Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological evaluation of transitional and coastal waters: A marine benthic macrophytes-based model.

A model to estimate the ecological status and identify restoration targets of transitional and coastal waters was developed. Marine benthic macrophytic species (seaweeds, seagrasses) were used to indicate shifts in the aquatic ecosystem from the pristine state with late-successional species (Ecological State Group I) to the degraded state with opportunistic (ESG II) species. The first group comprises species with a thick or calcareous thallus, low growth rates and long life cycles (perennials), whereas the second group includes sheet-like and filamentous species with high growth rates and short life cycles (annuals). Seagrasses were included in the first group, whereas Cyanophyceae and species with a coarsely branched thallus were included in the second group. The evaluation of ecological status into five categories from high to bad includes a cross comparison in a matrix of the ESGs and a numerical scoring system (Ecological Evaluation Index). The model could allow comparisons, ranking and setting of priorities at regional and national levels fulfilling the requirements of the EU Water Frame Directive. A successful application of the model was realized in selected lagoons of the Macedonian and Thrace region (North Greece) and in the Saronic Gulf coastal ecosystems (Central Greece).
Spatial Spectrum Estimation of Incoherently Distributed Sources Based on Low-Rank Matrix Recovery

This article considers the problem of two-dimensional (2-D) angle estimation of incoherently distributed (ID) sources in massive MIMO systems. We first show that the matrix representing the 2-D spatial spectrum of ID sources is of low-rank rather than sparse. Then, by exploiting the low-rank property, we formulate a rank minimization problem to estimate the spatial spectrum, which is solved by an efficient iterative re-weighted procedure. Finally, the key parameters of the spatial spectrum are obtained via an off-grid estimator. The performance analysis of the proposed method, and the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) of the key parameters with unknown angular distributions are also presented. Contrary to the existing methods which presume a specific type of angular distribution, the proposed method is suitable for general angular distribution as long as it is of low-rank. Moreover, the proposed method is computationally more efficient than the conventional methods that require a multi-dimensional search. Extensive simulations are provided to verify the performance of the proposed method.
The role of ground motion duration and pulse effects in the collapse of ductile systems

The seismic collapse capacity of ductile single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems vulnerable to P‐Δ effects is investigated by examining the respective influence of ground motion duration and acceleration pulses. The main objective is to provide simple relationships for predicting the duration‐dependent collapse capacity of modern ductile systems. A novel procedure is proposed for modifying spectrally equivalent records, such that they are also equivalent in terms of pulses. The effect of duration is firstly assessed, without accounting for pulses, by assembling 101 pairs of long and short records with equivalent spectral response. The systems considered exhibit a trilinear backbone curve with an elastic, hardening and negative stiffness segment. The parameters investigated include the period, negative stiffness slope, ductility and strain hardening, for both bilinear and pinching hysteretic models. Incremental dynamic analysis is employed to determine collapse capacities and derive design collapse capacity spectra. It is shown that up to 60% reduction in collapse capacity can occur due to duration effects for flexible bilinear systems subjected to low levels of P‐Δ. A comparative evaluation of intensity measures that account for spectral shape, duration or pulses, is also presented. The influence of pulses, quantified through incremental velocity, is then explicitly considered to modify the long records, such that their pulse distribution matches that of their short spectrally equivalent counterparts. The results show the need to account for pulse effects in order to achieve unbiased estimation of the role of duration in flexible ductile systems, as it can influence the duration‐induced reduction in collapse capacity by more than 20%.
Lime‐chlorosis occurrence and leaf mineral composition of grapevine treated by root microorganisms

Abstract One‐year‐old rooted cuttings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot blanc clone 55, grafted on “S.O. 4” and “41 B” hybrid rootstocks, were grown in pots containing a calcareous soil. Before potting, the roots were infected by the VAM fungus (Glomus mosseae) and by a suspension of the following endophytic bacteria: Erwinia sp. , Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter cloacae. The shoot growth was checked every ten days and leaf blade chlorophyll and mineral elements were assayed at the middle of the annual growing cycle as well as the mineral composition of the leaf petiole. Chlorosis was rated by visual screening as well in order to control the effect of the root treatments on the chlorosis occurrence. The most significant findings of the trial were: a) root infection with Erwinia sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens increased the chlorophyll concentration over the untreated plants in both the graft combinations, b) the plants grafted on “S.O. 4” rootstock did benefit from the treatment with Glomus mosseae as wel.
Why do Polytrichaceae have lamellae?

Abstract Light-response curves of chlorophyll-fluorescence parameters from 12 species of Polytrichaceae show photosynthetic electron flow giving a good fit to negative-exponential saturation curves up to high irradiances; 95%-saturation irradiances for the species of unshaded habitats approached or exceeded noon summer sunlight. The species showed little or no indication of the non-saturating electron flow at high irradiances, or the very high values of non-photochemical quenching, seen in many other mosses of dry, sun-exposed habitats. Calculation of CO2 diffusion rates from first principles on a cell-area basis indicates that photosynthesis of mosses with unistratose leaves is likely to be limited by CO2 diffusion resistance at high irradiances. In Polytrichaceae the area for CO2 uptake is often >6 times the projected leaf area. By lowering the whole-leaf resistance to CO2 uptake, the lamellae remove the CO2-diffusion constraint that limits mosses with unistratose leaves and allow Polytrichaceae to utilize efficiently the high irradiance of direct sunlight.
Effects of fertilizer, fungal endophytes and plant cultivar on the performance of insect herbivores and their natural enemies

Summary 1Endophytic fungi are associates of most species of plants and may modify insect community structures through the production of toxic alkaloids. Fertilization is known to increase food plant quality for herbivores, but it is also conceivable that additional nitrogen could increase the production of the insect toxic alkaloid, peramine, in endophyte-infected plants. 2The relative importance of soil fertility and endophyte infection on herbivores and their natural enemies is unknown. As performance of the host plant is often affected by an interaction between endophyte infection and genetic background, four different plant cultivars were tested. The main questions addressed in this study were whether plant cultivar and fertilizer addition to endophyte-infected and endophyte-free Lolium perenne affect alkaloid concentrations, plant life-history traits and the abundances of aphid species and their parasitoids. 3In a full factorial outdoor experiment we found a strong positive effect of fertilizer on plant biomass and on the abundance of aphids and parasitoids. While plant traits differed between cultivars, there was little effect of cultivar on either aphid or parasitoid abundance. Only endophyte-infected plants contained alkaloids, and the concentration of peramine was enhanced in fertilized plants. However, endophyte infection had no negative effect on aphid or parasitoid abundances. Plant traits were only weakly influenced by endophyte infection in the field, which contrasts with plant growth room studies, where both germination rate and plant height were influenced by endophyte–cultivar interactions. 4The generally weak effects of endophytes in the outdoor experiment could be explained by various additional constraints under field conditions and the relatively low peramine concentration that we observed.
Teste de condutividade elétrica para semente de pimenta

This study was carried out with the objective of verifying the effect of pepper seeds number, water volume and imbibition period on the electrical conductivity test results and correlating these data with germination, first count, accelerated aging and seedling length tests results. The electrical conductivity test was conducted with 25 and 50 seeds per replication, imbibed in 25 and 50 mL of water at 25oC for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48 hours. The electrical conductivity test was efficient to evaluate pepper seeds vigor, but 25 showed to be an inadequate number of seeds when the objective was to identify seed lot vigor level. Better results were obtained when samples of 50 seeds, soaked for 1 hour in 25 mL of water were used.
Relationships between lipophilicity and root uptake and translocation of non-ionised chemicals by barley†

The uptake by roots from solution, and subsequent translocation to shoots in barley, of two series of non-ionised chemicals, O-methylcarbamoyloximes and substituted phenylureas, were measured, Uptake of the chemicals by roots was greater the more lipophilic the chemical, and fell to a lower limiting value for polar chemicals. Translocation to the shoots was a passive process, and was most efficient for compounds of intermediate polarity. Both processes had reached equilibrium within 24h of treatment. The reported behaviour of many pesticides in various plant species agrees with the derived relationships, but the detailed mechanisms of these processes are unknown.
Front iers in Ecolog y and the Environment Geomorphic controls on salmon nesting patterns described by a new, narrow-beam terrestrial–aquatic lidar

Riverine aquatic biodiversity is because studies of these dynamic environments are to Full understanding of stream ecosystems requires precise, high-resolution mapping of entire stream networks and adjacent landforms. We use a narrow-beam, water-penetrating, green lidar system to continuously map 10 km of a mountain stream channel, including its floodplain topography, and wavelet analyses to investigate spatial patterns of channel morphology and salmon spawning. Results suggest the broadest fluvial domains are a legacy of approximately 15 000 years of post-glacial valley evolution and that local pool–riffle channel topography is controlled by contemporary hydraulics operating on this broad template. Salmon spawning patterns reflect these hierarchical physical domains, demonstrating how geomorphic history can influence modern distributions of aquatic habitat and organisms. The new terrestrial–aquatic lidar could catalyze rapid advances in understanding, managing, and monitoring of valuable aquatic ecosystems through unprecedented mapping and attendant analyses.
Feeding or Resting? The Strategy of Rutting Male Alpine Chamois

Optimal foraging theory suggests that animals normally maximize energy intake to optimize their energy balance. However, when efficiency to assimilate energy falls below the level necessary to ascertain basal energetic requirements, they should shift to an energy saving strategy. Males of many ruminant species considerably reduce their food intake during the rut. Nevertheless, they are commonly assumed to maximize energy intake besides their investments in rutting activities. Based on predictions of optimal foraging theory and the specific ruminant digestive physiology, we propose, however, that rutting males in polygynous species with time consuming mating tactics should instead use an energy saving strategy. Particularly, we predict this to be the case in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra), a highly polygynous mountain ungulate, of which the males defend mating territories during the rut. By combining observational and telemetry data of eight radio-collared males we constructed individual 24-h time budgets, and compared the behavior of males before, during and after the rut. Males spent significantly less time feeding during the rut (0.9 h) compared with before (8.5 h) and afterwards (6.4 and 7.5 h, respectively), whereas time spent lying remained more or less unchanged (pre-rut; 12.7 h, rut; 13.3 h, post-rut; 12.9 and 13.9 h, respectively). The ratio of time spent feeding to lying dropped from 0.67 in the pre-rut period to 0.05 in the rutting period. As a result, males allocated on average approx. 90% of their non-rutting time to lying, and a negative relationship between rutting and lying time emerged. Hence, males seemed to trade lying time against rutting time. We conclude from these results that male Alpine chamois do not maximize their energy intake during the rut, but rather adopt an energy saving strategy to optimize their energy balance.
Aerosol Effects on Lightning Characteristics: A Comparison of Polluted and Clean Regimes

Oceanic lightning can be a sensitive indicator of aerosol effects on lightning characteristics as thermodynamic contrast is indistinct over adjacent oceanic regions. The study presents discernable aerosol impacts on lightning characteristics by analyzing 2 years (2017–2018) of intracloud (IC) and cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning data from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network over two key regions in southern South China Sea. Mean stroke density, IC/CG ratio, +IC fraction, and +CG fraction in polluted conditions are respectively 3.7, 2, 1.2, and 5.8‐fold larger than unpolluted counterparts. Total stroke contrast is further confirmed with the GLD360 network. Thermodynamic parameters conversely support slightly stronger convection over clean ocean. Clear evidence shows cloud droplet size diminishes with added aerosol. Aerosol invigorates more frequent and robust mixed‐phase development, endowing maritime convection with continental characteristics. Modifications in the charge reversal temperature and lower and upper positive charge regions are speculated on as means for stimulating more positive ICs and CGs.
Seasonal variation in the bryophyte diaspore bank of open grasslands on dolomite rock

Abstract Seasonal changes in the diaspore bank of bryophytes and background processes were investigated in two open grasslands on dolomite rock in Hungary by means of soil samples. To test the longevity of propagules and to collect information about their potential dormancy, a part of each sample was stored air-dried in the laboratory for periods of half a year and 1 year. In contrast to results of earlier studies, temporal variation was detected in the number of propagules stored in the soil of three species (Bryum argenteum, Bryum erythrocarpum agg. and Weissia controversa). There is evidence of dormancy in vegetative gemmae of species of the Bryum erythrocarpum complex and Weissia controversa. Dormancy is also hypothesized in spores of Phascum cuspidatum. We suggest that dormancy in bryophyte propagules is less rare than had hitherto been assumed. Probably this is due mainly to the relatively small number of investigations of species living in habitats with periodically unfavourable moisture and temperature conditions.
Phylogeny, Biogeography, and Evolution of Edaphic Association in the European Oreophytes Sempervivum and Jovibarba (Crassulaceae)

Premise of research. We reconstructed the phylogeny, biogeographical history, and evolution of edaphic association in Sempervivum and Jovibarba (Crassulaceae), two oreophytic genera of the mountain flora of Europe and adjacent areas. Methodology. Using two nuclear markers (internal transcribed spacer and parts of intergenic spacer) and three chloroplast DNA markers (atpI-atpH, rps16-intron, trnQ-rps16) for 44 of the 48 species recognized in the two genera, we obtained a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis on relationships between and within the two genera. This phylogeny was dated and used for the reconstruction of ancestral distribution areas and the evolution of edaphic association. Pivotal results. Our analyses showed that Sempervivum and Jovibarba are monophyletic sister genera. Several well-supported intrageneric clades were recovered in our nuclear phylogeny, which generally were not supported by our chloroplast data. This incongruence most likely results from hybridization. The split between the two genera took place ∼5–9 million years ago, contemporary with the major uplift of the European Alpine System. This split is best explained as a vicariance event resulting in a more westerly distributed Sempervivum and a more easterly distributed Jovibarba. Most intrageneric diversification took place within the past ∼2 million years. The ancestrally European distribution area of Sempervivum was expanded by one long-distance dispersal event into northern Africa and three long-distance dispersal events into Southwest Asia. Our reconstruction of edaphic association revealed mainly transitions from calcifuge to calcicole. Most of these transitions took place regionally, and their timing and geographical setting suggest that they were caused by range shifts in response to Quaternary climatic oscillations. Conclusions. The large majority of extant species in the two genera originated in the Quaternary, and all major range shifts took place in this period. With respect to changes in edaphic association, we hypothesize that climatic changes either forced populations into edaphically unsuitable habitats or allowed populations to colonize newly available but edaphically unsuitable habitats.
On Fully Describing the Probability Distribution of Quiescent Periods From Sea Spectral Density

A fundamental property of most sea conditions is that sets of large waves alternate with sets of smaller waves, known as quiescent periods. Exploiting the quiescent periods can expand the sea states under which the execution of many maritime operations can be considered safe. Building upon the work of Belmont et al., we extend the methodology to fully describe the statistical distribution of the quiescent periods in terms of their time duration using sea spectra derived from current ship readings as well as metocean forecast. This provides the basis for a short- or long-term planning tool that complements deterministic wave prediction technology for executing wave-height-limited maritime operations. The method is evaluated using spectra calculated from field measurements in a dedicated sea trial and from standard parameterized oceanographic forms (JONSWAP and Pearson–Moskowitz).
Identification of stable and adaptable hybrid Rice genotypes

Development of varieties with high yield potential coupled with wide adaptability is an important plant breeding objective. Presence of genotype and environment (G×E) interaction plays a crucial role in determining the performance of genetic materials, tested in different locations in different years. This study was under taken to assess yield performance, stability and adaptability of seventeen hybrid rice genotypes evaluated over 12 environments. The analysis of variance for growth duration and grain yield (t ha -1 ) for genotype, environment year, environment × genotype, year × environment, year × genotype and year × environment × genotype were highly significant (p<0.01) showing the variable response of the genotype across environments and year. GE interaction patterns revealed by AMMI biplot analysis indicated that the hybrid rice genotypes are broadly adapted. Genotypes BRRI53A/BRRI26R, Jin23A/507R, Jin23A/BR7881-25-2-3-12 and IR79156A/F2277R were best for the environment: Gazipur and Rangpur at second and third year. Genotypes Jin23A/PR344R, BRRI11A/AGR and IR79156A/BRRI20R showing high yield performance and widely adapted to all environments.
Incidence of soil‐borne plant pathogens isolated from barley and winter wheat, and other crops in the rotation, on Prince Edward Island

Barley and winter wheat were sampled over 3 years to characterize soil-borne organisms involved with cereal crown and root disease complexes. Winter wheat crowns were infected more often by Fusarium avenaceum and F. sambucinum than barley crowns. Bipolaris sorokiniana and F. graminearum were more common in crown tissue of barley underseeded with clover than in winter wheat crowns. In roots, the incidence of F. avenaceum was highest in winter wheat. In soil, populations of Rhizoctonia solani and F. sambucinum were higher in winter wheat than barley underseeded with ryegrass. Stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) were greatest in winter wheat and barley underseeded with ryegrass. The incidence of F. avenaceum in roots of winter wheat correlated positively with the severity of crown and root rot symptoms. The severity of barley crown and root rot correlated positively with the incidence of R. solani in crowns, F. avenaceum in crowns and roots, B. sorokiniana in roots, and numbers of stunt nematodes in the soil. The incidence of soil-borne organisms was also recorded in annual ryegrass. soybean, potato, pea, and clover which were grown in rotation with barley and winter wheat. The incidence of R. solani and F. avenaceum was highest in clover crown tissue, and F. sambucinum was prevalent in soybean hypocotyls. Soil population levels of R. solani, F. avenaceum, and stunt nematodes were greatest in ryegrass and pea soil just prior to ploughing down or harvesting these crops, respectively.
Cohabitation Transmission of Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus among Freshwater-Reared Atlantic Salmon

Abstract The present study examined factors affecting horizontal transmission of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) among naive Atlantic salmon Salmo salar maintained in freshwater. The ratio of injected to naive cohabitants was varied and mortality was monitored. Whether ISAV transmission in freshwater required contact among salmon was also examined. Pathognomonic histological lesions in fish infected by injection or cohabitation were compared. In trial 1, duplicate tanks containing 0 + 25, 2 + 23, 4 + 21, 6 + 19, or 8 + 17 fish (injected + naive, respectively) were established. Mean days to onset of mortality and mean days to death (mdd) were significantly less among injected fish (16.9 and 18.8 d, respectively) than in fish infected by cohabitation (33.4 and 43.8 d). Cumulative mortality in naive cohabitants in trial 1 was significantly greater in groups containing six injected fish compared with those containing either two or eight injected fish. In trial 2, triplicate tanks of 0 + 25, 4 + 21, and .