Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ATTACKS ON HUMANS BY AUSTRALIAN MAGPIES : MANAGEMENT OF AN EXTREME SUBURBAN HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

Managing dangerous wildlife is often problematic. Complex community perceptions, interagency debates over responsibilities, declining resources, threats of litigation, and other issues may fully test the technical skills and resolve of management agencies (Berwick and Saharia 1995). When such situations occur in suburban environments, all of these issues may become even more acute, especially when public perceptions are manipulated and exacerbated by sensationalist media coverage (Decker and Enck 1996). Every year in towns and cities throughout Australia, breeding Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) attack and often injure large numbers of people passing near the birds' nest trees (Jones 1996). Although wildlife agencies in every state devote enormous amounts of time and resources to
The Complex Edge of Talent Management: A cross-disciplinary approach Dr Geoffrey R. Chapman Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations

The field of Human Resource Management (HRM) has traditionally been focused on conflict resolution to the detriment of positive factors. Because of this, HRM has a reputation for being negative, and is thus perceived quite negatively. This paper draws on complexity thinking to combine similar, yet distinct academic fields in order to realise benefits for both researchers and managers. Talent management represents an emerging trend within HRM that is beginning to focus more on positive factors, while positive organisational behaviour presents an excellent opportunity to apply theory to the field of HRM, traditionally criticised for a lack of theoretical support. The methodological tool of appreciative inquiry is suggested as an effective and practical way to facilitate this cross-disciplinary approach.
Developmental Responses of Zinnia to Photoperiod

Zinnia elegans Jacq. ‘Carved Ivory’, ‘Cherry Ruffles’, and ‘Rosy Future’ were grown under short days (SD) or long days (LD) to determine the effect of photoperiod on flower initiation and morphological development. Plants grown under LD (14, 16, 18, or 24 hours) were greater in height, leaf size, flower diameter, and node number and flowered later compared to plants grown under SD (8, 10, or 12 hours). The greatest increases in plant responses occurred between 12- and 14-hour treatments. Supplemental irradiation (day continuation, night break, and predawn lighting) resulted in LD responses but did not equally affect days to flowering, stem diameter, or node number. Height and ray petal number were greatest for all cultivars under day continuation and flower diameter was largest under day continuation and predawn lighting. More LD before SD resulted in increases in height, stem and flower diameter, node number, ray petal number, and days to flowering, indicating a cumulative effect of LD on morphological development. Results demonstrate that Z. elegans is a facultative SD plant for floral initiation and development and that photoperiodic responses vary between genotypes.
Use of the condition of Mediterranean barbel (Barbus meridionalis) to assess habitat quality in stream ecosystems

Weight-length relationships were used as a simple method to test differences in condition between several populations of Mediterranean barbel and to examine possible correlations between fish condition and ecological factors. We analysed 14 populations of Mediterranean barbel from two basins with different ecological conditions. Statistical analysis (ANCOVA) showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in condition between populations, which could imply differences in habitat characteristics. Oxygen availability and riparian cover seem to be the main ecological factors affecting the condition of this species in the area studied. Therefore, the condition of the Mediterranean barbel may be a good indicator of habitat quality in stream ecosystems.
AKDEC home range size and habitat selection of Sumatran elephants

Abstract Context. Understanding ranging behaviour and habitat selection of threatened species is crucial for the development of conservation strategies and the design of conservation areas. Our understanding of the actual needs of the critically endangered Sumatran elephant in this context is insufficient. Aims. Provide reliable subspecies-specific information on home range size and habitat selection of Sumatran elephants. Methods. Using both the new area-corrected autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDEC) and two commonly applied conventional methods, the home range sizes of nine Sumatran elephants were estimated. Elephant habitat selection was studied using Manly’s selection ratios. Key results. AKDEC home ranges of adults ranged from 275 km2 to 1352 km2. Estimates obtained using conventional KDE and minimum convex polygon (MCP) ranged between 156 km2 and 997 km2. Overall habitat selection was significant for both slope and land-cover type, whereas individual preferences varied to some extent. On the basis of global selection ratios, we found natural forest, pulpwood plantations and gentle slopes (≤4°) to be significantly selected, whereas most areas affected by human activities and steeper slopes were avoided by the majority of animals included in the study. Conclusions. As expected, AKDEC estimates were much larger than those obtained using conventional methods because conventional methods have a tendency to underestimate home range size when confronted with autocorrelated movement data and produce estimates that refer to the limited study period only, whereas AKDEC estimates include the predicted animal’s long-term space use. The extremely large AKDEC estimate obtained for a subadult male most likely represents a combination of population dispersal range and temporary home range rather than its final adult home range. Regardless, it appears that Sumatran elephants roam over much larger areas than previously assumed. Natural forests and relatively flat areas are of great importance for Sumatran elephants. The observed intensive use of pulpwood plantations by one individual is likely because of limited availability of alternative suitable habitats. Implications. A landscape-wide approach to elephant conservation that takes large home ranges into account, is required, and should include forest protection and restoration and elephant friendly management of existing pulpwood concessions, with special focus on areas with relatively gentle slopes.
04. Significant range extension for the Central American Colubrid snake Ninia pavimentata (Bocourt 1883)

N pavimentata (Bocourt 1883) is a small semifossorial snake reported from pine-oak and cloud forest areas in central Guatemala, as well as from a single locality in northwestern Honduras (Smith & Campbell, 1996; Townsend et al., 2005). Until recently, this species was considered a synonym of Ninia maculata (Peters, 1861), a situation clarified by Smith & Campbell (1996), who resurrected N. pavimentata to species level on the basis of non-overlapping segmental count ranges and other morphological characteristics. The distributions of N. maculata and N. pavimentata are presently known to be separated by a 315 airline km gap in Honduras, with N. pavimentata reaching its easternmost known distribution in the Sierra de Omoa, outside of Parque Nacional Cusuco, Depto. de Cortés (15o30’N, 88o11’W), 1250 m elevation, and N. maculata its northernmost known locality at Quebrada Machín, Reserva de la Biósfera Río Plátano, Depto. Colón (15o19’N, 85o17’W), 540 m elevation (McCranie et al., 2001; Townsend et al., 2005). On 10 April 2008, a female Ninia pavimentata (Florida Museum of Natural History [UF] 152810; Figure 1) was collected from under a rock at the edge of a fragment of cleared cloud forest in Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat (15°26.502’N, 87°18.092’W), 1715 m elevation, Departamento de yoro, Honduras. This habitat is similar to that of the localities of most N. pavimentata specimens, which have been collected between 1120 and 1825 meters from pine-oak or cloud forest (Smith & Campbell, 1996), and to the disturbed habitat (a shade cafetal) where the other Honduran specimen originated. Relevant measurements and scale counts for UF 152810 are as follows: snout-vent length 131 mm, tail length 47 mm, ventrals 141, subcaudals 72, segmental count 213, supralabials 7/7, infralabials 7/7, temporals 1+2, postoculars 2/2. The specimen possessed 39 dorsal crossbands on ABSTRACT — The second specimen of the snake Ninia pavimentata is reported from Honduras, significantly extending the known distribution of the species. This record reduces the distributional gap between this species and its presumed sister taxon, Ninia maculata, while supporting their continued recognition as distinct species. Relative measurements, scale counts, and pattern descriptions are provided.
Alleviation of salinity stress on in vitro propagation ability of Populus alba L. using
Iron Nano particles

This work was conducted to examine the in vitro propagation (shooting and rooting) behavior of Populus alba L. via culturing the nodal explants under different concentrations of NaCl (0.0, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 ppm) and alleviating salinity stress on in vitro shooting and rooting ability using two concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 mg/l) of Nanoparticles of Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3 NPs) added to MS culture medium. The results showed that the highest number of shootlets per explant, number of leaves and number of roots per shootlet of Populus alba plant were observed for control (salt-free MS culture medium). All concentrations of NaCl (2000 to 8000 ppm) led to decreasing of rooting percentage. Supplementation of Fe2O3 NPs at 10 mg/l with 2000 ppm salinity to MS culture medium had significant promotion effect on in vitro shooting parameters compared with other treatments. The maximum chlorophyll a and b contents were observed from control plants while, the highest carotenoids content was observed when the explants were cultured on 2000 ppm salinity. Addition of Fe2O3 NPs to culture medium led to an increase in the content of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids compared with using NaCl alone. Using Fe2O3 NPs at 5mg/l that were added to MS culture medium under salinity 2000 ppm promoted both chlorophyll (a) and (b) contents while, the maximum content of carotenoids was observed from plants treated with 2000 ppm salinity combined with Fe2O3 NPs at 10 mg/l. Increasing the concentration of salinity in culture medium led to increase of proline content. Using Fe2O3 NPs at all salinity levels reduced the proline content compared with using NaCl alone. The highest reduction of proline content was obtained at 1000 ppm of NaCl plus Fe2O3 NPs at 5 or 10 mg/l treatments compared with other treatments.
Tissue plasminogen activator antigen and coronary heart disease

Aims To determine whether circulating tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen concentrations are prospectively related to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population Methods and results We measured baseline concentrations of t-PA antigen in the stored serum samples of 606 CHD cases and 1227 controls ‘nested’ in a prospective cohort of 5661 men monitored for 16 years, and conducted a meta-analysis of previous relevant studies to place our findings in context. Tissue plasminogen activator antigen values were strongly correlated with several vascular risk factors, including serum lipids, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and markers of systemic inflammation. In a comparison of men in the top third compared with those in the bottom third of baseline t-PA antigen values, the odds ratio for CHD was 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70–2.85) after adjustment for age and town only, but this fell to 1.48 (1.09–2.01) after further adjustment. Analysis of t-PA as a continuous variable gave similar results. Similarly, when published information on all seven available prospective cohort studies in general populations (2119 cases and 8832 controls in total) was synthesized, the combined odds ratio was 2.18 (1.77–2.69) after adjustment for age and sex only, and this fell to 1.47 (1.19–1.81) after further adjustment. Conclusion Although there is a statistically significant association between circulating concentrations of t-PA antigen and subsequent CHD, additional studies are needed to determine to what extent this is independent from more established risk factors. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The European Society of Cardiology.
Deep Learning Models for Fast Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) can surpass the resolution limit of conventional ultrasound imaging. However, a trade-off between resolution and data acquisition time is introduced. For microbubble (MB) localization, centroid detection is commonly used. Therefore, low-concentrations of MBs are required to avoid overlapping point spread functions (PSFs), leading to a long data acquisition time due to the limited number of detectable MBs in an image frame. Recently, deep learning-based MB localization methods across high-concentration regimes have been proposed to shorten the data acquisition time. In this work, a data-driven encoder-decoder convolutional neural network (deep-ULM) and a model-based deep unfolded network embedding a sparsity prior (deep unfolded ULM) are analyzed in terms of localization accuracy and computational complexity. The results of simulated test data showed that both deep learning methods could handle overlapping PSFs better than centroid detection. Additionally, thanks to its model-based approach, deep unfolded ULM needed much fewer learning parameters and was computationally more efficient, and consequently achieved better generalizability than deep-ULM. It is expected that deep unfolded ULM will be more robust in-vivo.
Animating science communication: Measuring U.S. consumers’ recall about genetic modification with animated infographics

Genetic modification (GM) science is a complex and controversial topic that can instill uncertainty and fear into the minds of the individuals. While science research surrounding GM science in food has indicated no negative impact on the health of humans, consumer perception research has indicated a sense of skepticism and risk surrounding the issue. The Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model attempts to understand how individuals search for and process information about a subject with some associated level of risk. Infographics are a form of data visualization used to communicate complex ideas. Animation has been shown to garner greater attention from respondents through previous research in other areas of consumer engagement. Utilizing a quasi-experimental study, this research tested the use of a static and animated infographic to measure impact of respondents’ ability to recall key information visually portrayed about GM science. The current study found a statistically significant difference was found between the animated infographic treatment group and the respondents’ recall ability. Several demographic factors were explored to further understand how infographics are processed by respondents. Key findings in the current research suggest intentional implementation of animation may attend respondents’ attention to key details and information associated with complex issues surrounding GM science in food.
Genetic diversity of Didelphis virginiana related to different levels of disturbance in the Highlands and the Central Depression regions of Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract: The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is considered highly adaptable to anthropogenic disturbances; however, the genetic effects of disturbance on this marsupial have not been studied in wild populations in Mexico. Here we evaluated the genetic diversity of D. virginiana at sites with different levels of disturbance within the Highlands and Central Depression regions of Chiapas in southern Mexico. Twelve microsatellite loci were used and the results demonstrated moderate mean heterozygosity (He = 0.60; Ho = 0.50). No significant differences in heterozygosity were found among sites with different levels of disturbance in both regions (range Ho = 0.42–0.57). We observed low but significant levels of genetic differentiation according to disturbance level. The inbreeding coefficient did not differ significantly from zero, suggesting that low genetic differentiation in these environments may be associated with sufficient random mating and gene flow, a result associated with the high dispersal and tolerance characteristics of this marsupial. Our results for D. virginiana in this particular area of Mexico provide a foundation for exploring the impact of human disturbance on the genetic diversity of a common and generalist species.
Detection and coexistence of six categories of resistance genes in Escherichia coli strains from chickens in Anhui Province, China

The aim of this study was to characterise the prevalence of class 1 integrons and gene cassettes, tetracycline-resistance genes, phenicol-resistance genes, 16S rRNA methylase genes, extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in 184 Escherichia coli isolates from chickens in Anhui Province, China. Susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials was determined using broth micro-dilution. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to characterise the molecular basis of the antibiotic resistance. High rates of antimicrobial resistance were observed; 131 out of the 184 (72.3%) isolates were resistant to at least six antimicrobial agents. The prevalences of class 1 integrons, tetracycline-resistance genes, phenicol-resistance genes, 16S rRNA methylase genes, extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants were 49.5, 17.4, 15.8, 0.5, 57.6 and 46.2%, respectively. In 82 isolates, 48 different kinds of coexistence of the different genes were identified. Statistical (χ 2 ) analysis showed that the resistance to amoxicillin, doxycycline, florfenicol, ofloxacin and gentamicin had significant differences (P<0.01 or 0.01<P<0.05) among the strains that carried and did not carry the resistance genes, which showed a certain correlation between antimicrobial resistance and the presence of resistance genes.
Growth and production of common bean in direct seeding under irrigated deficit condition

1 UNESP, Botucatu – SP, Brazil. 2 Depto. de Engenharia Rural, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP, Botucatu – SP, Brazil. 3 IF Goiano Câmpus Rio Verde, Zona Rural, Km 01, Caixa Postal 66, Rio Verde (GO), Brazil. 4 Escola de Agronomia, Universidade Federal de Goiás UFG, Goiânia-GO, Campus 2, Rod. Goiânia Nova Veneza, Km 0, caixa postal 131, Brazil. 5 Ciências Agrárias – Agronomia. IFGoiano – Câmpus Rio Verde, Zona Rural, Km 01, Caixa Postal 66, Rio Verde (GO), Brazil.
Impact of Interspecific Introgression on Anthocyanin Profiles of Southern Highbush Blueberry

A BSTRACT . Blueberry ( Vaccinium L. section Cyanococcus Gray), a rich source of polyphenolics with important implications for human health and chronic diseases, has become a major fruit commodity in the United States. This study was designed to assess the impact of introgression through interspeciﬁc hybridization on anthocyanin (ANC) proﬁles among blueberry species. Southern highbush blueberry ( V. corymbosum L.) and rabbiteye blueberry ( V. virgatum Ait.) commercial cultivars, North Carolina blueberry breeding selections, and blueberry breeding populations with varying degrees of introgression from multiple species were used to address this question. The breeding selections and populations were created and selected for traits not directly related to their ANC proﬁles and are therefore likely representative of the current selection objectives of most public and private breeding programs. at a uniform stage of maturity were evaluated for ANC concentration and proﬁle in 2 consecutive years (2010 and 2011) from all plants. Total ANC ranged from 189 to 464, 74 to 421, and 227 to 537 mg/100 g (frozen fruit) in the commercial cultivars, breeding selections, and breeding populations, respectively. Signiﬁcant increases in total ANC were observed among material that represents an expanded gene pool in southern highbush blueberry (introgression from V. angustifolium Ait., V. elliottii Chap., V . myrsinites Lam., V. pallidum Ait., V. tenellum Ait., V. fuscatum Ait., V. constablaei Gray, and V. arboreum Mar.). Differences in acylation and glycosylation patterns were also observed in the same material, which may condition relative stability, absorption, and bioavailability of ANC. Results suggest that the expansion of the gene base through interspeciﬁc hybridization can have both a positive and negative impact on ANC accumulation and that breeders need to be aware of these issues early in the breeding program.
Role of effective microorganisms in efficacy of Nemarioc-AG phytonematicide on suppression of Meloidogyne incognita and growth of tomato plants

ABSTRACT The release of active ingredient chemicals in conventional organic amendments is primarily through microbial degradation, whereas in granular phytonematicides, leaching through irrigation water had been implied as a probable mechanism. The objective of this study was to determine the role of effective microorganisms (EM) on the efficacy of Nemarioc-AG (NAG; G = granular formulation) phytonematicide on suppression of root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes and growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. A 5 × 6 factorial experiment, with EM at 0%, 0.14%, 0.17%, 0.20% and 0.25% and phytonematicide at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 g per plant, was conducted under microplot conditions. Each plant was inoculated with 11,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita. Seventy days after initiating the treatments, the interactions were not significant (P ≥ .05) on all variables, but the main factors were highly significant. Regression of nematode population densities, root gall and dry shoot mass over increasing phytonematicide concentration exhibited quadratic relations, which were explained by 93%, 97% and 99%, respectively. In contrast, stem diameter and phytonematicide concentration had a positive linear relation, which was explained by 98%. Nematode numbers over increasing EM concentration exhibited quadratic relation, which was explained by 97%. All plant variables and EM had no significant relations. In conclusion, the efficacy of NAG phytonematicide on nematode suppression and plant growth was independent of EM activities, suggesting that irrigation water played a major role in the efficacy of the product in granular formulation.
Recent Progress in the Study of Thermal Properties and Tribological Behaviors of Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Reinforced Composites

Ever-increasing significance of composite materials with high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient and high optical bandgap over the last decade, have proved their indispensable roles in a wide range of applications. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a layered material having a high thermal conductivity along the planes and the band gap of 5.9 eV, has always been a promising candidate to provide superior heat transfer with minimal phonon scattering through the system. Hence, extensive researches have been devoted to improving the thermal conductivity of different matrices by using h-BN fillers. Apart from that, lubrication property of h-BN has also been extensively researched, demonstrating the effectivity of this layered structure in reduction of friction coefficient, increasing wear resistance and cost-effectivity of the process. Herein, an in-depth discussion of thermal and tribological properties of the reinforced composite by h-BN will be provided, focusing on the recent progress and future trends.