogaster by monitoring the time adults take to recover from chill coma after a treatment at 0 °C. 2Flies grown at an intermediate temperature (21 °C) showed a significant linear latitudinal cline: recovery was faster in populations living in colder climates. 3The role of growth temperature was analysed in a subset of tropical and temperate populations. In all cases, recovery time decreased when growth temperature was lowered, and linear reaction norms were observed. This adaptive phenotypic plasticity explained more than 80% of the total variation, while genetic latitudinal differences accounted for less than 4%. 4The beneficial effect observed in adults grown at a low temperature contrasts with other phenotypic effects which, like male sterility, appear as harmful and pathological. Our results point to the difficulty of finding a general interpretation to the diversity of plastic responses that are induced by growth temperature variations.
Collective migration and patterning during early development of zebrafish posterior lateral line

The morphogenesis of zebrafish posterior lateral line (PLL) is a good predictive model largely used in biology to study cell coordinated reorganization and collective migration regulating pathologies and human embryonic processes. PLL development involves the formation of a placode formed by epithelial cells with mesenchymal characteristics which migrates within the animal myoseptum while cyclically assembling and depositing rosette-like clusters (progenitors of neuromast structures). The overall process mainly relies on the activity of specific diffusive chemicals, which trigger collective directional migration and patterning. Cell proliferation and cascade of phenotypic transitions play a fundamental role as well. The investigation on the mechanisms regulating such a complex morphogenesis has become a research topic, in the last decades, also for the mathematical community. In this respect, we present a multiscale hybrid model integrating a discrete approach for the cellular level and a continuous description for the molecular scale. The resulting numerical simulations are then able to reproduce both the evolution of wild-type (i.e. normal) embryos and the pathological behaviour resulting form experimental manipulations involving laser ablation. A qualitative analysis of the dependence of these model outcomes from cell-cell mutual interactions, cell chemical sensitivity and internalization rates is included. The aim is first to validate the model, as well as the estimated parameter values, and then to predict what happens in situations not tested yet experimentally. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multi-scale analysis and modelling of collective migration in biological systems'.
Structural Changes in Foreign Trade as a Factor of Competitiveness of the Republic of Serbia

Abstract The paper aims to analyse structural changes in foreign trade based on systematic statistical data as a factor of competitiveness of the Republic of Serbia. First, contemporary tendencies in international trade are analysed, where the value and volume of world trade are monitored, as well as key changes in the structure of world exports and imports in the observed period. By assessing the position of the Republic of Serbia in international trade, it is necessary to consider the extent to which the foreign trade of the Republic of Serbia adapts to the structural changes in world trade. Then, the structure of the merchandise exchange of the Republic of Serbia according to the purpose of the product is examined as well as the structure of the merchandise exchange according to sectors and commodity groups. Later in the paper, the achieved development of the industry is questioned, where the focus of the analysis is put on the quality of exports and the international competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, which in the Republic of Serbia produces most of the exchangeable goods. The last part of the paper deals with the analysis of the technological structure and factor intensity of Serbian goods exports. In this way, the research question is answered that there is a need for structural changes in production and foreign trade in the Republic of Serbia in order to improve its competitiveness.
An agent-based approach for modelling collective dynamics in animal groups distinguishing individual speed and orientation

Collective dynamics in animal groups is a challenging theme for the modelling community, being treated with a wide range of approaches. This topic is here tackled by a discrete model. Entering in more details, each agent, represented by a material point, is assumed to move following a first-order Newtonian law, which distinguishes speed and orientation. In particular, the latter results from the balance of a given set of behavioural stimuli, each of them defined by a direction and a weight, that quantifies its relative importance. A constraint on the sum of the weights then avoids implausible simultaneous maximization/minimization of all movement traits. Our framework is based on a minimal set of rules and parameters and is able to capture and classify a number of collective group dynamics emerging from different individual preferred behaviour, which possibly includes attractive, repulsive and alignment stimuli. In the case of a system of animals subjected only to the first two behavioural inputs, we also show how analytical arguments allow us to a priori relate the equilibrium interparticle spacing to critical model coefficients. Our approach is then extended to account for the presence of predators with different hunting strategies, which impact on the behaviour of a prey population. Hints for model refinement and applications are finally given in the conclusive part of the article. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multi-scale analysis and modelling of collective migration in biological systems’.
Relationship between Concentrations of Copper and Zinc in Water, Sediment, Benthic Invertebrates, and Tissues of White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni) at Metal-Contaminated Sites

The relationship of concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) tissues to concentrations of those metals in water, sediment, and benthic invertebrates (food) were investigated in a field study. Fish were collected from six northern Ontario lakes contaminated with mixed-metal mining wastes. The concentrations of Cu in invertebrates were correlated with water but not with sediment Cu concentrations. Conversely, Zn concentrations in invertebrates were correlated with sediment but not with water Zn concentrations. There were differences among fish from different lakes in the concentrations of Cu and Zn in liver, kidney, gill, and bone (Zn only). There were no significant correlations between tissue metal and invertebrate metal concentrations. This study suggests that liver and kidney are better indicators of chronic Cu and Zn exposure than muscle. Elevated Zn concentrations were reflected in bone tissue. For both metals, the water concentration was a better predictor o.
Studies on the Expansion of the Leaf Surface: V. CELL DIVISION AND EXPANSION IN A DEVELOPING LEAF AS INFLUENCED BY LIGHT AND UPPER LEAVES

The development of the third leaf was followed from soon after initiation to the attainment of full area in cucumbers grown under two levels of radiation and, following leaf unfolding, with the shoot above the developing leaf present or absent. Cell numbers, proportion of cells in meta-, ana-, and telo-phases, leaf areas, and aspects of leaf structures were recorded.Cell numbers increased exponentially until near unfolding at both intensities-at a higher rate under high light and for a longer time under low light. Thereafter, the rate declined to zero. Final cell numbers were higher under high than low light. Leaf structure and cell dimensions parallel to the leaf surface were not affected by light intensity and therefore final areas depended solely on cell numbers. Apex removal resulted in much larger cells, and in consequence, correspondingly greater leaf areas. The proportions of cells in the mitotic stages recorded were similar at both intensities but fell steadily throughout the periods of exponential increase of cell number.Previous hypotheses that all cells are active in division until the leaf unfolds could be largely reconciled with mitotic behaviour under high light, but some decline in the proportion of dividing cells was indicated. Under low light, such a decline must be important. Greater cell numbers in leaves at high light arose, therefore, from a higher rate of division in dividing cells, combined with a larger proportion remaining active.Greater leaf areas following apex removal are consistent with hypotheses of competition between developing leaves but throw no new light on the specific factors involved.
A study on the existence of Aspergillus in birds in the farms around Urmia-Iran

Air, nutrition, soil and clinical materials pollution are the most important subjects that have been considered and studied around the world. Fungi of many kinds, especially saprophyte fungi, play important role in causing allergy. Saprophyte fungi are the reason for severe refunctions in those whom their job is seed selling, bird keeping, farmers and miller. Also, it is found on crops, skin and mucus of human. The purpose of this research was an inspection about the rate of all kind of Aspergillus in birds in farms around Urmia. It should be considered that the culture must have no cycloheximide because Aspergillus is sensitive and cannot grow. The cultures were prepared under quite sterile condition and were sent to farms and the sampling was performed by swab from oral cavity (deeply from lungs) and the samples were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar culture. The fungi were examined by a microscope for exact personification. From the 600 inspected samples, 225 cases were infected by Aspergillus niger, 35 cases byAspergillus fumigatus and 50 cases by Aspergillus flavus. Fungi cause damages to living organisms: 1. By attacking their tissues and different organs; and 2. by producing mycotoxins. It is suggested that while a mycotic disease is epidemic in the farm, we should separate diseased chickens from those that are safe and euthanizing weak and thin chickens, because they do not have proper growth and also they cause the progression of the disease in the farm. In this case we can stop the development of the disease by adding CuSO4 0.5/1000 to consuming water. Farmers should collect and sterilize eggs after the laying of eggs to guarantee the safety of the new born chickens. Key words: Aspergillus, air, fungi, saprophyte, bird.
Effect of a 5-month exercise program on blood pressure and glucose: A case study of a 68-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension

Summary Introduction: The aim of the present case study was to examine the effect of a 5-month exercise intervention on glucose and hypertension level of a patient with diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: A 68-year-old woman (weight 70 kg, height 163 cm) with diabetes mellitus and hypertension performed a 5-month exercise program (two sessions per week with each session lasting 45 min). Results: A decrease of blood glucose across time was observed, except for after exercise. No change was observed in pre-exercise levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure across time. Conclusions: In summary, the present case study showed that an adult woman with diabetes mellitus and hypertension benefited from a 5-month exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training in terms of blood glucose regulation, physical condition and quality of life.
The institutionalization of the geography of education: An international perspective

Abstract The geography of education is a young field of research. This article makes two innovative contributions to knowledge about the evolution of this body of work. First, it presents a three-fold history of the field, delineating distinct phases in its development. Second, it draws out both linkages across, and disparities between, geographies of education in different language traditions. The analysis includes longer established German-language, Francophone and Anglophone oeuvres, as well as more recent Eastern European and international research. In combination, this attention to the temporality and spatiality of geographical debate about education provides a unique introduction to the field.
Indirect costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on corolla size in the Mediterranean shrub Halimium atriplicifolium

Aims Larger corollas receive more pollinator visits but involve higher production and maintenance costs, especially under hot and dry conditions. This can result in indirect costs on reproductive output, which may counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on corolla size. In this study, I explored the relationship between corolla size and indirect costs and whether these costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on this trait in the Mediterranean shrub Halimium atriplicifolium. I hypothesized that (i) corolla production entails direct costs in dry mass, N and P, (ii) corollas entail significant indirect costs in terms of fruit and seed production, (iii) indirect costs increase with corolla size, (iv) this species may suffer pollen limitation to a certain degree and (v) indirect costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated selection on corolla size. Methods I compared fruit set and seed production of petal-removed flowers (R flowers) and unmanipulated control flowers (C flowers) and evaluated the influence of individual mean corolla size on relative fruit and seed gain of R compared to C flowers. I also estimated
Motivation for Choosing and Practicing the Military Profession

Abstract The growing shortage of staff globally confronts the armed forces with the challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled personnel. The article examines the structure of motivation for choosing and pursuing the military profession. On the basis of the results of the study of military motivation in the international environment and a comparative analysis with the previous research, the main motives for joining and serving in the armed forces are deduced. The results of the study could be used to improve the image of the military profession and retain qualified personnel.
Uncertainty and Effectiveness of Monetary Policy: A Bayesian Markov Switching-VAR Analysis

Abstract There is a growing body of literature examining the effectiveness of the monetary policy on the macroeconomy in different contexts for developed and developing countries. However, lately, especially after the GFC, the focus of research shifted to examine the role of uncertainty in economic activity and on the monetary policy effectiveness. Both theoretical and empirical studies suggest that uncertainty does influence monetary policy effectiveness. However, until now, empirical studies are restricted to only developed countries. To this end, the present study examines the influence of uncertainty on monetary policy effectiveness for a developing country, namely India. We applied a non-linear VAR, which allows us to examine the effect of monetary policy shocks during high and low uncertainty periods. The results exhibit that uncertainty influences the effectiveness of monetary policy shocks. We find weaker effects of the monetary policy shocks during high uncertainty regime relative to low uncertainty regime.
The Effects of Altering the Concentric/Eccentric Phase Times on EMG Response, Lactate Accumulation and Work Completed When Training to Failure

Abstract This study compared the electromyographic response, the blood lactate concentration (BLC), and the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) between protocols of different concentric/eccentric duration taken to muscle failure. This comparison may help to understand how different concentric/eccentric duration may influence performance and the central and metabolic responses in trained men. Seventeen strength-trained men performed two protocols in a counterbalanced design. Three sets of the Smith bench press exercise were performed to failure at 60% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) using each protocol (4-s concentric/2-s eccentric [4 s: 2 s]; and 2-s concentric/4-s eccentric [2 s: 4 s]). The normalized root mean square (EMGRMS) and the mean frequency (EMGMF) of the electromyographic signals for the pectoralis major and the triceps brachii were compared in the first, middle, and last repetitions. The BLC was assessed at rest, during and after the test sessions. To compare the EMG and BLC, a 3-way ANOVA with repeated measures with a post hoc Tukey’s test was used. To compare the MNR performed across the sets, an ANOVA-type rank test with the Dunn’s post hoc test was used. The ANOVA indicated a greater EMGRMS for Protocol 4 s: 2 s in the pectoralis major and a lower EMGMF for Protocol 4 s: 2 s in the triceps brachii at the middle and last repetitions. Both protocols increased the EMGRMS and decreased the EMGMF across repetitions. Despite the results show different levels of activation and neuromuscular fatigue between protocols, the BLC and the MNR were similar.
Serum transferrins in Merino sheep

Serum samples from 1963 Merino sheep were examined for serum transferrin type. Two of the five transferrin alleles previously described in British breeds of sheep, viz. T f A and T f c , were found, but T f B , T f D and T f E were absent. Evidence for seven further transferrin alleles was obtained. These alleles were coded T f F , T f G , T f H , T f J , T f N , T f K and T f L in decreasing order of mobility of the zones they produce in starch gel. Gene frequency data is presented for the populations studied.
Genetic variation of growth rhythm traits in the limits of a latitudinal cline in Scots pine

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) has the widest distribution of pine species and the populations are locally adapted to very different environmental conditions. Adaptive traits such as those related to growth are optimal for understanding adaptation of populations to local conditions in widely distributed forest species. A study of the timing of growth during the first growing period of families in four populations from the latitudinal limits of the distribution range was conducted. Individual growth curves were fitted, and a set of variables related to growth rhythm and timing of budset was obtained for genetic analyses. Pooled heritabilities across populations were very high for most of the traits (0.43–1.09), and population differentiation for growth variables showed high values as well (QST = 0.19–0.71). Phenotypic correlations were higher than genetic ones, and most of them were positives. Even no general patterns of additive variances were found, the high additive genetic variance obtained (14% ± 8%.