Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of foraging profitability in two nectarivorous butterflies

ABSTRACT. 1 I studied flower selection and foraging energetics of Agraulis vanillae L. (Nymphalidae) and Phoebis sennae (Pieridae), two butterfly species common to north central Florida. I identified the major nectar resources exploited by several populations of these butterflies and, for each plant species, measured available nectar volumes and concentrations, corolla lengths, and density. I quantified foraging behaviour of each butterfly species at each nectar source (flower visitation rate and percentage of foraging time in flight), and used these data to estimate the net rate of energy intake of each butterfly species at each nectar source. 2 Estimated mean energy contents of individual flowers of the eleven exploited plant species spanned three orders of magnitude, ranging between 0.015 and 9.27 joules. Mean energy content of individual flowers was strongly correlated with mean foraging profit of both butterfly species. 3 Mean nectar volume strongly influenced energy content and varied widely within and among species, ranging from 0.0076 to 1.853 μ1. Nectar concentration varied between 17.1% and 40.4% sucrose‐equivalents. Nectar volume was the best single predictor of foraging profitability (correlation coefficients of 0.994 and 0.984 for Phoebis and Agraulis respectively). Corolla length also strongly affected foraging profitability for both butterfly species; flower species with longer corollas were generally more profitable. 4 Flower density and nectar concentration showed weak or nonsignificant associations with foraging profitability. 5 The usefulness and limitations of these floral characteristics as bases for foraging selectivity, and the selective pressures foraging butterflies might place on the visited plants are discussed.
Genetic Variation in B–cell lymphoma 2–Associated X (BAX) Gene Confers Susceptibility to Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder

The aim of the study was to investigate genetic polymorphism in apoptotic gene, BAX (B-cell lymphoma 2-as- sociated X), and the risk of bladder cancer through a hospital-based case-control study. This retrospective analysis consisted of 270 cases of bladder cancer and 252 controls. The AA genotype of BAX 248 G/A polymorphism showed a 2.20-fold risk towards bladder cancer (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.16-4.21) when com- pared to GG as the referent genotype, hence, proving the additive model. The BAX AA genotype showed a 2.56-fold increased risk (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.23-5.39) of bladder cancer in males and a significantly increased risk towards bladder cancer in inhabitants of urban area (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.19-9.16). Among alcoholics, both BAX AA (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.27-2.17) and BAX GA + AA (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.09-3.73) genotypes showed an increased risk towards bladder cancer, respectively. The BAX AA genotype also showed an increased risk towards blad- der cancer among non-vegetarians (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 0.98-7.60). Among cases having superficial stages, only the BAX AA genotype (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.11-4.32) showed a significantly increased risk towards bladder cancer. The BAX AA genotype also showed a significantly increased risk (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.32-5.51) towards the G2 carcinoma.
Effect of fonofos on soil dehydrogenase activity

Thepurpose of the present study was to provide information about the effect exerted by fonofos pesticide on dehydrogenase activity of Mollic Gleysol, Eutric Fluvisol and Eutric Histosol soil samples. The effect of fonofos on dehydro- genase activity was evaluated taking into consideration the pesticide dose and soil incubation time. It was found that soil dehydrogenase activity showed an inhibitory effect with increase of the pesticide doses. Dose on the level of 1µg g -1 of pesticide caused 5-21% inhibition of enzymatic activity, whilst ten times higher doses resulted in 17-44% drop of activity in comparison to the control. Increase of dehydrogenase activity was also connected with fall of redox potential (Eh). The results suggest a negative effect of fonofos on soil dehydrogenase activity in the first stage after application.
Bayesian Estimation of DSGE Models

Disertacni prace je věnovana bayesovskemu odhadu DSGE modelů. Nejprve je popsana historie DSGE modelů a jejich vývoj v Ceske republice a ve světě. Cela jedna kapitola je věnovana popisu ekonometrických metod a algoritmů použivaných při specifikaci a odhadu DSGE modelů. Disertacni prace obsahuje dvě empiricke studie. Prvni studie popisuje odvozeni noveho keynesianskeho DSGE modelu a jeho odhad pomoci bayesovských technik. Model je odhadnut pro tři různa Taylorova pravidla. Pomoci techniky bayesovskeho porovnavani je kvantifikovano Taylorovo pravidlo, ktere nejlepe popisuje data. Druha studie je věnovana vývoji DSGE modelu pro malou otevřenou ekonomiku s rozsiřenim o trh s nemovitostmi. Tato studie je inspirovana clankem aplikujicim tento model na uzavřenou ekonomiku. Model je rozsiřen o typicke vlastnosti otevřene ekonomiky a vladni sektor. Ceska republika je sirokou ekonomickou veřejnosti vnimana jako mala otevřena ekonomika a tato rozsiřeni umožni lepsi aplikaci DSGE modelu na ceskou ekonomiku. Model obsahuje dva typy domacnosti. Prvni typ domacnosti ma přistup na kapitalove trhy a může vyhlazovat svou potřebu v case nakupem a prodejem financnich aktiv. Tyto domacnosti se řidi hypotezou permanentniho přijmu. Druhý typ domacnosti se řidi pouze pravidlem spotřeby. Ostatni agenti jsou specifikovani standardnim způsobem. Výstupy teto studie jsou soustředěny předevsim na chovani realných cen nemovitosti. Bayesovske funkce odezvy, předpovědi a dekompozice stochastických soků jsou soustředěny na realne ceny nemovitosti. Na konci teto studie je proveden makroprudencni experiment. Cilem experimentu je odpovědět na otazku: je lepsi vyssi ci nižsi LTV pro Ceskou republiku? Výsledky experimentu ukazuji, že výse LTV neovlivňuje hrubý domaci produkt. Realne ceny nemovitosti jsou naopak velmi citlive na změny LTV. Doporuceni pro Ceskou narodni banku by mohlo být shrnuto nasledovně. V důsledku zachovani stabilnich cen nemovitosti je lepsi implementovat nižsi LTV.
IMMOBILIZATION OF SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS WITH SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE

capture were drugged through use of a combination of diazepam and nicotine alkaloids. Two of the five deer, as well as the two deer which died after being drugged with diazepam alone, were apparently unable to recover from the comatose state and died of the results of exposure. Hawkins et al. (1967) reported 20.5-percent mortality among 39 deer captured through use of diazepam bait; two of the eight deaths were attributed to the effects of diazepam alone. Fifteen deer escaped capture (Table 1), although all had apparently consumed diazepam; four were adult males, two were adult females, and three were fawns. Amounts of diazepam consumed ranged from 0.5 to 4.0 g per deer. The remaining six were not seen clearly enough to determine sex, age, or both. Eleven of the 15 that escaped were standing when found; the others were bedded. Two of the deer seen in 1964
Depth distribution of ammonia oxidation rates and ammonia‐oxidizer community composition in the Sargasso Sea

Ammonia oxidation rates and ammonia‐oxidizer community structure were examined in a depth profile (20–2000 m) at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐Series Study site in December 2009. Ammonia oxidation rates, measured from trace additions of 15 (12–18 nmol L−1), ranged from undetectable at the surface and 2000 m to 2.0 ± 0.1 nmol L−1 d−1 at 120 m, the depth of the primary nitrite maximum (PNM). Nitrification was not detectable in the photic zone in December, perhaps in part due to the density structure of the upper water column at this time. Ammonium oxidation rates varied with ammonium concentration and yielded an estimate for the half‐saturation constant of 65 ± 41 nmol L−1 for the assemblage at 100 m. This value is similar to that reported for the cultivated marine ammonia‐oxidizing archeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus (134 nmol L−1), confirming the high affinity for ammonium of the in situ community in the Sargasso Sea. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaeal (AOA) amoA gene copy numbers were two orders of magnitude higher than ammonia‐oxidizing bacterial (AOB) amoA gene copy numbers at the PNM depth, suggesting that AOA were responsible for most of the ammonium oxidation, which was in turn responsible for the formation of the PNM. AOB abundance exceeded AOA at depths below 140 m, where both groups were much less abundant. Application of an AOA amoA functional gene microarray showed a diverse and even community distribution. A single archetype (AOA24, representing sequences originally from a coral reef) had the highest fluorescence ratio at depths of 0–1000 m.
Seasonal production of Oithona nana Giesbrecht, 1893 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in temperate coastal waters off Argentina

Oithona nana (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) is a widely distributed but poorly known species. The objective of this study was to estimate the seasonal variation of 0. nana secondary production in temperate coastal waters off Argentina, South West Atlantic. The species occurred throughout the year, with higher abundances in spring and winter (9692—10132 ind m ―3 ) than in summer and autumn (5537― 8635 ind m ―3 ). Sex ratio was highly skewed toward females. Total length of adults and immature stages was inversely related with temperature. Clutch size (mean ± SD = 12 ± 2 eggs sac ―1 ) and egg diameter (mean ± SD = 45 ± 2 μm) did not change throughout the year. Embryonic duration was inversely related to temperature (r 2 = 0.99). Mean (± SD) population-specific egg production rate (0.07 ± 0.03 day ―1 ) did not show a clear seasonal pattern; however, slightly higher values were observed in the warmest months. Oithona nana integrated annual production was 9.8 mg C m ―3 , 94% of which was represented by copepodite somatic growth. The key role played by 0. nana in the coastal waters of the Argentine Sea warrants further ecological studies under different oceanographic conditions.
OCCURRENCE OF AGGRESSIVE MIMICRY IN FIREFLIES

Predation by aggressive mimicry in fireflies is known only in females of the Photuris pennsylvanica-versicolor group (it is doubtful that fireflies in the other group of the genus, i.e. P. congener and relatives, are predators as adults). Aggressive mimicry has been observed in 10 species, and circumstantial evidence suggests that such predation probably occurs in all species of the pennsylvanica-versicolor group, though there could be idiosyncratic exceptions. Probably most species prey on 2 or more species: P. versicolor preys on at least 11. Males and larvae of some Photuris spp. may also be aggressive mimics, but evidence is only suggestive.
General Patterns in Echolocation Call of Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Japanese Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus abramus and Large-Footed Bat Myotis macrodactylus in Korea

In this study, we analyzed the pulse-duration, pulse-interval and peak-frequency of echolocation call in three species as Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Pipistrellus abramus, and Myotis macrodactylus. The peak frequency and pulse duration for above mentioned species were 69 kHz, 47 kHz and 49 kHz and , and for R. ferrumequinum, P. abramus and M. macrodactylus, respectively. The pulse intervals for R. ferrumequinum, P. abramus and M. macrodactylus were , and , respectively. The pulse pattern of R. ferrumequinum was setting into a short FM call and linked to long CF call and went through the short FM call again. The pulse pattern of M. macrodactylus was comprised with serial short FM call and the CF call was not checked up in accordance with the spectrogram analysis. The long FM call and short CF call got join together for the P. abramus and the peak frequency was checked up at the pulse ending as CF call.
Potential Ecological Distribution of Alien Invasive Species and Risk Assessment: a Case Study of Buffel Grass in Arid Regions of Mexico

Abstract: Alien invasive species represent a severe risk to biodiversity. Such is the case of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), a native species of Southern Asia and East Africa, which was introduced to the United States and Mexico for use in improved pasture. Here we present a coarse‐grain approach to determine areas where buffel grass can potentially invade in Mexico. Potential species distributions, suitable for an invasion by buffel grass, were obtained through genetic algorithms. We generated the algorithms with databases of herbaria specimens; environmental digital covers of climate, soil texture, and vegetation; and the program called Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐Set Prediction. This spatial modeling approach was validated with a case study for the state of Sonora, Mexico, where the occurrence of buffel grass has been proven. The most threatened vegetation types for the specific case of Sonora were desert scrub, mesquite woodlands, and tropical deciduous forest. The model prediction agreed with the field observations recorded in Sonora and allowed us to apply the same procedure to produce a map of the potential sites of buffel grass invasion for Mexico. The areas at risk of invasion mostly occurred in desert scrub, located in the arid and semiarid regions of northern Mexico. This methodology provides an initial baseline for assessment, prevention, and management of alien species that may become invasive under certain environmental conditions. Additionally this modeling approach provides a tool for policy makers to use in making decisions on land‐use management practices when alien species are involved.
‘Memory must be defended’: Beyond the politics of mnemonical security

This article supplements and extends the ontological security theory in International Relations (IR) by conceptualizing the notion of mnemonical security. It engages critically the securitization of memory as a means of making certain historical remembrances secure by delegitimizing or outright criminalizing others. The securitization of historical memory by means of law tends to reproduce a sense of insecurity among the contesters of the ‘memory’ in question. To move beyond the politics of mnemonical security, two lines of action are outlined: (i) the ‘desecuritization’ of social remembrance in order to allow for its repoliticization, and (ii) the rethinking of the self–other relations in mnemonic conflicts. A radically democratic, agonistic politics of memory is called for that would avoid the knee-jerk reactive treatment of identity, memory and history as problems of security. Rather than trying to secure the unsecurable, a genuinely agonistic mnemonic pluralism would enable different interpretations of the past to be questioned, in place of pre-defining national or regional positions on legitimate remembrance in ontological security terms.
Estimation of 4C DNA and Karyotype Analysis in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) -I

Extensive karyotype analysis including determination of somatic chromosome number, total chromosome length and volume and estimation of 4C DNA amount were carried out on 9 different cultivars of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.) for the first time. A significant variation in nuclear DNA amount was recorded at the cultivar level. The 4C DNA amount varied from 19.663-24.102 pg in the cultivars studied. The correlation coefficient studies showed that the 4C DNA content and genomic chromosome volume were interdependent. The structural alteration of chromosomes as well as loss or addition of highly repetitive sequences in the genome showed variation in the DNA amount at cultivar level, but a marginal variation in nuclear DNA content at the cultivar level indicated a close relationship between them.
Assessment of environmental pollution of water from irrigation canal (Aleksandrovački canal, Serbia) using phyto-indicators.

The aim of this study was to carry out comparative assessment of pollution level of water from Aleksandrovacki canal, Serbia, using both chemical methods and phytoindicators, and to estimate its potential use for irrigation of four most commonly cultivated plant species in this area (maize, barley, cucumber and white mustard). The effect of water quality and/or pollution was assessed in bioassay, according to changes in physiological (seed germination energy, germination) and morphological parameters (root and shoot length -cm and fresh and dry weight of root and shoot-g) of tested species. The chemical analysis of water determined a high content of suspended substances, nutrients, ammonium ion, total nitrogen, organic matter with low degradability, total organic carbon, orthophosphates, total phosphorus, arsenic and chromium. The response of phyto-indicators to water quality and mixed pollution was species-dependant. Germination of maize, cucumber and white mustard was not under the influence of water quality, while barley seeds germinated in significantly lower percentage in water from the canal (95%) compared to the control (100%). Canals water inhibited root elongation of maize and barley and stimulated of white mustard (p 0.05). Biomass was differently affected by water from the canal.
Effect of calcium on the salt tolerance of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes.

In saline soil conditions the availability and uptake of Ca 2+ is reduced that results in the loss of membrane integrity and other disorders associated with Ca 2+ deficiency in plants. A wheat genotype efficient in uptake and utilization of calcium under saline conditions may be better able to withstand saline conditions in the field. Very little information is available on wheat response to salinity and low Ca 2+ as screening of wheat genotypes has usually been done against salinity alone. The present study was designed to evaluate the performance of different wheat genotypes against salinity at low and adequate calcium supply. The experiment was conducted in hydroponics with four treatments including T1: non-saline with adequate Ca 2+ , T2: non-saline with low Ca 2+ (level of calcium was 1/4 th of the adequate level), T3: saline (125 mM NaCl) with adequate Ca 2+ and T4: saline with low calcium. All the physical growth parameters including shoot length, root length, and shoot and root fresh weights were decreased significantly due to salinity and low calcium alone as well as in combination. Reduction was more pronounced under the combined stress of salinity and low calcium and different genotypes differed significantly in different stress treatments for shoot and root fresh weight production. In saline treatment (T3), the genotypes 25-SAWSN-39 and 25SAWSN-31 showed better growth performance and accumulated lower Na + and higher Ca 2+ where as the genotypes 25SAWSN-35 and 25-SAWSN-47 showed less growth and had less accumulation of Ca 2+ and high accumulation of Na + . In salinity + low calcium treatment the genotype 25-SAWSN-39 behaved as a tolerant genotype where as 25-SAWSN-31 behaved similar to the sensitive genotype and these differences were due to high accumulation of Ca 2+ in 25-SAWSN-39 and vice versa. This study shows that the salt tolerance of wheat genotypes differs with the availability and accumulation of calcium. Certain genotypes can better uptake and utilize calcium than the others under low calcium supply which improves their salt tolerance under saline conditions.
What Foods are Identified as Animal Friendly by Italian Consumers?

In the Italian market, voluntary certifications implying higher levels of animal welfare generally fall into wider production schemes. Despite of the results of EU surveys indicating that about 50% of Italian consumers can easily identify and find animal-friendly products, they still are distributed scarcely or discontinuously in the main retail chains. To assess the apparent contradiction between the intricate information consumers receive from labels and their declared awareness about animal welfare, a survey was conducted in Emilia Romagna region on 355 Italian consumers (face-to-face interviews based on a structured, semi-close-ended questionnaire). Overall, consumers showed a low degree of knowledge about animal welfare attributes, animal farming conditions and animal protection policies (about 30% of correct answers), and a low level of awareness of the effects of their purchasing choices on the welfare of farmed animals (22%). The respondents also showed difficulties in identifying animal-friendly products and often confused them with other certified foods, having sometimes a weak connection (or none at all) to animal welfare (e.g., Protected Designation of Origin products). However, most consumers declared to be ready to pay a premium price in name of animal welfare. In conclusion, a labelling system for the welfare content of animal-derived foods is confirmed to be an effective strategy to compensate the efforts of farmers in improving animal welfare, provided that the information given is clear and able to fill the substantial lack of consumer knowledge.
A revision of the Australian jumping spider genus Prostheclina Keyserling, 1892 (Araneae: Salticidae)

The genus Prostheclina is commonly found in collections made in the wetter parts of eastern Australia from South Australia to northern Queensland. The type species P. pallida and six new species, P. amplior n.sp. , P. basilonesa n.sp. , P. boreoaitha n.sp. , P. boreoxantha n.sp. , P. eungella n.sp. and P. bulburin n.sp. are described. Both sexes are described for all species except P. boreoaitha (male only). Remarks on the biology and known and predicted distribution of each species are given.
A Review of the Fossil Record of Turtle Reproduction: Eggs, Embryos, Nests and Copulating Pairs

Abstract The fossil record of turtle reproduction (e.g., eggs, embryos, nests and copulating pairs) is relatively poor compared with that of dinosaurs. This record extends from the Middle Jurassic to the Pleistocene, and specimens are known from every continent except Antarctica. Fossil turtle eggs are recognized as body fossils, and confident taxonomic identification at the genus or species level is dependent on embryos preserved within fossil eggs or by eggs found within a gravid female. Cladistic analysis of egg and eggshell characters demonstrates a high degree of homoplasy, and only a few characters provide a strong phylogenetic signal. Taphonomic studies of fossil turtle eggs are rare but can elucidate size and number of eggs produced by extinct taxa. Pathological fossil turtle eggs are known from a few localities and provide information about physiological or environmental stresses experienced by the gravid female. Fossil turtle eggs are relatively abundant in Asia, Europe and North America but are poorly represented in Gondwana. An ootaxonomic review of fossil turtle eggs shows that of 15 named ootaxa, 8 are nomina valida, 5 are nomen nudum and 2 are junior synonyms of other ootaxa.
Effects of health disorders on milk yield and calving interval in Italian Holstein cows

Riassunto Effetto di alcuni problemi sanitari sulla produzione di latte e l’interparto in vacche Frisone – La presente ricerca era finalizzata ad indagare il grado di incidenza della ritenzione di placenta, dell’edema mammario, della mastite clinica e della zoppia e successivamente a studiare l’effetto di tali disturbi sulla produzione di latte e l’interparto. A tal proposito sono stati analizzati i dati relativi a 6832 lattazioni pertinenti a 5497 vacche di razza Frisona allevate in 94 aziende specializzate da latte. I disordini sanitari indagati sono risultati diffusi nelle aziende considerate, variando tra il 10% (edema) e il 16 % (mastite), ed hanno frequentemente influenzato la produzione di latte nella lattazione; l’effetto sull’interparto è apparso più sporadico.