Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking control of an underwater manipulator using fractional integral sliding mode and disturbance observer

In this paper, a fractional integral sliding mode control (FISMC) strategy with a disturbance observer (DO) is proposed for the trajectory tracking problem of the underwater manipulator, under lumped disturbances namely parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. The modified fractional integral sliding mode surface (FISMS) is designed to guarantee the fast convergence of system states. The DO method and the second-order sliding mode control law are used in the controller design, in which the former is introduced to compensate the effect of the lumped disturbances. Also, a saturated function is selected to replace the sign function to attenuate the chattering phenomenon. The stability of the overall closed-loop system is proved via Lyapunov’s finite-time stability theory. Numerical simulations are performed on a 6 degree of freedom (DOF) underwater manipulator. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme can achieve better tracking performance and stronger robustness against disturbances, by comparing with the DO-based PD control and the DO-based PID-type linear sliding mode control (SMC).
Examining preservice teachers’ TPACK, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceptions of teamwork in a stand-alone educational technology course using flipped classroom or flipped team-based learning pedagogies

Abstract The study’s purpose was to investigate whether two different pedagogical strategies, flipped classroom and flipped team-based learning (FTBL), had different impacts on preservice teachers’ TPACK, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceptions of teamwork. Several survey instruments were sent to 32 preservice teachers who were Middle Grades Education majors at the beginning and end of the spring 2019 semester. Descriptive analyses, paired-samples t-tests, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation tests were run. The overall results showed that preservice teachers who enrolled in the FTBL section reported higher scores in most constructs. However, most comparisons had no statistically significant differences. The results may help teacher educators to rethink the pedagogical strategies used in the stand-alone educational technology course and provide alternatives to the traditional teaching approach.
Understanding ventriculo-arterial coupling

In the late 19th century, Otto Frank published the first description of a ventricular pressure-volume diagram, thus laid the foundation for modern cardiovascular physiology. Since then, the analysis of the pressure-volume loops became a reference tool for the study of the ventricular pump properties. However, understanding cardiovascular performance requires both the evaluation of ventricular properties and the modulating effects of the arterial system, since the heart and the arterial tree are anatomically and functionally related structures. The study of the coupling between the cardiac function and the properties of the arterial system, or ventriculo-arterial (VA) coupling, provides then a comprehensive characterization of the performance of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease. The assessment of cardiovascular function is an essential element of the hemodynamic evaluation of critically ill patients. Both left and right ventricular dysfunction and arterial system disturbances are frequent in these patients. Since VA coupling ultimately defines de performance and efficiency of the cardiovascular system, the analysis of the interaction between the heart and the arterial system could offer a broader perspective of the hemodynamic disorders associated with common conditions, such as septic shock, heart failure, or right ventricular dysfunction. Moreover, this analysis could also provide valuable information about their pathophysiological mechanisms and may help to determine the best therapeutic strategy to correct them. In this review, we will describe the basic principles of the VA coupling assessment, its limitations, and the most common methods for its estimation at the bedside. Then, we will summarize the current knowledge of the application of VA coupling in critically ill patients and suggest some recommendations for further research.
Introgression of powdery mildew resistance from rye into wheat.

(.) The chromosome 2R of the 2D/2R substitution line showed the typical C-banding pattern after differentially staining the constitutive heterochromatin. The rye chromosome 6R conditioned absolute resistance to all powdery mildew isolates tested and is shown to be located at the long arm of that chromosome. For this resistance, we propose the temporary gene symbol MlP6L. In addition, we present a way of transferring this resistance gene using a 6BS/6RL wheat-rye translocation line
Depth of water table prior to ditch network maintenance is a key factor for tree growth response

Abstract In boreal-drained peatland forests, tree growth is retarded by the gradual deterioration of drainage ditch networks. In order to avoid the development of suboptimal growth conditions, ditch network maintenance (DNM) operations (ditch cleaning and/or complementary ditching) are annually conducted on an area of about 70,000 ha in Finland. The previous studies indicate that the depth of the water table prior to DNM may influence the magnitude of the growth response to DNM. Tree growth does not necessarily increase after DNM at sites with large stand volume and subsequent low water levels due to tree stand evapotranspiration. We investigated how the pre-treatment water table depth (pre-WTD) in late summer relates to the growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands after the DNM operation in 12 field experiments. The increase in mean annual volume growth caused by DNM was negatively related to the pre-WTD, with the highest growth response in stands where the pre-WTD was less than 25–30 cm. DNM did not clearly increase stand growth in sites where the pre-WTD was more than 35–40 cm below the soil surface. There was a high variation in growth response to DNM between the water levels from 20 to 35 cm below the soil surface, indicating that factors other than water table depth are also needed as decision criteria for assessing the appropriate timing of ditch network maintenance.
Are environmental factors responsible for geographic variation in the sex ratio of the Greenlandic seed‐bug Nysius groenlandicus?

Until recently nothing indicated an unequal sex ratio in the widespread Greenland seed‐bug Nysius groenlandicus (Zetterstedt) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae). However, recently populations more or less devoid of males were discovered in high arctic Northeast Greenland. This initiated an inspection of the entire material of the species collected in Greenland and now preserved at the Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen. It was found that the sex ratio varied significantly among different locations. In most cases females were most abundant, but males were either scarce or absent only in samples from Northeast Greenland, indicating that here the species reproduces asexually. This paper demonstrates that the differing sex distributions can be explained by climatic factors (temperature, precipitation) and that the degree of continentality (distance from the open sea) promotes female‐biased sex ratios.
Dominant network interactions are not correlated with resource availability: a case study using mistletoe host interactions

Network theory in ecology has been central to understanding species co-occurrence patterns, specialization and community stability. However, network theory has traditionally focused on the 'higher' trophic level where exploitation of network 'partners' (i.e. individual interactions in response to resource availability) have remained underappreciated. In this study we tested how clumping and host availability influenced mistletoe-host interactions in a semi-arid woodland, central Australia. We used a hierarchical approach that evaluated individual interactions by modifying the traditional randomization technique to simulate clumping and host exploitation. Using published literature we then compared our results with mistletoes from other genera. We found that mistletoes clump on fewer trees than predicted, even though interaction strength was no different from random expectations, and we found no evidence that common trees were heavily infected as predicted by the host availability hypothesis. The rate of host exploitation (measured as the proportion of trees infected) in semi-arid Australia is similar to that for mistletoe genera in other parts of the world. We hypothesize that specific host trees act as a focal point for infection that facilitates the spread and overall population size of mistletoes. Overall our results indicate that resources, such as the number of trees in a mistletoe network, are less important than clumping of individual plants. We suggest that exploitation of available resources may play a similar role in other networks that extend beyond antagonistic relationships such as parasite or herbivore interactions.
Peridinin—chlorophyll a proteins from the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium (= Gymnodinium) microadriaticum, Freudenthal

The conformers of peridinin–chorophyll a proteins (PCP), isolated from various strains of the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium ( = Gymnodinium) microadriaticum and analysed by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels, exhibited different patterns. In most instances the same pattern of conformers was found in each strain when freshly isolated from their respective hosts, after culture, and in two instances also after cloning. These observations suggest that characteristic patterns of PCP are diagnostic of particular strains of S. microadriaticum. Evidence is presented that generally the patterns do not change with environment. Analysis of PCP could potentially serve as a tool for the identification of strains of S. microadriaticum and could also serve as a marker for the empirical analysis of sexual recombination.
Variability in plant fitness influences range expansion of Leptospermum scoparium

A reciprocal transplant experiment was conducted to uncouple genetic and environmental effects on plant fitness of a range-expanding indigenous shrub, Leptospermum scoparium. Patterns of encroachment differed significantly between three regions of Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland in the Grampians National Park, south-eastern Australia, with greater shrub densities found in the Victoria Valley region. Higher shrub densities in this region are likely due to greater fruit production/ shrub, increased field germination and increased early seedling survival. The results of the reciprocal transplant experiment showed increased fitness appears to be due to phenotypic plasticity in response to favourable environmental conditions rather than genotypic variation. Field germination and seedling survival were influenced by region of planting and not seed origin. However, differences in shoot length and biomass of seedlings between the regions were detected after five months of growth in uniform conditions which may indicate genetic differentiation. The results, however, suggest range expansion is partly due to increased plant fitness which is likely a plastic response to favourable environmental conditions, especially soil moisture.
Long-term comparison of algal assemblages dominated by Cystoseira crinita (Fucales, Heterokontophyta) from Cap Corse (Corsica, North Western Mediterranean)

Species composition and abundance of present rocky shore assemblages at Cap Corse (Corsica, North Western Mediterranean) dominated by the fucalean alga Cystoseira crinita are compared with similar data obtained almost 50 years ago. Fifteen sites at five different localities where dense C. crinita assemblages were present in the past were revisited in June 2007. Possible differences between the two sampling times were investigated, applying various multivariate analysis techniques available in the statistical package PRIMER v.6. Dense assemblages dominated by C. crinita were found at 14 out of the 15 surveyed sites, showing a similar structure and composition to the assemblages studied in the past. PERMANOVA indicated slight differences in species composition and abundances between old and new surveys. These differences can be summarized as a higher abundance of encrusting species (up to 3 times greater cover), and more sciaphilic turf-forming species (3 to 60-fold greater, depending on the species) and Cladophora spp. (20 times greater) in the present study than in the old study. Furthermore, the present assemblages showed a lower abundance of photophilic turf-forming species. These differences could be due to different taxonomic competence between observers, seasonal fluctuations or long-term changes. Assemblages dominated by Cystoseira crinita in Cap Corse were confirmed to be common, as they were found and sampled at 22 new sites around the island.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM FAMILY ZINGIBERACEAE AGAINST FOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Chloroformic extracts of selected Thai medicinal plants commonly employed to treat infections were investigated for their antibacterial activity against important foodborne pathogenic bacteria. These included Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhi and Shigella sp. Among 33 extracts tested, only chloroformic extracts of five plant species exhibited antibacterial properties. Alpinia galanga, Boesenbergia rotunda, Zingiber zerumbet and Piper betel were active against S. aureus. Barleria lupulina was active against B. cereus. Only the extract from P. betel leaves possessed activity against gram-negative bacteria. As extracts from the three plant species belonging to family Zingiberaceae displayed strong activity against S. aureus, they were further tested against 17 clinical isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of B. rotunda, A. galanga and Z. zerumbet extracts against most clinical S. aureus isolates were 0.01, 0.19 and 0.79 mg/mL and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 0.19, 1.57 and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Significant growth inhibition of MRSA was observed in the cultures incubated in the presence of the B. rotunda extract, A. galanga and Z. zerumbet. B. rotunda exhibited the greatest activity among the three plant species against S. aureus at MIC, 2MIC and MBC within 2 h.
Integrating rock physics laboratory data and modelling to improve uplift characterization methodology

Modelling changes in elastic wave velocities in sediments and rocks as they undergo burial and uplift can reveal aspects of their burial history. This has implications in the petroleum risking procedures, as aspects such as hydrocarbon maturation and reservoir quality are key ingredients. Previous modelling for such a purpose assumes constant velocity and porosity during uplift after the cessation of cementation. Laboratory data of a synthetic sandstone formed under stress, and subjected to loading and unloading cycles are used to test this assumption. The experimental P‐wave velocities show a clear increase in stress dependence during the uplift simulation. Besides, the P‐wave anisotropy transforms from negative to positive. These observations are combined to make an updated modelling workflow to mimic the experimental results better. The modelling is conducted in different phases. Loading before cementation is modelled using a triaxial granular medium theory. For the laboratory data, a novel anisotropic formulation of the patchy cement model captures the observed trends. A modified crack model incorporates the stress sensitivity seen during the unloading that simulates uplift. The results of the integrated rock physics workflow mimic the laboratory data very well. A conceptual field example using the rock physics workflow illustrates how the exclusion of the stress dependence during uplift can lead to an underestimation of the exhumation magnitude.
A Disulfide-bonded Dimer of the Golgi -Galactoside 2,6-Sialyltransferase Is Catalytically Inactive yet Still Retains the Ability to Bind Galactose (*)

The α2,6-sialyltransferase is a terminal glycosyltransferase localized in the trans Golgi and trans Golgi network. Here we show that 30% of the total rat liver Golgi α2,6-sialyltransferase forms a disulfide-bonded 100-kDa species that can be converted to the 50-kDa monomer form of the enzyme upon reduction. Limited proteolysis of both enzyme forms demonstrates that the 100-kDa species is a disulfide-bonded homodimer of the α2,6-sialyltransferase. The α2,6-sialyltransferase disulfidebonded dimer is found in bovine liver Golgi membranes and in Golgi membranes prepared and solubilized in the presence of 100 mM iodoacetamide, suggesting that it is not unique to rat liver or formed aberrantly upon membrane lysis. The dimer form of the enzyme possesses no significant catalytic activity and has a much lower affinity for CDP-hexanolamine-agarose compared with the monomer form. In contrast, both the α2,6-sialyltransferase monomer and the disulfide-bonded dimer bind strongly to galactose and galactose-terminated substrates. These results suggest that the α2,6-sialyltransferase disulfide-bonded dimer lacks catalytic activity due to a weak affinity for its sugar nucleotide donor, CMP-NeuAc, and that this catalytically inactive form of the enzyme may act as a galactose-specific lectin in the Golgi.
Eudarcia (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) from China, with descriptions of two new species

Abstract The genus Eudarcia Clemens from China is reviewed. Eudarcia similidentata sp. nov. and E. prolongata sp. nov. are described as new; E. orbiculidomus Sakai & Saigusa and E. dentata Gaedike are newly recorded; and the female of E. dentata Gaedike is described for the first time. Photographs of the adults and the genital structures of the new species and the new records are provided, along with a key to the Chinese species.
Pelage cycle in blue fox (Alopex lagopus): A comparison between animals born early and late in the season

Pelage development was compared in male blue foxes born in early May (E) and in early June (L) (4/group). Guard hair and underfur hair cycles were studied histologically on series of skin samples taken from the hip, between August and December. The winter guard hair cycles were similar but there was a shift in time of several weeks between the groups. The difference evened out in mid‐November, when 97% of guard hairs were mature. The growth cycle of winter underfur hairs in group L was more synchronized than in group E. The mean count of mature (telogen) underfur hairs per bundle differed slightly between the groups on 1 December but the mean total hair counts (anagen and telogen hairs) were similar. The natural adjustment of the pelage cycle in blue foxes of different age is modified by the duration of the resting period of summer hair follicles, which probably is mediated via melatonin.
The impact of changes in nutrient loading on cyanobacterial dominance in Lake Peipsi (Estonia/Russia)

The influence of changes in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loadings in 1983-2001 on cyanobacterial development in Lake Peipsi (3.555 km 2 , mean depth 7.1 m) was studied. After the collapse of Soviet-type agriculture in the early 1990 s, total N loadings decreased sharply while the in-lake total P concentration increased, forming favourable conditions for harmful bloom-forming N 2 fixing (N 2 fix) cyanobacteria. The average percentage of the biomass of N 2 fix cyanobacteria in total phytoplankton biomass increased from 13% in 1983-1991 to 29% in 1992-2001. Gloeotrichia echinulata, a species capable of vertical migration and consequent transport of P from the lake bottom to the upper layers developed earlier in the season (June) at lower nutrient concentrations than other cyanobacteria in L. Peipsi (Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Microcystis). The fixation of N 2 by G. echinulata as well as its ability to use sediment phosphorus could bring about the enrichment of the water column with nutrients. This enables the other N 2 fix species Anabaena and Aphanizomenon as well as Microcystis, which is not generally N 2 fixing but requires high nutrient concentrations, to flourish.
Dietary oxidized poultry offal fat: broiler performance and oxidative stability of thigh meat during chilled storage

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized poultry offal fat on the performance of broilers and on the oxidative stability of dark chicken meat. One hundred and sixty male chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal diet containing 4% fresh or oxidized poultry fat from 10 to 47 days of age. Fresh fat was stored frozen until diets were produced, and oxidized fat was obtained by electrical heating (110 to 120 o C). Birds were slaughtered at 47 days of age, and carcass characteristics were measured. Skinless and deboned thigh meat was stored chilled during 12 days, and samples were periodically collected to assess their quality and oxidative stability. Dietary oxidized fat did not affect bird performance or carcass characteristics. During chilled storage, meat color (L*, a* and b*) was not affected by dietary treatments; however, TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances) values were higher (P<0.05) in thigh meat from chickens fed the oxidized fat, indicating that oxidative stability was adversely affected.
Phytochrome Control of Cellulase Activity in Datura ferox L. Seeds and its Relationship with Germination

Sanchez, R. A. , de Miguel, L. and Mercuri, O. 1986. Phytochrome control of cellulase activity in Datura ferox L. seeds and its relationship with germination. —J. exp. Bot. 37: 1574-1580. The influence of phytochrome on endosperm softening and cellulase activity was studied on light-stimulated Datura ferox seeds. Endosperm softening preceded the earliest signs of radicle protrusion, and there was good correlation between the % of seeds with soft endosperm at 48 h after R and germination at 96 h after R. Cellulase activity was stimulated by R and the increase in activity preceded, by more than 24 h, radicle protrusion and endosperm softening. The effect of R was reversed by FR, but, by delaying the irradiation with FR until cellulase activity had increased significantly, it was observed that removing Pfr did more than just stop any further increase, the level of cellulase activity decreased in about 24 h close to the dark controls. Cellulase activity was decreased by a FR irradiation even when more than 60% germination had escaped from reversion. These results indicate that phytochrome influence on cellulase is not an indirect consequence of the stimulus of germination and that the continuous presence of Pfr is required for the cellulase activity to remain high. The possibility that cellulase and other degrading enzymes may be part of the mechanism of light-induced germination is discussed.