Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common Buzzards Buteo buteo Wintering in Eastern Romania: Habitat Use and Climatic Factors Affecting their Abundance

Abstract. The Common Buzzard is a partial migrant in Eastern Europe, but its wintering densities are poorly known for this area due to a low number of studies. However, its migration patterns and wintering grounds can be affected by climate change with local fluctuations in numbers linked to weather conditions. Between 2010 and 2015 we annually carried out 15 transects/winter month in order to count the wintering population of Common Buzzards across Eastern Romania to look for climatic factors explaining variation in wintering density. Transects were controlled during two weeks from the end of the month, each covering a distance of 40 km, outlining the broadest winter monitoring of raptors in Central and Eastern Europe. Road survey was used, with a car driving at a low speed, and two observers counting birds, recording distance and habitat where birds occurred. In analyses, in addition to local weather data also 9 indices integrating weather conditions across longer time windows and larger areas were included. The wintering density calculated for the five-year period was 0.539 individuals/km2 fluctuating during the winter seasons with a possible cyclic pattern. The Buzzards selected pastures and herbaceous vegetation associations for hunting across their wintering grounds. Common Buzzard numbers fluctuate during the winter season (highest in December). They are positively influenced by rising solar flux and negatively by the low North Eastern Europe temperatures and Arctic Oscillation Index recorded within 14 days before the survey, which drive birds to southern wintering areas. These weather conditions (high pressure and low temperatures) represent the onset of the Siberian Anticyclone, a regular, annual weather system that occurs in Eastern Europe every winter.
INCEPTION POINT AND AIR-WATER FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OVER STEPPED SPILLWAY: NUMERICAL STUDY

Stepped spillway is hydraulic structure designed to dissipate considerable kinetic energy because it's characterised by the large value of the surface roughness. On stepped chutes with skimming flow regime, the flow is highly aerated which can reduce the risk of cavitation. The air entrainment starts where the boundary layer attains the free surface of flow; this point is called “ point of inception ”. In the present numerical study, the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are coupled with k −e turbulence standard model to simulate the water flow over stepped spillway by using the software Ansys Fluent. Volume of fluid (VOF) model is used as a tool to track the free surface flow. This research aims to find new formulas for describe the variation of water depth and the positions of the inception point. In addition, to study the characteristics of flow over stepped spillways. The found numerical results agree well with experimental results.
Aphids can acquire the nitrogen delivered to plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

1. Above- and below-ground organisms can interact by altering the quality of shared host plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence plant nutrient uptake, including nitrogen (N) acquisition. Under low N and phosphorus conditions, AMF delivery of N from organic sources not immediately available to the plant can have large impacts on plant N status, a limiting nutrient in the aphid diet. 2. This study investigated the effect of AMF colonisation upon aphid number and determined the consequences of AMF directly accessing an organic nutrient patch that the plant cannot. We hypothesised that AMF colonisation of plants will increase plant and aphid N status, plant performance and aphid number, but only when the AMF had direct access to the added organic patch. 3. Barley plants hosting the grain aphid Sitobion avenae were colonised by the AMF, Funneliformis mosseae , or no AMF. A two-compartment microcosm was used to separate the plant roots from a 15 N-labelled organic patch in a second compartment. AMF-colonised plants, but without access to the second compartment, were used to examine the effect of AMF colonisation on aphid number. In a separate treatment, and to determine whether AMF
Population genetic diversity of an odorous frog Odorrana grahami (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) in relation to conservation based on mitochondrial DNA

Abstract The diskless-fingered odorous frog Odorrana grahami is widely distributed in the high-altitude mountains in the southwestern China and northern Indochina regions. In this study, a comparative analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene sequences was performed to examine the population genetic diversity of 76 individuals from 10 localities across the distributional range of the species. Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.605 and 0.00199, respectively, in the total population. An AMOVA indicated that 47.3% of the total variation originated from variation within individual populations and 52.7% came from variation between the 10 geographic populations. Tests of neutral evolution indicated that a recent expansion occurred in total population. The findings provide useful information for the conservation of this species.
Simultaneous Deletion of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 3 and Cacna1h Undermines CA2+ Homeostasis in Oocytes and Fertility in Mice

In mammals, calcium (Ca2+) influx fills the endoplasmic reticulum, from where Ca2+ is released following fertilization to induce egg activation. However, an incomplete index of the plasma membrane channels and their specific contributions that underlie this influx in oocytes and eggs led us to simultaneously knock out the transient receptor potential vanilloid, member 3 (TRPV3) channel and the T-type channel, CaV3.2. Double knockout (dKO) females displayed subfertility and their oocytes and eggs showed significantly diminished Ca2+ store content and oscillations after fertilization compared to controls. We also found that the cell cycle stage during maturation determines the functional expression of channels whereby they show a distinct permeability to certain ions. In total, we demonstrate that TRPV3 and CaV3.2 are required for initiating physiological oscillations and that Ca2+ influx dictates the periodicity of oscillations during fertilization. dKO gametes will be indispensable to identify the complete native channel currents present in mammalian eggs.
Aggression and discrimination among closely versus distantly related species of Drosophila

Fighting between different species is widespread in the animal kingdom, yet this phenomenon has been relatively understudied in the field of aggression research. Particularly lacking are studies that test the effect of genetic distance, or relatedness, on aggressive behavior between species. Here we characterized male-male aggression within and between species of fruit flies across the Drosophila phylogeny. We show that male Drosophila discriminate between conspecifics and heterospecifics and show a bias for the target of aggression that depends on the genetic relatedness of opponent males. Specifically, males of closely related species treated conspecifics and heterospecifics equally, whereas males of distantly related species were overwhelmingly aggressive toward conspecifics. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify aggression between Drosophila species and to establish a behavioral bias for aggression against conspecifics versus heterospecifics. Our results suggest that future study of heterospecific aggression behavior in Drosophila is warranted to investigate the degree to which these trends in aggression among species extend to broader behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary contexts.
A Novel Four-Gene Signature Associated With Immune Checkpoint for Predicting Prognosis in Lower-Grade Glioma

The overall survival of patients with lower grade glioma (LGG) varies greatly, but the current histopathological classification has limitations in predicting patients’ prognosis. Therefore, this study aims to find potential therapeutic target genes and establish a gene signature for predicting the prognosis of LGG. CD44 is a marker of tumor stem cells and has prognostic value in various tumors, but its role in LGG is unclear. By analyzing three glioma datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, CD44 was upregulated in LGG. We screened 10 CD44-related genes via protein–protein interaction (PPI) network; function enrichment analysis demonstrated that these genes were associated with biological processes and signaling pathways of the tumor; survival analysis showed that four genes (CD44, HYAL2, SPP1, MMP2) were associated with the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)of LGG; a novel four-gene signature was constructed. The prediction model showed good predictive value over 2-, 5-, 8-, and 10-year survival probability in both the development and validation sets. The risk score effectively divided patients into high- and low- risk groups with a distinct outcome. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the risk score and status of IDH were independent prognostic predictors of LGG. Among three LGG subgroups based on the presence of molecular parameters, IDH-mutant gliomas have a favorable OS, especially if combined with 1p/19q codeletion, which further confirmed the distinct biological pattern between three LGG subgroups, and the gene signature is able to divide LGG patients with the same IDH status into high- and low- risk groups. The high-risk group possessed a higher expression of immune checkpoints and was related to the activation of immunosuppressive pathways. Finally, this study provided a convenient tool for predicting patient survival. In summary, the four prognostic genes may be therapeutic targets and prognostic predictors for LGG; this four-gene signature has good prognostic prediction ability and can effectively distinguish high- and low-risk patients. High-risk patients are associated with higher immune checkpoint expression and activation of the immunosuppressive pathway, providing help for screening immunotherapy-sensitive patients.
Environmental Changes and Sexually Antagonistic Selection

Sexually antagonistic selection (SAS) occurs when the direction of natural selection on a trait, or a combination of traits, differs between the sexes. For example, the different roles of females and males in reproduction, along with different interactions between each sex and the environment, can generate selection for larger body size in one sex and smaller body size in the other – a pattern of selection that may eventually lead to the evolution of sexual size dimorphism. SAS has been documented in several animal and plant populations and is thought to constrain adaptation and reduce population fitness. Recent research has emphasised that the intensity of SAS depends, in part, on environmental conditions of the population, which may vary over time or across each species’ geographic range. Theory predicts that SAS should be more common in stable compared to changing environments. These predictions have some experimental support, though the general manner with which environmental changes affect SAS remains an open question.
The MicroRNA828/MYB12 Module Mediates Bicolor Pattern Development in Asiatic Hybrid Lily (Lilium spp.) Flowers

Some Asiatic hybrid lily cultivars develop bicolor tepals, which consist of anthocyanin-pigmented upper halves and un-pigmented lower halves. MYB12, a subgroup 6 member of R2R3-MYB that positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis, is downregulated in the lower halves. However, MYB12 is usually expressed over entire tepal regions in numerous lily cultivars. Why MYB12 of bicolor cultivars exhibits variable expression spatially in a single tepal remains unclear. Since the lily MYB12 mRNA harbored a binding site for microRNA828 (miR828), the involvement of miR828 in variable spatial accumulation of MYB12 transcripts was evaluated. We analyzed the cleavage of MYB12 mRNA, mature miR828 accumulation, and MYB12 transcript-derived siRNA generation (microRNA-seq). In the bicolor tepals, mature miR828 was more highly accumulated in the lower halves than in the upper halves, and miR828-directed cleavage of MYB12 transcripts was observed predominantly in the lower halves. Moreover, the cleavage triggered the production of secondary siRNA from MYB12 transcripts, and the siRNAs were accumulated predominantly in the lower halves. Consequently, miR828 suppressed MYB12 transcript accumulation in the white region, and the miR828/MYB12 module participated in the development of bicolor patterns in lily flowers. The results present the first example of a microRNA mediating flower color patterns. Finally, we discuss the potential of miR828 creating flower color variations through suppressing the activity of subgroup 6 R2R3-MYB positive regulators in other species.
MOBILE LEARNING ADOPTION AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM GROUP

Mobile learning (mLearning) at the Science Museum Group (SMG) in the United Kingdom (UK) could reduce ICT support calls, increase productivity and develop technical knowledge SMG staff. However, challenges are pervasive in any technological adoption. This paper uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to explain the determinants of mLearning adoption at the Science Museum Group (SMG). Results indicate that the UTAUT constructs, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are all significant determinants of behavioral intention to use mLearning. A newly proposed construct, self-directed learning was not a significant determinant of behaviour intentions. Further examination found age and gender moderate the relationship between the UTAUT constructs. These findings present several useful implications for mLearning research and practice for ICT service desk at SMG. The research contributes to mLearning technology adoption and strategy.
First record of the invasive Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) (Squamata, Gekkonidae), in the dry Chaco, Argentina

The invasive Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) is one of the most widespread introduced species of reptiles, being present in the New World at least 500 years ago. In this work, we report for the first time, the presence of the invasive gecko H. mabouia in the dry Chaco, a biogeographic region included in the Gran Chaco Sudamericano. We collected 3 individuals in an urban zone at Las Lomitas, Patiño department, Formosa Province, Argentina. This new record extends the distribution range of this introduced species by nearly 300 km (in a straight line) from Formosa city, the nearest point previously reported.
Board Size Determinants: Evidence from Nigeria

This paper seeks to investigate the determinants of board size for Nigerian companies. To accomplish the aim of the study, a panel data set of public listed companies in Nigeria from 2005 to 2015 was employed. The results showed that the most common board size of Nigerian companies ranged from four to 18 members. Specifically, the findings indicated that board size was a function of company and industry characteristics. A significant and positive association was found between company size and board size, while CEO ownership and ownership concentration were negative. The results lend support to theoretical arguments that a company’s board structure is determined by the scope of company operations and monitoring costs associated with the company. Since company-specific characteristics determine board size, the impact of board size on corporate outcomes may differ based on these characteristics. Therefore, it would be helpful if future studies could consider the interactive effect of company characteristics when investigating the impact of board size on corporate outcomes.
Economic load intervals for selecting 10 kV cable cross-sections for agricultural consumers

District electric networks for agricultural purposes are characterized by a constant increase in loads. In these conditions, it is important to choose the correct parameters of power lines and, first of all, the cross-sections of overhead lines (overhead lines) and cable lines. There are technical possibilities to increase the capacity of overhead power lines, which can be carried out in the following ways: voltage regulation; reactive power compensation; replacement of existing wires with wires of a larger cross-section; load unbundling; transfer of the network to an increased voltage. Increasing the capacity of cable transmission lines by all of these methods is not possible due to their design features. Thus, due to the difficulties of increasing the capacity of cable lines and dynamically developing networks, the problem of choosing the optimal cable cross-section for lines with an ever-increasing load is becoming more acute. Currently, agricultural distribution electric networks have a constant increase in load. In these conditions, the correct choice of the parameters of cable lines and the residential cable line is of great importance. Due to the complexity of increasing the throughput of cable lines and dynamic networks, problems arise with the choice of optimal paths for wires and residential cables for agricultural lines.
Population genetic study in Juglans regia L. (Persian walnut) and its taxonomic status within the genus Juglans L.

Juglans regia commonly known as Persian walnut of the genus Juglans (Juglandaceae) is cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world for its high quality wood and edible nuts. Though Persian walnut grows on 70,000 ha in Iran, we have no detailed information on genetic structure of walnut cultivars in the country. A detailed knowledge of genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure is essential for conservation and management of tree species. The species like Persian walnut, which has wide range of geographical distribution, should harbor extensive genetic variability to adapt to environmental fluctuations they face. Therefore, detailed population genetic study of local populations become important for conservation and breeding studies. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the population genetic structure of seven Persian walnut populations including 3 wild and 4 cultivated populations by using ISSR and SRAP molecular markers. We also aimed to compare the genetic variability revealed by ISSR neutral multilocus marker and nrDNA ITS sequences. Finally, we tried to investigate the species relationship within the genus Juglans L. by using molecular phylogeny methods based on nrDNA ITS sequences. The results showed that both multilocus molecular markers and ITS sequences can differentiate Persian walnut populations. The studied populations differed genetically and showed isolation by distance (IBD).
Evaluation of Oil Palm Germplasm from Senegal and Gambia Using Chemometric Techniques

Estimation of genetic diversity and determination of the relationships between collections are useful strategies for ensuring efficient germplasm collection and utilization. Oil palm germplasm materials collected from Senegal and Gambia maintained at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Kluang Station were characterized for genetic diversity. A total of 44 agronomic traits of these oil palm materials was subjected to simple statistics to evaluate the genetic variability; a
Diversity in Australia’s tropical savannas: An integrative taxonomic revision of agamid lizards from the genera Amphibolurus and Lophognathus (Lacertilia: Agamidae)

Melville, J., Ritchie, E.G., Chapple, S.N. J., Glor, R.E. and Schulte II, J.A. 2018. Diversity in Australia’s tropical savannas: An integrative taxonomic revision of agamid lizards from the genera Amphibolurus and Lophognathus (Lacertilia: Agamidae). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 77: 41–61. The taxonomy of many of Australia’s agamid lizard genera remains unresolved because morphological characters have proved to be unreliable across numerous lineages. We undertook a morphological study and integrated this with a recent genetic study to resolve long-standing taxonomic problems in three genera of large-bodied Australian agamid lizards: Amphibolurus, Gowidon and Lophognathus. We had broad geographic sampling across genera, including all currently recognised species and subspecies. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, incorporating mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear (RAG1) genetic data, and our morphological review, we found that both generic and species-level taxonomic revisions were required. We revise generic designations, creating one new genus (Tropicagama gen. nov.) and confirming the validity of Gowidon, giving a total of four genera. In addition, we describe a new species (Lophognathus horneri sp. nov.) and reclassify two other species. Our results provide a significant step forward in the taxonomy of some of Australia’s most iconic and well-known lizards and provide a clearer understanding of biogeographic patterns across Australia’s monsoonal and arid landscapes.
Species Distribution Modeling: A Biosocial Approach

Abstract Species distribution models (SDMs) are a method for predicting the spatial distribution of a target species. While previous literature highlights predominantly biophysical variables in developing prediction probabilities, few studies incorporate variables that consider the role of human influence on the target species’ distribution. This study aimed to explore the predictive capabilities of socioenvironmental variables on the development of an SDM for the known West Nile virus bridge vector, the Culex pipiens mosquito. Three maximum entropy models were produced using mosquito sampling data from Forsyth County, North Carolina, during the 2013 breeding season. The first model incorporated eight biophysical variables; the second model incorporated thirteen socioenvironmental variables; and the final model combined both biophysical and socioenvironmental variables to produce a biosocial model. Results show that the predictive capabilities of the social variables outperform both the biophysical variables alone or in combination with the socioenvironmental variables. The results of this research should engender further consideration to the applicability of socioenvironmental variables for SDMs where direct human influence could affect species distribution.