Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can small MPAs protect local populations of a coastal flatfish, Solea senegalensis?

The benefits of protection of a small (4.3 km2) marine protected area (MPA) for Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, were investigated through experimental fishing trials and long-term (up to 293 days) passive acoustic telemetry. A total of 106 trammel net sets were carried out between 2007 and 2011. Significant differences in abundance and biomass of sole between bottom types/depths (sandy bottoms between 12 and 20 m deep vs muddy bottoms between 35 and 45 m deep) were found, but no significant differences were attributable to the implementation of the no-take area. Passive acoustic telemetry revealed that most Senegalese sole spent a large part of their time between first and last detections (average residency index = 69%) inside a relatively small area (average 95% = 1.2 km2), during which they preferred sandy bottoms, the most common habitat inside the MPA. Results also demonstrated that Senegalese sole do regular excursions beyond reserve boundaries, eventually emigrating from the MPA. The results suggest that small coastal MPAs providing adequate habitat may protect individuals of this species while allowing for moderate levels of adult spillover to neighbouring areas.
A Survey of the Potential Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated With Nursery Seedlings of Seven Species of Exotic Quercus in China

ABSTRACT Seven species of Quercus have been introduced into China from the United States for their ecological and economic values. The beneficial association between Quercus trees and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi is well recognized. However, the ECM fungal communities associated with these exotic oak trees grown in new environments are currently unknown. The aims of this work were to investigate the mycorrhizal status of nursery seedlings and identify the fungal communities in them. All Quercus tree species examined exhibited well-developed ECM roots. However, neither the morphology nor the color of the observed ECM types was distinctive, suggesting reduced ECM fungal diversity. The combined application of isolation and amplicon-based sequencing approaches revealed that the mycorrhizal taxa represented 5 orders and 12 genera in the Basidiomycota, but only the dominant genus Scleroderma (Boletales) was detected by both approaches. In addition, Scleroderma exhibited the lowest degree of host specificity, but relatively high interspecific genetic diversity. Isolates assigned to Sistotrema displayed taxonomic novelties based on sequence similarity searches against the GenBank database. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed a degree of differentiation of ECM communities among Quercus species. Our results provide insights into the identities of exotic Quercus-associated ECM fungi and will improve symbiosis-based seedling nursing technology.
Resource Availability and Entrainment Are Driven by Offsets Between Nutriclines and Winter Mixed‐Layer Depth

While phytoplankton play a key role in ocean biogeochemical cycles, the availability and supply pathways of resources that support their growth remain poorly constrained. Here, we show that the availability of various resources varies over several orders of magnitude throughout the Atlantic Ocean, causing regional contrasts in resource deficiency. Regional variations in the relative availability of nitrogen, phosphorous, silicon, iron, zinc, manganese, cobalt, and cadmium are important and result from the contrasts between winter mixing depths and differences in vertical profiles of the different resources. The winter‐time thickening of the mixed layer may replenish or deplete resources via entrainment, depending on the vertical nutrient profile. For nutrients like nitrate, phosphate, and cadmium, entrainment is a consistent source term. While for others, such as manganese and iron, entrainment can reduce ocean resource availability, particularly in subtropical regions. Any future change to the depth of winter‐time mixing will cause region‐specific changes in relative availability of different resources that may have important ecological consequences.
A new species of moss emerges from molecular and morphological data: Schistidium memnonium sp. nov. (Grimmiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract Schistidium memnonium is described as a new species from Europe, based on molecular and morphological data. The species is described and illustrated, its affinities are discussed, and its current distribution mapped. The species is distinguished by its ovate to ovate-triangular leaves, unistratose lamina in lower part, occasionally with 2-stratose spots or short striae, in central and upper part varying from 1-stratose to 2-stratose in spots and striae, recurved leaf margins from the base to near the apex on both sides, in lower part mostly 1-2˗stratose for 1(2) rows, in upper and central part 2-3˗stratose for 1–2 rows and oblong to long rectangular or long obovate exothecial cells in central part. A table with characters to distinguish this species from S. brunnescens (both subspecies), two taxa morphologically very similar, and a phylogenetic analysis in order to detect relationships of the new species with nearby taxa, based on rDNA ITS region, are provided.
Caracterização e diversidade genética de cultivares de morangueiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a diversidade genetico-molecular, por marcadores RAPD, das dez principais cultivares de morangueiro utilizadas no Pais: Aromas, Burkley, Camarosa, Campinas, Dover, Milsei-Tudla, Oso Grande, Santa Clara, Sweet Charlie e Vila Nova. O DNA foi extraido de folhas maduras, as analises RAPD foram realizadas com 26 primers e os produtos de amplificacao separados por eletroforese. O coeficiente de Dice foi utilizado para estimar a similaridade genetica entre as cultivares e o metodo UPGMA para gerar o fenograma por meio do NTSYS. Houve amplificacao de fragmentos consistentes com 19 primers, tendo sido encontrado polimorfismo em 14. Dos 116 fragmentos gerados, 84 foram polimorficos. As cultivares foram classificadas em dois grupos principais quanto a similaridade genetica: cultivares destinadas a industrializacao (Burkley, Santa Clara e Vila Nova) e cultivares destinadas ao mercado in natura (demais cultivares). A similaridade foi menor no grupo das cultivares para consumo in natura (44-74%), o que ocorreu em funcao dos parentais serem diferentes. A maior similaridade genetica ocorreu entre as cultivares de industria Santa Clara e Vila Nova (98%), ambas obtidas pelo programa de melhoramento da Embrapa Clima Temperado, e provenientes dos mesmos parentais ('Konvoy-Cascata' e 'Lassen'). Padroes RAPD foram estabelecidos para a caracterizacao genetica das dez cultivares de morangueiro estudadas.
The Meanings of Competition

The various meanings of "competition" in ecology, genetics and evolution are grouped into four main meanings which differ in important respects from each other. They grade from a strict meaning to one so broad as to be synonymous with natural selection. In the strict sense competition between animals occurs when a number of animals (of the same or of different species) utilize common resources the supply of which is short; or if the resources are not in short supply competition occurs when the animals seeking that resource nevertheless harm one or another in the process. Intermediate between the strict and the broad meanings are two others. One includes any interference of one species by another irrespective of whether they use common resources or not, and the other includes predation within the meaning of competition. Each of the four meanings of competition is illustrated with examples. A distinction is made between the influence of one species on the numbers of another and the influence of one genotype on the frequency of another genotype of the same species. In the former case one species can influence the frequency of another by competition only when there is a shortage of some resource. The one exception is some special cases of threat. The conclusion is drawn that if the term competition is retained in biological writings it should be restricted to the one strict meaning defined above. On the other hand this may be an appropriate time for approaching the problems of how one organism influences the numbers of another in a fresh way without recourse to the concept of competition at all.
Population dynamics of spot,leiostomus xanthurus, in polyhaline tidal creeks of the York River estuary, Virginia

Most populations of estuarine-dependent, early life stages of marine fishes are open. As a result, it has been difficult to apply conventional population models to most systems. In this study, a marked population of young-of-year spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) was released into a polyhaline tidal creek within the Guinea Marshes of the York River estuary, Virginia. Over a 90-day study period, 221 marked fishes were recaptured. Plots of the ratio of marked to unmarked individuals (mi/ni) in subsequent samples indicated that the population was resident in the creek for up to 162 days with the average individual present for 81 days. When this population turnover rate was compared to the total population decay rate (marked plus unmarked fish), it was determined that exchange between habitats (immigration/emigration) accounted for about 36.4% of the total decay rate, with the remainder attributed to natural mortality. By correcting the overall disappearance rate for population turnover due to emigration and using this adjusted value as a measure of instantaneous mortality (z), the estimated production (over 90 days) in this population was 23,630 cal (98,870 J) per m2. This figure agrees with a previously derived estimate for spot in the Guinea marshes and is nearly two orders of magnitude higher than other reported values for this species for all size classes over the entire growing season.
Homology of Scytalone Dehydratase Melanin Gene in Venturia nashicola

Dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin is known to be present in some ascomycete fungi. To verify the type of melanin in Venturia nashicola that cause scab on pear, we investigated scytalone dehydratase (SD) gene, one of DHN melanin genes, from 11 isolates of V. nashicola from different provinces in Korea and Japan. Through PCR approach, 429 bp amplicon was produced from the 11 isolates and sequenced. All of the PCR-amplified sequences were determined as SD gene through GenBank database search. All the determined sequences were composed of an intron and two exons coding for 122 amino acids of SD. The homology of SD gene was 100% among the 11 isolates. Sequence identity of the predicted SD protein of 122 amino acids ranged 69 to 73% with other fungi. Our results proved that V. nashicola operates DHN melanin pathway.
Isolation of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis from diseased field-collected larvae of the saturniid moth, Hylesia metabus, in French Guiana

An isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (BTI) was obtained from field-collected larvae of the saturniid moth, Hylesia metabus. This isolate was shown to belong to serotype H 14, and to produce a spherical parasporal body identical to that of the type strain of BTI. With an LC50 of 0.764 μg cm−2, this isolate was more toxic to H. metabus than the HD-1 strain of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (HD-1). These results demonstrate that BTI can be active against lepidopterous insects, a wider spectrum of activity than previously realized.
Multiscale teleconnection analysis of monthly total and extreme precipitations in the Yangtze River Basin using ensemble empirical mode decomposition

The multiscale analysis of precipitation teleconnections with climate indices is of great significance to better understand the regional response of the precipitation variability under the different time scales to global climate change. In this study, the inherent cycles of monthly total and extreme precipitations during 1965–2016 in the Yangtze River basin (YRB) and the climate indices influencing their periodic oscillations and long‐term trends are investigated by the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition, lag correlation analysis and stepwise variable selection. Results show that the total and extreme precipitations have experienced increasing long‐term trends in the western region of the upper reach of YRB (U‐YRB) and most parts of the middle and lower reaches of YRB (ML‐YRB), and decreasing trends in the middle region of U‐YRB. The identified climate indices significantly affecting total and extreme precipitations are almost identical in the U‐YRB and ML‐YRB. The sea surface temperature anomalies over East China Sea (ECS), South China Sea (SCS), Kuroshio (KC) and Bay of Bengal (BB) with specific time lags, solar flux with 12‐month lag, and the simultaneous global average temperature anomalies (GT) and trans‐Niño index have strong linkages with precipitation components under the particular time scales in the YRB. Specifically, the ECS, SCS, KC and BB with specific time lags are identified as effective indicators of periodic oscillations of total and extreme precipitations, while the simultaneous GT is powerful for capturing their long‐term trends. The identified climate indices are further demonstrated to provide significant predictive information for total and extreme precipitations and their periodic oscillations. Moreover, their forecast ability is higher in the U‐YRB than in the ML‐YRB, which detects a strong correlation with the randomness of precipitation. Additionally, monthly total precipitation and its periodic oscillations can be predicted better than extreme precipitation and its periodic oscillations by the identified climate indices.
Effect of Warm Rolling Temperature on the Microstructure and Texture of Microcarbon Dual-Phase (DP) Steel

The effect of warm rolling temperature on microstructure and texture of microcarbon dual-phase (DP) steel was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that with the increase of rolling temperature, the density and thickness of the deformation band first increased and then decreased. Ferrite and fine martensite were observed in the annealed sheet, and the ferrite had a much more homogeneous distribution in the sample rolled at 450 °C. During warm rolling, the ferrite developed a dominant γ-fiber and a weak α-texture. During the annealing of the rolled sheet, the intensity of the γ-fiber was increased and a weak {001}<100> texture developed in the sample rolled at room temperature. An increase in the rolling temperature generated an initial decrease and subsequent increase in the strength of the unfavorable {001}<110> texture in the annealed sheet. In addition, the strength reached a maximum at 550 °C due to an increase in the dissolved carbon in the matrix, which was result of carbide dissolution. By contrast, the intensity of the γ-fiber remained relatively higher and was deemed the weaker {001}<110> component in the annealed sheet rolled at 450 °C. Therefore, a larger texture factor (fγ-fiber/f(α-fiber+λ-fiber)) can be produced under this process.
Provision of nestboxes raises the breeding density of Great Tits Parus major equally in coniferous and deciduous woodland

Nestbox provision is a technique used to increase nest-site availability for secondary cavity-nesting birds. However, little is known about the demographic consequences of nestbox provision in different habitat types. To assess how nestbox provision affects the density of hole-nesting birds simultaneously in two contrasting habitats, we compared the breeding density of Great Tits along transects without nestboxes with that in transects where nestboxes were provided. Although the initial density of breeders was considerably higher in the deciduous habitat than in the coniferous habitat, provision of nestboxes increased density by a similar number of additional pairs in each habitat type. Thus, the provision of nestboxes in managed coniferous forests may be as effective in increasing the breeding opportunities of cavity nesters as in deciduous stands. Moreover, previous research showed that pairs in deciduous habitat with nestboxes have consistently lower breeding success than those in coniferous habitat with nestboxes. It is possible that the addition of nestboxes in the preferred habitat increased density to such an extent that density-dependent effects became apparent.
Cumulative Damage of Structures under the Mainshock-aftershock Sequences in the Near-fault Region

ABSTRACT This manuscript quantifies the effects of aftershocks with pulse characteristics on the cumulative damage of structures. The revised randomization method is developed to generate the artificial mainshock-aftershock (MSAS) ground motions showing pulse characteristics. The efficiency of period normalization is discussed from the point of view of dispersion, and the effects of the aftershocks are quantitatively studied. It is found that strong aftershock can contaminate the efficiency of period normalization, and the effects of strong aftershocks in the near-fault region on cumulative damage can exceed 20% and reach 40%. The equations are proposed for the prediction of damage induced by pulse-like MSAS sequences.
Development of internet literacy self-efficacy scale for pre-service teachers

This study aims to develop the Internet Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSEF) that can be used to examine pre-service teachers’ beliefs in their capabilities to perform recent web functionalities. The data was collected from eight different departments and all grade levels of the faculty of education at a state university in Turkey. Two different samples were used to develop and validate the instrument. The first and second samples consisted of 174 and 150 pre-service teachers, respectively. In an effort to explore the factorial structure, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were run. Construct validity was also checked by convergent and discriminant validity. A four-factor structure with 16 items was obtained: trustworthiness, creation, technical knowledge, and getting information. This structure accounted for 65.40% of the total variance. The reliability Cronbach alpha coefficients of the scale were calculated as ranging from . 90 to . 71. The results provided some evidence that the scores obtained from the Internet Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale are valid and reliable in assessing pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in terms of the Internet use knowledge and skills.
The effects of soil type and seasonal rainfall on the optimum seed rate for wheat in Western Australia

Seventeen experiments were conducted in 1996, 1997 and 1998 in the central and northern wheatbelt of Western Australia, covering a range of soil types, seasonal rainfall, cultivars and sowing times. The objective of the experiments was to investigate how these factors affect the range of optimum seed rates derived from seeding rate experiments and, thus, to improve advice to farmers. Our results suggest that soil type and seasonal rainfall were the major factors influencing the differences in optimum seed rate. Regression tree methods were used to show that experiments in clay loam soils had higher optimum seed rates (52–76 kg/ha, depending on the cultivars used). In sandier soils, the optimum seed rate was lower (35–60 kg/ha, depending on cultivar and sowing time) but higher (67 kg/ha) at higher seasonal rainfall (>450 mm). We found some cultivars were grouped into consistent response patterns. Sowing time also influenced optimum seed rate; later sowing required higher seed rates, to maximise grain yield. A positive correlation was not observed between grain yield and optimum seed rate, possibly due to the narrow range of yields recorded in the experiments. Our data showed that the percentage of establishment fell off rapidly at higher seed rates. This implies that lower establishment percentages should be used when calculating the seed rates required to produce high plant populations in the field.
An assessment of the floristic composition, structure and possible origin of a liana forest in the Guayana Shield

Liana is a life form that possesses high importance in many Neotropical forests. Density of climbers apparently increases with the intervention rate (e.g. logging). The aim of this work is to characterize the structure, floristic composition and soils of a sector classified as Liana Forest (LF). We identified an LF sector in a not-logged area; three 1 ha square plots were measured (individuals ≥ 10 cm dbh, “diameter at breast height”). In each plot, we evaluate four 100 m2 square understory subplots (all spermatophyta individuals < 10 cm dbh). LF has a low canopy ( < 15 m) and is dominated by Alexa imperatricis and Pentaclethra macroloba. Basal area (20.4 m2ha− 1) and diversity (H′ = 2.6) are lower than other surrounding plots. Understory is dominated by gnarled climbers, and the most important are Cheiloclinium hippocrateoides and Bauhinia scala-simiae. Soil is extremely acidic, with very low fertility but is similar to neighboring places. We conclude that LF was neither originated by edaphic restrictions nor logging; LF probably suffered a hurricane wind that fell down most of the canopy trees, thick individuals of climber species also disappeared, and the current successional stage favors a recovery dominated with thin individuals of this life form.
Nutritional Value and Technological Suitability of Milk from Various Animal Species Used for Dairy Production

Abstract: The analysis of nutritional value and selected traits of technological suitability of milk was performed on the basis of the available literature. This analysis concerned various animal species used for dairy purposes (cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, and horses). It has been stated that a considerable diversity exists in the analyzed parameters and traits of milk, which results in various directions of milk utilization. Cow milk accounts for more than 80% of world milk production. It is the most universal raw material for processing, which is reflected in the broadest spectrum of manufactured products. Sheep and buffalo milk, regarding their high content of protein, including casein, and fat, make a very good raw material for processing, especially cheesemaking. Donkey and horse milk have the most comparable protein composition to human milk (low content of casein, lack of αs1-casein fraction and β-lactoglobulin, and high content of lysozyme). Donkey milk is additionally characterized by a fatty acid profile distinctive from milk of other analyzed animal species. Camel milk also has valuable nutritional properties as it contains a high proportion of antibacterial substances and 30 times higher concentration of vitamin C in comparison to cow milk. The composition of goat milk allows using it as the raw material for dairy processing and also to some extent as a therapeutical product (low content or lack of αs1-casein).
The Effects of Collaboration With Different Partners: A Contingency Model

This article focuses on innovation collaboration and examines the different roles of the two types of innovation collaboration on firms’ innovation performance from the perspective of the two types of knowledge distance. Based on this logic, the article also assesses whether the effects of these two types of collaboration are conditional on a firm's connections to the existing institutional structure in emerging markets. The regression results reveal that both collaboration with science-based partners and collaboration with foreign business partners are positively related to a firm's innovation performance, while the effect of collaboration with science-based partners is weaker. Our article also shows that a firm's connections to the institutional structure positively moderate the influence of collaboration with foreign business partners, while they negatively moderate the influence of collaboration with science-based partners. This article contributes to the existing research on innovation collaboration by providing a theoretical framework for understanding the distinct effects of collaborating with different types of partners.