Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Multicommodity Routing with Time Windows

We consider a multicommodity routing problem, where demands are released \emph{online} and have to be routed in a network during specified time windows. The objective is to minimize a time and load dependent convex cost function of the aggregate arc flow. First, we study the fractional routing variant. We present two online algorithms, called Seq and Seq$^2$. Our first main result states that, for cost functions defined by polynomial price functions with nonnegative coefficients and maximum degree~$d$, the competitive ratio of Seq and Seq$^2$ is at most $(d+1)^{d+1}$, which is tight. We also present lower bounds of $(0.265\,(d+1))^{d+1}$ for any online algorithm. In the case of a network with two nodes and parallel arcs, we prove a lower bound of $(2-\frac{1}{2} \sqrt{3})$ on the competitive ratio for Seq and Seq$^2$, even for affine linear price functions. Furthermore, we study resource augmentation, where the online algorithm has to route less demand than the offline adversary. Second, we consider unsplittable routings. For this setting, we present two online algorithms, called U-Seq and U-Seq$^2$. We prove that for polynomial price functions with nonnegative coefficients and maximum degree~$d$, the competitive ratio of U-Seq and U-Seq$^2$ is bounded by $O{1.77^d\,d^{d+1}}$. We present lower bounds of $(0.5307\,(d+1))^{d+1}$ for any online algorithm and $(d+1)^{d+1}$ for our algorithms. Third, we consider a special case of our framework: online load balancing in the $\ell_p$-norm. For the fractional and unsplittable variant of this problem, we show that our online algorithms are $p$ and $O{p}$ competitive, respectively. Such results where previously known only for scheduling jobs on restricted (un)related parallel machines.
Pelagic seabirds and the marine environment: foraging patterns of wandering albatrosses in relation to prey availability and distribution

The foraging success of pelagic seabirds and where and when they catch prey has been largely unknown until now. We use satellite transmitters in conjunction with recorders measuring feeding times and masses ingested to show that wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) on foraging trips from the nest encountered prey on average every 4.4 h and consumed 2.1 kg of food daily. They travelled up to 3600 km from the nesting colony in search of scarce prey, mostly pelagic squid. These were distributed without relation to underwater topography, and were principally caught during daylight hours in discrete patches widely separated along the foraging route. When foraging inshore, the birds fed on more localized aggregations of squid and fish on the shelf breaks. These results demonstrate that the foraging patterns of large seabirds such as wandering albatrosses, which rely on scarce prey, can help to increase our knowledge of the distribution and availability of poorly known but widespread species of squid.
Effects of month of inoculation on severity of disease caused by Phytophthora spp. in apple root crowns and excised shoots.

Effects of month of inoculation on severity of disease caused by Phytophthora spp. in apple roostock EMLA.106 were studied in excised shoots in vitro and in intact root crowns in an orchard. In both orchard and in vitro assays, 25 successive sets of host tissue were inoculated at monthly intervals with mycelial disks from V8 agar cultures of Phytophthora spp. Crown rot severity was measured in orchard trees as area of bark necrosis after 14 days of incubation, and canker severity was measured in excised shoots as length of bark necrosis after 5 days of incubation. In both assays, P. cactorum and P. cambivora caused very little necrosis in apple incubated during dormancy (December through February) and growth resumption (March). The amount of necrosis in root crowns and excised shoots was much greater following inoculations in late spring (May). Maximum necrosis and subsequent decline in disease development during incubation periods occurred I to 3 months later in orchard tree inoculations (August through October) than in excised shoot inoculations (May through August). Crown rot severity after 2 weeks of incubation was not a reliable predictor of disease severity after 13 months of incubation ; relatively mild crown rot caused by P. cactorum during and immediately following tree dormancy occasionally continued to develop, resulting in relatively severe crown rot on trees 13 months after inoculation. Under orchard conditions in California, apple root-stock EMLA.106 is apparently susceptible to development of relatively severe crown rot for a longer period of the year than would be expected from short-term indications of susceptibility in excised shoots in vitro.
Reduction of in vitro growth in Flavobacterium columnare and Saprolegnia parasitica by products containing peracetic acid

Commercial products containing peracetic acid (PAA) are strong disinfectants with a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and have been suggested as potential therapeutic agents in aquaculture. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro reduction of growth on two fish pathogens, Flavobacterium columnare and Saprolegnia parasitica, by seven commercial PAA-containing products. Flavobacterium columnare was exposed to 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg L -1 PAA and S. parasitica was exposed to 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg L -1 PAA in petri dishes for 24 h incubation. The reduction of growth was measured in comparison to a PAA-free control. A reduction of the growth was observed for both pathogens with increasing PAA concentration. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) possibly has a role in the effectiveness of the products, since products with lower PAA concentrations had a higher concentration of H 2 O 2 . The commercial products with a low concentration of PAA and a low PAA:H 2 O 2 -ratio were generally more effective against pathogens. The practical application of the products with low PAA concentration should be prioritized. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Distribution of Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata in Southern Spain: Scale May Matter

Abstract Understanding factors that determine the distribution of the endangered Bonelli's Eagle requires different approaches and analytical tools. These factors may differ depending on the spatial scale at which they act. Bonelli's Eagle distribution in Spain has been studied previously using local and large (nation-wide) study area sizes, and human activities seemed not to affect negatively the occupancy of breeding territories. To study the factors affecting the species at an intermediate spatial scale we modelled Bonelli's Eagle distribution in Málaga province (S Spain), where the breeding density is the highest known in Europe. We applied a favourability function based on generalized linear models using the presence/absence of breeding territories of the species, and the values of a set of variables related to climate, topography, interspecific competition with Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and human activity. We obtained a parsimonious model that included cliff availability and distance to highways as predictors of Bonelli's Eagle distribution. As highways may be seen as surrogates of intensive human activity, we conclude that, contrary to what was previously found at local or at nation-wide scales, human actions negatively affect the distribution of breeding territories at an intermediate scale. The construction of new roads and highways in the Mediterranean area of mainland Spain, which is the most climatically favourable region for the species, could have negative consequences for the Spanish metapopulation of Bonelli's Eagle, particularly in peripheral populations or distant areas that depend on the arrival of immigrants to persist.
Use of Biomarkers in Oil Spill Risk Assessment in the Marine Environment

ABSTRACT Numerous molecular, cellular, and physiological biomarkers have been used to assess the responses of marine animals to petroleum compounds. To be used in ecological risk assessment after an oil spill, a biomarker response needs to be linked to petroleum exposure and not strongly influenced by internal and external confounding factors. Biomarker responses to petroleum PAH, dominated by alklated two-and three-ringed aromatics, can be quite different than responses to pyrogenic PAH, dominated by four-and five-ringed aromatics. In many field sites there is a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic PAH, along with other contaminants, making it difficult to relate biomarker responses to a particular contaminant class. Biomarkers used to assess marine animal responses in the field include the cytochrome P450 system, heat stress protein, histopathology, and bile fluorescent compounds (FAC). Other biomarkers, including DNA/chromosomal damage and phase 2 enzymes, have been shown to respond after laboratory exposure, but more work needs to be done to demonstrate their usefulness in the field. One of the most useful biomarkers of petroleum exposure are the FAC responses in fish, which can be used to distinguish between petrogenic and pyrogenic PAH exposure. Few of the presently used biomarkers are linked to higher order biological effects, e.g. toxicity, reproductive failure.
Stable phylloplane colonization by entomopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens KPM-018P and biological control of Phytophagous ladybird beetles Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

An entomopathogenic bacterium was isolated from tomato leaves and used as a microbial agent to control larvae of phytophagous ladybird beetles Epilachna vigintioctopunctata. The isolate was identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens KPM-018P on the basis of its bacteriological characteristics. KPM-018P produced extracellular chitinase to form a transparent zone around their colonies by hydrolyzing chitin in a minimal medium. Pale-yellow colonies turned red after a change of incubation temperature. These characteristics were availed as markers for tracking KPM-018P. The bacteria produced biosurfactants that enabled the bacteria to stably colonize the hydrophobic leaf surface; they were recovered without any considerable decrease even after a suspension of KPM-018P was sprayed onto leaves. KPM-018P, transformed with the gfp gene and observed with fluorescence microscopy, stably dwelled in the junctions of epidermal cells of bacteria-sprayed leaves. Ingestion of KPM-018P-sprayed leaves by the larvae caused prompt death of these insects to eventually suppress their pupation. This method is thus effective for decreasing the population of larvae and adult insect pests in the subsequent generation. The study provides an experimental basis for the biocontrol of herbivorous insect pests using a leaf-inhabiting, entomopathogenic strain of P. fluorescens.
Structure and Composition of One Hectare of Central Amazonian Terra Firme Forest1

The trees, vines, and stranglers ≥10 cm in diameter in 1 ha of terra firme forest in Amazonas State, Brazil, were measured and identified. The plot contained 645 trees representing 201 species, 95 genera, and 34 families (basal area ca 31 m2); 16 vines representing 14 species, 13 genera, and 8 families; and 1 strangler. The dominant families of trees present were the Leguminosae (sensu latu), Lecythidaceae, Sapotaceae, Burseraceae, and Moraceae; the dominant species were Clathrotropis macrocarpa (Leguminosae), Eschweilera coriacea (Lecythidaceae), and Protium hebetatum (Burseraceae). In terms of structure, diversity, and floristic composition, this plot is reasonably typical of the terra firme forests in the central Amazon, as far as this diverse biota can be typified. RESUMO Foram inventariadas as arvores, cipos e estranguladores de diâmetro ≥10 cm num hectare de floresta de terra firme no Estado de Amazonas, Brasil. Foi registrado um total de 645 arvores representando 201 especies, 94 generos, e 34 familias (area basal aproximadamente 31 m2); 17 cipos representando 14 especies, 13 generos, e 8 familias; e 1 estrangulador. As familias dominantes de arvores foram as Leguminosae (sensu latu), Lecythidaceae, Sapotaceae, Burseraceae e Moraceae, e as especies dominantes foram Clathrotropis macrocarpa (Leguminosae), Eschweilera coriacea (Lecythidaceae) e Protium hebetatum (Burseraceae). Em termos de estrutura, diversidade e composicao floristica, esta amostra e razoavelmente caracteristica das florestas de terra firme da Amazonia Central, are o ponto que esta biota diversa pode ser caracterizada.
Geographical variation of mitochondrial DNA between populations of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes

1. The white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes has a widespread distribution in Europe, but since the last century its distribution has been severely affected by a combination of factors, particularly the disease crayfish plague, introduced by foreign crayfish species. At present A. pallipes is considered as vulnerable and endangered and measures are being taken in a number of countries to conserve it. 2. The application of genetics to conservation is of practical value particularly where restocking is being considered. This study assesses levels of genetic differentiation from an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation by restriction fragment length polymorphism of four populations sampled on a European scale. Six different composite haplotypes were detected among sixty-four crayfish representing the four populations. mtDNA nucleon diversity values within species ranged from 0.63% to 12.35%. A close genetic similarity was found between British and French populations of A. pallipes. 3. Results show that mtDNA can be as a suitable diagnostic marker for measuring genetic diversity between crayfish populations and that such information is of use in planning crayfish conservation strategies.
Phylogenies and Chromosome Evolution of Phacelia (Boraginaceae: Hydrophylloideae) Inferred from Nuclear Ribosomal and Chloroplast Sequence Data

Abstract This project sampled throughout Phacelia using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1, ITS-2, and 5.8S gene) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrITS) and the chloroplast DNA gene (ndhF) to infer phylogenies for nuclear and plastid partitions. Nuclear and plastid partitions were incongruent in our analyses. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) recovered gene tree topologies similar to previous molecular studies. We corroborate incongruence between nuclear and plastid topologies for placement of some problematic groups (e.g., Draperia, Romanzoffia and “core” Phacelia subg. Pulchellae, Phacelia sect. Baretiana). Combined analyses resulted in better resolution than separate analyses, and in a topology that favored the separate plastid topologies. Romanzoffia was sister to a monophyletic Phacelia in the combined analyses. Our results support combining incongruent partitions in a combined analysis to seek support for internal nodes. Maximum likelihood analyses were used to infer ancestral chromosome numbers and identify gains, losses, polyploid doubling, and whole genome duplication events from published chromosome counts in the genus. The predicted base number for the genus was x = 9, x = 11, or x = 12.
Scent Marking With Faeces and Anal Secretion in the European Badger (Meles Meles): Seasonal and Spatial Characteristics of Latrine Use in Relation To Territoriality

Badgers (Meles meles) defecate and scent mark in open pits ('dung pits') which seem to have territorial significance. We carried out a year-round survey of badger defecation sites in order to assess seasonal and spatial characteristics of site use. Our results show that badgers defecate at two different types of site, which we refer to as 'latrines' and 'temporary defecation sites' (TDS's) respectively. Latrines are relatively large aggregations of dung pits (up to 25 separate pits) that are visited year-round; they are largest in spring (April) and autumn (October); they are more numerous around the perimeter of a territory; they are associated with fences and roads; and they often contain anal-gland secretion as well as faeces. TDS's, by contrast, are single dung pits or small aggregations of pits that are used only once or twice and are then abandoned; they are most numerous in mid-winter (December and January); they are scattered throughout the territory both close to and away from fences and roads; and they do not usually contain anal secretion. Spatial and seasonal changes in frequency of TDS's are shown to correlate with food availability and with foraging behaviour, and we conclude that TDS's have no special function beyond elimination of faeces. Latrines, however, do seem to have communicatory significance, and we conclude that they are concerned with territory defence. Since seasonal changes in latrine use correlate more closely with mating than with food availability we suggest that territoriality in badgers may be related more to defence of oestrus females by resident males than to defence of food resources.
Twentieth-century climate change, fire suppression, and forest production and decomposition in northwestern Minnesota

Long-term fire, climate, and vegetation data were used together with simulation models to estimate the effects of 20th century climate change and fire suppression on fire regime and organic-matter accumulation in mixed-conifer stands of Itasca State Park, northwestern Minnesota. Spatial and temporal patterns of fire occurrence and forest composition over the last 150 years determined by stratigraphic charcoal, fire-scar, tree-ring, and pollen analyses in separate studies provide evidence for vegetation and fire relationships. Water balances constructed from temperature and precipitation data collected since 1840 were used to model fire probability and intensity of burn before fire suppression which began in 1910. Existing patterns of biomass accumulation in forest-floor, herb, shrub, and tree components were compared with fire history and topographic variability to provide a spatial perspective on fire effects. Simulation models used these relationships to estimate (i) how accumulation of organic matter h.
Regeneration of Juvenile Woody Plants after Fire in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest of Southern India

Woody tree species in seasonally dry tropical forests are known to have traits that help them to recover from recurring disturbances such as fire. Two such traits are resprouting and rapid post‐fire growth. We compared survival and growth rates of regenerating small‐sized individuals (juveniles) of woody tree species after dry season fire (February–March) at eight adjacent pairs of burnt and unburnt transects in a seasonally dry tropical forest in southern India. Juveniles were monitored at 3‐mo intervals between August 2009 and August 2010. High juvenile survivorship (>95%) was observed in both burnt and unburnt areas. Growth rates of juveniles, analyzed at the community level as well as for a few species individually (especially fast‐growing ones), were distinctly higher in burnt areas compared to unburnt areas after a fire event, particularly during the pre‐monsoon season immediately after a fire. Rapid growth by juveniles soon after a fire may be due to lowered competition from other vegetative forms such as grasses, possibly aided by the availability of resources stored belowground. Such an adaptation would allow a juvenile bank to be retained in the understory of a dry forest, from where individuals can grow to a possible fire‐tolerant size during favorable conditions.
Late Miocene Carnivora from Chad : Lutrinae (Mustelidae)

We describe extensive Late Miocene fossil Lutrinae from Toros-Menalla, Chad. A minimum of four species are present in this fossiliferous area. Such a large number of species, diverse in size and dental morphology, is significant and unique in the fossil record of the subfamily Lutrinae in the Neogene of Africa. Two new taxa are described, Sivaonyx beyi sp. nov. and Djourabus dabba gen. nov. sp. nov.; the two other species, which are represented by more fragmentary remains, are assigned to Lutrinae indet. aff. Torolutra sp. and Lutrinae indet. aff. Aonyx sp. Sivaonyx beyi is the best known of the species. It is represented by many dental remains and a subcomplete skeleton. Postcranial characters of this species are not particularly specialized. It is interpreted here as a terrestrial predator with poorly developed aquatic adaptations. Fossils of otters are known from ten different localities at Toros-Menalla, each of which yielded a single individual of one or two species. The presence of four morphologically distinct otters in the area is indicative of a palaeoenvironment with a relatively well-developed freshwater system of lakes and/or rivers. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 152, 793–846.
INFLUENCE OF SPROUTING ON THE DIGESTIBILITY COEFFICIENT, TRYPSIN INHIBITOR AND GLOBULIN PROTEINS OF RED KIDNEY BEANS

Sprouting of red kidney beans resulted in a marked increase in the digestibility coefficient of both raw, 29.5% increased to 66.4%, and cooked beans, 69.3% increased to 84.4%. Sprouting also resulted in reduction of trypsin inhibitor activity by approximately 50%. The trypsin inhibitor from red kidney bean was fairly heat stable, inhibited the action of chymotrypsin, papain and pepsin at higher concentrations. In was fractionated into two components yielding molecular weights of 8000 and 5200 daltons. The content of the globulin E protein fraction decreased by approximately one-third as a result of sprouting. The specific activity of trypsin inhibitor activity in the globulin fraction was lower after sprouting. The digestibility coefficient of the globulin fraction, 62.5%, with its high trypsin inhibitor content was much higher than the whole beans 29.5%. The globulin fraction from bean sprouts had somewhat improved digestibility (73.4%), compared to the globulins from intact beans. It is concluded that the beneficial effects of sprouting on protein digestibility can not be attributed totally to a decline in trypsin inhibitor activity although it would appear to be a contributing factor.
Influence of cross section dimensions on Timoshenko’s shear factor – Application to wooden beams in free-free flexural vibration

L'objectif de cette etude est d'examiner l'influence du ratio hauteur sur epaisseur de la section droite sur le facteur de cisaillement de Timoshenko. Ce facteur est utilise afin de prendre en compte le fait que les contraintes et les deformations de cisaillement ne sont pas uniformement reparties dans la section droite. Une nouvelle formulation theorique du facteur de cisaillement est alors proposee dans le cas d'une section droite rectangulaire pour un materiau orthotrope comme le bois. Des simulations numeriques sont realisees de maniere a examiner la variation du facteur de cisaillement en fonction du ratio hauteur sur epaisseur. L'influence de l'effet de dimension de la section droite sur les cinq premieres frequences de vibration de flexion est egalement discutee. (Resume d'auteur)