Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Host use in relation to food availability and larval development in the specialist herbivore Epilachna admirabilis (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae)

We compared the effects of intrinsic quality and seasonal abundance of two host plants, Gynostemma pentaphyllum and Trichosanthes cucumeroides (Cucurbitaceae), on host use by a phytophagous lady beetle, Epilachna admirabilis. Although, only G. pentaphyllum exists as an available host in April, T. cucumeroides sprouts from late May and its leaf abundance surpasses that of G. pentaphyllum in August, the egg-laying period for E. admirabilis. In the laboratory, T. cucumeroides supported higher growth than did G. pentaphyllum and larvae grew faster as the dietary proportion of T. cucumeroides increased. We expected females to switch to T. cucumeroides for feeding and egg deposition. However, most adults remained and laid eggs on G. pentaphyllum. There is a poor correlation between larval performance and adult egg-laying site selection. On the other hand, first and second instar larvae showed a greater preference for T. cucumeroides in a host preference test. Additionally, 70–80% of first instar larvae were found on G. pentaphyllum in the field, and the number of larvae on T. cucumeroides increased with developmental stage. We suggest that larvae often switch food sources from G. pentaphyllum to T. cucumeroides depending on the intrinsic quality and food availability of these two host plants.
The Relationship of Lean Body Mass With Aging to the Development of Diabetes.

Context Older adults have the greatest burden of diabetes; however, the contribution of age-related muscle loss to its development remains unclear. Objective We assessed the relationship of lean body mass with aging to incident diabetes in community-dwelling adults. Design and Setting We studied participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging with median follow-up of 7 years (range 1-16). Cox proportional hazard models with age as the time scale were used. Time-dependent lean body mass measures were updated at each follow-up visit available. Participants Participants included 871 men and 984 women without diabetes who had ≥ 1 assessment of body composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Main Outcomes Incident diabetes, defined as self-reported history and use of glucose-lowering medications; or fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL either at the same visit or 2 consecutive visits. Results The baseline mean [standard deviation] age was 58.9 [17.3] years. Men and women with a higher percentage of total lean body mass had lower fasting and 2-hour glucose levels, and less prediabetes (all P < 0.01). Among men, comparing highest versus lowest quartiles, percentage of total lean body mass (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.97), percentage leg lean mass (HR, 0.38; 0.15-0.96), and lean-to-fat mass ratio (HR, 0.39; 0.17-0.89) were inversely associated with incident diabetes after accounting for race and attenuated after adjustment for height and weight. Conversely, absolute total lean body mass was positively associated with incident diabetes among women, with similar trends in men. No associations were observed with muscle strength or quality. Conclusions Relatively lower lean body mass with aging is associated with incident diabetes in men and partially related to anthropometrics, but not so in women.
Seed Germination and Establishment as Affected by Non‐Wettable Soils and Wetting Agents

To study the effects of soil wettability and wetting agents on seed germination and establishment, three substrates (naturally occurring non—wettable soil, and a wettable quartz sand) were placed in small plastic containers and received applications of wetting agent in liquid, wetting agent on perlite, and no treatment as a control. The containers were seeded to wimmera ryegrass and were placed both on a 30° slope and on the level in a controlled temperature chamber (70°F). Seed placed on a non—wettable soil which received no wetting agent treatment failed to germinate in those containers placed on the slope. Good germination occurred on soil which was treated with a wetting agent and on wettable sand. The same are primarily due to water relations; water ran off the sloping non—wettable soils. Wetting agent treatment on the wettable sand reduced both germination and establishment of the tested plants. See full-text article at JSTOR
The Systematics of Vertebrate Larvae

THE interpretation of the larval characteristics of the fishes and amphibians in terms of systematics and evolution presents many challenging problems. For many years, studies on early developmental stages were guided by the idea that larval characters have an ancestral, recapitulative significance, or by the belief that they are secondary adaptations with little or no evolutionary importance. Neither theory is adequate from the standpoint of systematics, and together they have somewhat hampered effective use of larval data by taxonomists. A third and more significant concept, based on principles formulated by Von Baer in the 1800s, has gained prominence in recent years through the work of de Beer and others. It emphasizes comparative studies on equivalent growth stages of different species, and provides a much sounder basis for interpreting developmental characteristics in terms of systematics and evolution. The larval stage may serve different ecological functions in different animals. A suitably adapted larva may enable a species to succeed in a region that might otherwise be closed to it-a conspicuous factor in the distribution of many frogs. A pelagic larva may be the major dispersal stage in many marine fishes having sluggish or strongly territorial adults, paralleling a well-known life-history pattern in the invertebrates. It is often suggested that inadequate provision for embryonic nutrition is the primary factor governing the occurrence of a larval stage. Whatever the "reason" for its establishment in the ontogeny may be, the larva is subject to the operation of genetic evolutionary processes, like any other developmental stage, since all growth stages of the individual are under the control of a single genetic system. The same basic procedures of systematics are applied to both larval and adult stages. These procedures include the analysis of variation and the study of differences and of resemblances between species and groups; and the interpretation of the basic data in terms of the primary trends of phylogeny and of secondary phenomena of adaptive radiation, convergence, "rectilinear" trends, and other patterns of evolution, at all systematic levels.
Robust CNN-based Camera Model Identification against Fixed L∞-norm Adversarial Examples

Various machine-learning and deep-learning models misclassify adversarial examples, which are formed by adding small perturbations to the original image. Image forensics is concerned with either the source camera identification or the identification of an image’s editing history. Convolution neural network (CNN) based forensic methods are constantly being used as they can learn the traces left in an image, that relates to both the camera model and the manipulation. However, these CNNs are vulnerable to adversarial examples. One of the most effective defenses against adversarial images is to train the classifier with adversarial perturbed images. But adversarial training takes a very long time due to many gradient computations to the pixel values. Also, steganalysis, which aims to unearth an image’s hidden message, is a natural choice for adversarial detection since both detect manipulations on the input. This paper proposes a robust method using a weighted steganalysis algorithm before passing it to a free adversarial trained camera- model classifier network. Five camera models have been used from the VISION dataset with DenseNet as the CNN classifier. The robust accuracy against the original images was 91.6 %, and for adversarial examples, it is 43.8 %. With the proposed filter, the robust accuracy against adversarial examples increases to 58.1%; however, the accuracy for the original images drops to 89.6 %
Synchronous Fingerprint Acquisition System Based on Total Internal Reflection and Optical Coherence Tomography

The research of external fingerprint collected by total internal reflection (TIR) has been carried out for decades and the research of internal fingerprint collected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) has just begun. The internal fingerprint can be hardly affected by the finger surface status, due to its strong antiinterference and antispoofing ability, which can serve as a powerful supplement to external fingerprint. However, matching fingerprints acquired in different ways can lead to a drop in fingerprint recognition accuracy due to the differences in fingerprint quality, distortions, and detection areas. Whether the internal fingerprint can be used to replace the external fingerprint for direct identification has been hampered by lacking comparison tools to study potential correlation with each other. To study the connection between internal and external fingerprints, a synchronous acquisition system that achieves the same fingerprint area measurement at the same time is necessary. The integration of different optical paths of TIR and OCT as well as the consequent distortion correction of two totally different imaging ways are two challenging problems. This article presents a fingerprint acquisition system that synchronously acquires the external fingerprint and internal fingerprint with TIR and OCT, respectively. By using a self-designed trapezoidal prism, optical paths of TIR and OCT were integrated. Furthermore, a distortion correction method based on a grid calibration plate is used to remove distortions caused by two imaging methods. The fingerprint quality statistics are illustrated in 264 sets of fingerprint data sets. Identification results show synchronous acquisition and distortion correction of the proposed system are efficient.
The fish community of the Swartvlei estuary and the influence of food availability on resource utilization

Structural and functional characteristics of the Swartvlei estuary fish community are described. The detritivore group of fishes comprised 49% of the total catch biomass, zoobenthivores 25%, herbivores 18%, piscivores 6%, and epifauna/zooplanktivores 2%. The diets of 18 fish species, based on the analysis of 1,648 stomach contents, are presented. Selection by Swartvlei estuary fishes for zoobenthic invertebrates and aquatic macrophytes in different habitats was calculated using the linear index of selection. Results indicated a strong positive selection for epifaunal invertebrates and poor utilization of infauna and plants. Plant consumption by herbivorous fishes in the estuary centered around filamentous algae and diatoms growing onZostera capensis, rather than seagrass leaf material. The detrital base for both eelgrass- and sand-dominated areas in the Swartvlei estuary is emphasized, and most of the fish biomass was supported directly or indirectly by detritus. Large catches (mass per unit effort) in the macrophyte-free upper reaches site were attributed to the tidal input ofZostera leaves and associated algae to the area and its subsequent utilization by fishes through the detrital food chain.
Morphology and Phylogenetic Position of Two Microphalloid Trematode Species, Parasites of the Vesper Bat
 
 Pipistrellus kuhlii
 
 in the Lower Volga Region of Russia

Two species of microphalloid trematodes, Parabascus oppositus and Lecithodendrium сf. skrjabini, were found in the Vesper bat, Pipistrellus kuhlii, caught in the Astrakhan Oblast’, Lower Volga region, Russia. A morphological revision of a paratype of P. oppositus, as well as a study of the specimens collected during this survey indicate this species to be devoid of a cirrus-sac. Instead, the species has a convoluted seminal vesicle, a tubular pars prostatica surrounded by an extensive field of prostatic cells, and a short ejaculatory duct. These structures lie freely in the parenchyma. The genital pore is submedian and is situated at the level of the ventral sucker. The body length of Lecithodendrium cf. skjabini differs from that of L. skjabini sensu stricto. A phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA unites P. oppositus together with G. amphoraeformis and Gyrabascus sp. in the Gyrabascus spp. clade (Pleurogenidae). On this basis, P. oppositus has been included into the genus Gyrabascus, thus correcting its previous diagnosis. Lecithodendrium cf. skjabini is clustered with other members of the genus Lecithodendrium. The monophyly of the Lecithoodendriidae is confirmed. Our results support the integration of this family together with Microphallidae, Phaneropsolidae, and Stomylotrematidae into a large clade. In the present study, we show the paraphyly of the family Pleurogenidae and the monophyly of the Pleurogenidae + Collyriclidae group.
THE ROLE OF ETHICS, TRUST, AND SHARED VALUES IN THE CREATION OF LOYALTY: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE MOROCCAN UNIVERSITY™

Purpose – This research discussed ethics, shared values, university image, and trust as factors of student loyalty. This investigation is performed to discover aspects that influence loyalty. Student loyalty factors were previously researched, but the bulk of the research covered only major loyalty factors such as shared values, trust and university image, but overlooked university ethics as a student loyalty determinant. Research methodology – This study is fundamentally a quantitative study using the methodology of survey research. The information is evaluated using AMOS by means of exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings – The results show how the image of the university, the ethics and the shared values of the graduates positively influence the trust, which affects loyalty. Research limitations – Regarding the limitations of the study which also reconfigure lines of future research, it is important to note, in the first place, the geographical restriction of the population under study to three Moroccan universities. Practical implications – Educational providers can use the findings to know what increase the loyalty and allocate resources to improve the determinants that affect the trust of the students, thus increasing the allegiance of the learners. Originality/Value – This research provides innovative knowledge regarding the maintenance of the university’s relations with its graduates.
Oribatid Mites (Acari: Oribatida) from Iran, with Descriptions of Two New Species

The present work deals mostly with the members of primitive or macropyline (Macropylina) and a few higher or brachypyline (Brachypylina) oribatid mites from Yazd Province, Central Iran. Two new species, Anomaloppia iranica sp. nov. and Ramusella abarkouhiensis sp. nov. are described. In addition, supplementary descriptions of eleven known species are given, which are recorded for the first time from this country. Data on geographic distribution of each known species are given.
Expectations, Fears and Perceptions of doctors during Covid-19 Pandemic

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the expectations and fears faced by doctors during Covid-19 Pandemic. Methods: This is a mixed method exploratory survey. A questionnaire exploring expectations of doctors from administration and seniors as well as their fears while working during pandemic, was developed on Google survey Forms. It included eight closed ended questions and four open ended questions. Data was collected through online Google survey Forms during month of March and April 2020. Doctors were approached through email and WhatsApp group. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.58±4.21 years. Female 150(67.5%) and Male 72(32.4%) participated. 29(13.1%) Associate Professor, 34(15.3%) Assistant Professor, 56(25.2%) Senior Residents and 103(46.3%) residents, medical officers and house officers responded to the survey. 134(60.3%) doctors were working in hospitals which were not dealing with Covid-19. Fear included, infecting family members 177(79.7%), rapid spread of disease 140(63%), complications of disease 134(60.3%), becoming a carrier in 64(28.8%) and 62(27.9%) feared missing the diagnosis. More than 80% expected from seniors and administration, of providing PPE, facilitation, continue chain of supply of essential items, ensuring doctor safety, avoiding exposure of all doctors and keeping reserve workforce, limiting routine checkups, avoid panic and 20% had no expectations. Conclusion: It was concluded that doctors had their fears and perceptions regarding pandemic which need to be addressed while policy making. They fear wellbeing of their families and contacting Covid-19, if not provided proper PPE. Our study provides insight of expectations, fears and perceptions of our frontline which invariably gives insight of the views of healthcare workers.
Effects of sex steroids on in vitro gamete release in the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus

Summary Effects of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone on 5-HT-induced gamete release were studied in vitro in both sexes of the sea scallop. The results showed that estradiol (10−5–10−8 M in females and 10−5–10−7 M in males) and progesterone (10−7–10−8 M in females and 10−5–10−7 M in males) potentiated gamete release in both sexes, whereas testosterone (10−5–10−7 M) had a facilitatory effect only in males. Pharmacological studies suggested that these effects may be achieved through activation of sex steroid receptors because they were abolished by receptor antagonists (tamoxifen, 1.25 μM; flutamine, 2.5 μM; RU486, 1 μM) and by RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors (actinomycin D, 8 μM; cycloheximide, 10 μM). These findings support a growing body of literature which suggests physiological roles of sex steroids in invertebrates. Furthermore, the results also suggest possible applications in the environmental monitoring of endocrine disrupting chemicals and in bivalve aquaculture.
Researches on the Structure, Organization, and Classification of the Fossil Reptilia. VII. Further Observations on Pareiasaurus

In 1889 I examined the fossil Reptilia described by Professor Gaudry from the Permian rocks of Autun, and those from Orenburg, described by Eichwald, and obtained subsequently. These remains give no evidence of Pareiasaurians in Europe, though they add to knowledge of the Theriodontia. Later in the year I visited Cape Colony, and examined the Museums of Cape Town and Graham’s Town. Every facility for study was placed in my way by the trustees and officers of those museums, but it soon became evident that almost every specimen of obvious scientific interest had been already deposited in the British Museum, in London. There were indications of a few new generic types, but the portions of individual animals which were associated had the bones disconnected and few in number; and of types allied to Pareiasaurus I saw only one imperfect bone, a proximal end of a femur, collected for the South African Museum. If further evidence was to be obtained, it could only be by collecting new specimens.
Mechanisms Of Resistance to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) in Two Species of Marine Diatoms

Clones of Ditylum brightwellii and Thalassiosira nordenskioldii were isolated from New York coastal waters, and PCB-resistance in D. brightwellii was induced in the laboratory by exposure to increasing concentrations of PCB. Resistance could not be similarly induced in T. nordenskioldii, but was serendipitously discovered in unexposed cultures that had undergone sexual reproduction. Cells of the resistant strain were substantially larger than those of the sensitive strain in both species. Larger vacuole space seemed to account for this in D. brightwellii, but in T. nordenskioldii larger cells contained more carbon. Experiments with14C-PCB tracer indicated that PCB accumulation was less in resistant strains of both species. Neutral lipid content per cell, as determined using the fluorophore Nile Red, was similar for resistant and sensitive strains of both species. Sub-cellular examination of lipid droplets in D. brightwellii suggested that the PCB-resistant strain may be sequestering this lipophilic toxicant in a location removed from physiological activity. In T. nordenskioldii a decreased ratio of neutral lipidxarbon may reduce intracellular accumulation of PCB. These diatom species have developed PCB resistance in the highly PCB-polluted Hudson River estuary and, since they are the preferred food of dominant copepods, they may offer less PCB per unit ration to zooplankton grazers.
Four Theories of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation

Studies of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) have progressed considerably during the past decades in observations, numerical modeling, and theoretical understanding. Many theoretical attempts have been made to identify the most essential processes responsible for the existence of the MJO. Criteria are proposed to separate a hypothesis from a theory (based on the first principles with quantitative and testable assumptions, able to predict quantitatively the fundamental scales and eastward propagation of the MJO). Four MJO theories are selected to be summarized and compared in this article: the skeleton theory, moisture‐mode theory, gravity‐wave theory, and trio‐interaction theory of the MJO. These four MJO theories are distinct from each other in their key assumptions, parameterized processes, and, particularly, selection mechanisms for the zonal spatial scale, time scale, and eastward propagation of the MJO. The comparison of the four theories and more recent development in MJO dynamical approaches lead to a realization that theoretical thinking of the MJO is diverse and understanding of MJO dynamics needs to be further advanced.
Gated Auxiliary Edge Detection Task for Road Extraction With Weight-Balanced Loss

Automated road extraction from very high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing imagery is important in many practical applications and has a long research history. Due to the diversity, narrowness, and sparsity of the road nature, extracting a full detailed road network remains a challenge, especially in the presence of interference. When applying semantic segmentation to deal with road extraction, U-Net-based architectures have achieved great progress through the use of dilated convolution or residual structure. However, the existing methods rarely focus on shape completeness and road continuity, and in fact, these are essential for road extraction. Inspirit by the multitask learning, in this letter, we present a novel road extraction architecture called gated auxiliary edge (GAE)-LinkNet with semantic segmentation as the main task and edge detection as the auxiliary task. With the proposed GatedBlocks, redundant features are filtered out and shape-relevant features stand out. Through the task loss weighing mechanism, these two tasks can work together seamlessly to make better use of the shape features. Experiments on a public road data set show that the proposed method is superior to state-of-the-art road extraction methods.