Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plane wave propagation in a fiber-reinforced diffusive magneto-thermoelastic half space with two-temperature

This paper is devoted to study the characteristics of various reflected waves in a homogeneous anisotropic fiber-reinforced magneto-thermoelastic diffusive solid under dual-phase lag theory of generalized thermoelasticity with two-temperature. The problem is solved analytically and it is found that there exist four coupled quasi waves: qP (quasi-P), qMD (quasi mass diffusion), qT (quasi thermal) and qSV (quasi-SV) waves propagating with different speeds in a two-dimensional model of the solid. The speeds of all the existing waves are found to be complex valued. The stress free surface of the half space is considered thermally insulated and expressions of reflection coefficients and energy ratios are derived in closed form. With the help of MATLAB programming, different characteristics of waves like the phase velocity, reflection coefficient and energy ratio are computed numerically and plotted graphically against angle of incidence to evince the significance of two-temperature, magnetic field, diffusion and reinforcement. The conservation of the energy at the surface is also verified.
Demography of common toads after local extirpation of co-occurring midwife toads

Estimating demographic parameters like survival or recruitment provides insight into the state and trajectory of populations, but understanding the contexts influencing those parameters, including both biotic and abiotic factors, is particularly important for management and conservation. At a high elevation national park in Central Spain, common toads (Bufo bufo) are apparently taking advantage of the near-extirpation of the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans), as colonization into new breeding ponds is evident. Within this scenario, we expected demographic parameters of common toad populations to be affected favorably by the putative release from competition. However, we found the population growth rate was negative in 4 of 5 years at the long-standing population; survival probability at the long-standing population and newly-colonised breeding ponds was lower than reported for other toads living at high elevations and the probability of recruitment was inadequate to compensate for the survival rate in maintaining a positive trajectory for either of the breeding ponds. We assessed weather covariates and disease for their contribution to the context that may be limiting the common toad’s successful use of the niche vacated by the midwife toad.
IMPROVING APPROXIMATION RATIOS FOR THE CLUSTERED TRAVELING SALESMAN PROBLEM

The clustered traveling salesman problem (CTSP) is a generalization of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) in which the set of cities is divided into clusters and the salesman must consecutively visit the cities of each cluster. It is well known that TSP is NP-hard, and hence CTSP is NP-hard as well. Guttmann-Beck et al. (2000) designed approximation algorithms for several variants of CTSP by decomposing it into subproblems including the traveling salesman path problem (TSPP). In this paper, we improve approximation ratios by applying a recent improved approximation algorithm for TSPP by Zenklusen (2019).
Life-History Attributes of Plants in Grazed and Ungrazed Grasslands on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

The composition, diversity and structure of unfertilised temperate grassy communities were compared, after adjacent areas had been grazed or left ungrazed for 16 years. Life-history attributes of species in the two communities were also compared. Most species in both treatments were forbs, but these generally occurred with low frequencies and grasses formed the vegetation matrix. Native and perennial species predominated, reflecting pre-European conditions. Long-term, continuous grazing by sheep had opened the grass and litter canopy, promoted species richness and favoured a suite of morphological plant characteristics. Thus, species with dormant meristematic tissue at or below ground level, forbs of low stature and small tufted grasses were relatively common. The ungrazed treatment was densely vegetated, relatively species-poor and plants tended to have morphological attributes opposite to the above. A later, double-peaked flowering period in the ungrazed community was explained by the greater proportion of native perennials, versus the more common early-flowering exotic annuals in the grazed community. The larger proportion of vegetatively reproducing forbs in the ungrazed treatment reflected the density of the vegetation and the possible absence of appropriate sites for regeneration by seed, or the heterogenous distribution of resources available to interstitial plants.
A functional group approach to the structure of algal-dominated communities

We suggest that relatively few species attributes are of overriding importance to the structure of benthic marine algal communities and that these are often shared among taxonomically distant species. Data from the western North Atlantic, eastern North Pacific and Caribbean suggest that patterns in algal biomass, diversity and dominance are strikingly convergent when examined at a functional group level relative to the productivity and herbivore-induced disturbance potentials of the environment. We present a simple graphical model that provides a way to predict algal community composition based on these two environmental axes. This predictability stems from algal functional groups having characteristic rates of mass-specific productivity, thallus longevity and canopy height that cause them to «behave» in similar ways (.)
Enhancement of tuberous root production and adenosine 5'-diphosphate pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) activity in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) by exogenous injection of sucrose solution

Adenosine 5′-diphosphate pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is a key enzyme governing starch synthesis and is regarded as an important determinant of the sink activity of the sweet potato root. In this study, assuming that the expression of AGPase is under the direct or indirect control of sucrose, we investigated the effect of exogenous injection of sucrose solution into a plant on the activity of AGPase and tuberous root production. Sucrose solutions of 6 and 12 %, and distilled water as the control, were injected into the top of the shoot. The application of sucrose solution was effective in increasing tuberous root production and increasing the ratio of tuberous root weight to total root weight in a plant. AGPase activity in roots was enhanced by about 25 % by injecting sucrose solution. These results suggest that AGPase and sink activities are controlled by sucrose transported from the leaves. To increase sweet potato production effectively, AGPase activity and sink function must be enhanced, and so a genetic and physiological improvement in photosynthetic function or sucrose productivity in the leaves is necessary to increase AGPase activity in sink organs. Zusammenfassung Adenosin 5′-diphosphat-pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) ist ein Schlusselenzym in der Starkesynthese und wird als eine der bedeutendsten Faktoren fur die Sinkaktivitat bei Suskartoffeln betrachtet. In dieser Untersuchung kann man von der Annahme ausgehen, das die Expression von AGPase unter einer direkten oder indirekten Kontrolle von Sukrose steht; wir untersuchten daher den Einfluss einer Injektion von Sukroselosung in die Pflanze im Hinblick auf die Aktivitat von AGPase und Knollenproduk-tion. Sukroselosungen von 6 und 12 % sowie destilliertes Wasser als Kontrolle, wurden in die Spitzen der Sprosachsen einer Pflanze injiziert. Die Anwendung von Sukroselosung war wirksam im Hinblick auf die Knollenproduktion und Erhohung der Gewichtsrelation von Knollen zum Gesamtwurzelgewicht einer Pflanze. Die AGPase-Aktivitat in den Wurzeln wurde erhoht durch eine etwa 25 %ige injizierte Sukroselosung. Aus diesen Ergebnissen kann gefolgert werden, das AGPase und Sinkaktivitaten kontrolliert werden durch den Sukrosetransport aus den Blattern. Fur eine effiziente Erhohung der Suskartoffelproduktion ist es unverzichtbar, die AGPase-Aktivat und Sinkfunktion zu vergrosern, und um eine hohere Enzymaktivitat in den Sinkorganen zu erhalten, bedarf es einer genetischen und physiologischen Erhohung der photosynthetischen Funktion oder Sukroseproduktivitat in den Blattern als Voraussetzung.
Feeding ofScardinius acarnanicus Stephanidis, 1939 (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from Lakes Lysimachia and Trichonis, Greece

The feeding of the endemic freshwater fish Scardinius acarnanicus Stephanidis, 1939 has been studied from the content of its intestine and from the results of feeding experiments in the laboratory. This species appears to be phytoplanktophagous when young, whereas as an adult, it becomes macrophytophagous. No difference was observed in the diet of males and females.
Stability of QTL for Field Resistance to Blackleg across Two Genetic Backgrounds in Oilseed Rape

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et de Not. , is a major disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) worldwide. Molecular markers would be useful tools to assist breeding for blackleg resistance. The objective of this study was (i) to map and characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) for field blackleg resistance in doubled haploid (DH) and F(2:3) populations from the cross 'Darmor' (resistant) x 'Samourai' (susceptible) and (ii) to compare QTL with those previously identified in the cross 'Darmor-bzh' x 'Yudal'. A total of 134 DH lines and 185 F(2:3) families were genotyped with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers and assessed for a disease index of resistance in 1998 and/or 1999 in one location. Genetic maps derived from the two populations included a total of 257 and 81 markers, respectively. Up to 30% of these markers were common to the Darmor-bzh x Yudal map previously used. A total of six and four genomic regions were associated with resistance in the DH and F(2:3) populations, respectively. They collectively explained 36 to 42% of the variation within each year and population. Three of them were consistent across the two populations derived from Darmor x Samourai cross and expressed dominant or overdominant effects. Four favorable alleles were derived from the susceptible parent. A total of 16 genomic regions were revealed for blackleg resistance in the two crosses Darmor-bzh x Yudal and Darmor x Samourai studied. Four of them were consistent over the two crosses. The inconsistencies observed between populations and crosses can be explained by different genetic backgrounds and disease infestation levels. For marker-assisted selection, these results suggest that QTL mapping must be carried out separately for each population.
A review of Diplosmittia Sæther, with the description of four new Neotropical species (Diptera: Chironomidae)

The genus Diplosmittia Sæther, 1981 is reviewed and four new Neotropical species are described and illustrated as males: D. plaumanni from Brazil and Venezuela, D. boraceia from Brazil, and D. aragua and D. cerayma from Venezuela. In addition, D. recisus is redescribed and recorded for the first time from Venezuela and D. harrisoni is recorded from Mexico, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. A cladistic analysis is performed corroborating the monophyly of the genus. A key to the males of Diplosmittia is provided. O gênero Diplosmittia Sæther, 1981 é revisado e quatro novas espécies neotropicais são descritas com base em machos adultos: D. plaumanni, registradada para o Brasil e Venezuela; D. aragua e D. cerayma, para a Venezuela; e D. boraceia, para o Brasil. Diplosmittia recisus é redescrita e registrada para a Venezuela. D. harrisoni é registrada para o México, Venezuela e Costa Rica. A hipótese de monofilia do gênero foi corroborada por uma análise cladística. É fornecida uma chave para os machos de Diplosmittia.
Framework, Procedure, and Tools for Comprehensive Evaluation of Sustainable Stormwater Management: A Review

To better evaluate and enhance the performance and benefit of sustainable stormwater management (SSWM) in developing countries, this study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework based on thorough literature review. This framework re-classifies evaluation goals and indicators into four aspects—stormwater system, integrated management, social engagement, and urban development. The purpose of this review is to provide a guideline for decision makers to choose appropriate goals and indicators according to different regional context. Meanwhile, a structured procedure for comprehensive evaluation of SSWM is proposed to guide a well-organised decision-making process. Furthermore, pros and cons of eight decision support tools, as well as their functional focus, are compared, aiming to provide references for SSWM in developing countries. Outcomes presented in this review are expected to support decision makers in the process of screening optimal SSWM strategies and monitoring SSWM projects.
Molecular and Morphological Snapshot Characterisation of the Protist Communities in Contrasting Alpine Glacier Forefields

Phagotrophic protist diversity in oligotrophic soils such as alpine glacier forefields is still poorly studied. Combining morphologic observations with molecular-based analyses, we assessed the diversity of major phagotrophic protist groups in two contrasting glacier fore- fields in the Swiss Alps (Tiefen glacier forefield, siliceous bedrock, and Wildstrubel glacier forefield, calcareous bedrock), at sites differing in soil development. Ciliates and heterotrophic flagellates could be detected with both approaches, while amoebae could be observed only microscopically. Soils from Tiefen and Wildstrubel glacier forefields harboured distinctly different ciliate, flagellate and amoebae commu- nities. The ciliate clone libraries from the Tiefen glacier forefield were dominated by Oligohymenophorea-related sequences while those from the Wildstrubel glacier forefield were dominated by Spirotrichea-related sequences. Testate amoebae morphospecies of the genera Corythion, Cryptodifflugia, Euglypha and Tracheleuglypha were restricted to the Tiefen glacier forefield, while Centropyxis and Trinema to the Wildstrubel one. No ciliate sequences and only a few ciliate and testate amoebae morphospecies could be retrieved from unvegetated soils of both glacier forefields. The ciliate and testate amoebae community detected at unvegetated sites were a subset of the community developed at vegetated sites. Overall, our results suggest that alpine glacier forefields are colonised by a diverse community of phagotrophic protists which seems to be shaped by bedrock geology and vegetation cover.
HPLC determination of folate in liver and liver products

Our objective was to produce reliable data on the contents of folate vitamers in pig, beef and chicken liver, beef kidney and some liver products. Folate contents were determined in monoglutamate form, using reversed-phase HPLC. Pig and beef livers contained 730-1470 mg folates in 100g, tetrahydrofolate being the most abundant form detected. Frozen chicken liver also contained about 1000 μg folates in 100g. Processed foods containing liver, except canned baby foods, were also good folate sources. In processed foods, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was the predominant folate form. The detected folate contents were high, compared with published data.
DNA Barcoding of Medicinal Orchid Dendrobium discolor Lindl. Tanimbar Using rbcL and ITS genes

Dendrobium discolor Lindl. , Tanimbar is one of the medicinal orchids that has been used to treat skin diseases. Morphologically, D. discolor Tanimbar shows similarities with D. discolor Merauke and D. bigibbum , making it challenging to identify. DNA barcoding using ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase large (rbcL) and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) markers expected to be used to identify D. discolor accurately. This study aimed to identify potential DNA sequences as barcodes for the identification of medicinal orchid D. discolor Tanimbar using molecular markers rbcL and ITS . The DNA genome of D. discolor Tanimbar was isolated and used as a template in the PCR reaction. The resulting amplicons were then sequenced. The results showed that the rbcL gene sequence of D. discolor had high homology with D. salaccense (Accession: LC193510.1, Prect. Ident : 99.45 %), whereas the ITS had high homology with D. nindii (Accession: AY239985.1 Identification: 98.67 %). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the rbcL gene sequence from D. discolor had more homology sequence than the ITS . However, the ITS sequence was more specific and could differentiate to species level. Based on the results of this study, the ITS sequence can be recommended as a molecular marker for the identification of the medicinal orchid D. discolor Tanimbar.
In vivo effects of β-glucan and LPS on regulation of lysozyme activity and mRNA expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Abstract The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of intraperitoneally injected bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and yeast β-glucan on lysozyme activity in Atlantic salmon, and to explore what organ(s) are responsible for the increase in plasma lysozyme activity induced by the compounds. The results indicated that LPS stimulates plasma lysozyme activity at least as efficiently as β-glucan. The lysozyme gene was shown to be transcribed in head kidney, spleen, liver and intestine, and accumulation of transcript was demonstrated in response to both β-glucan and LPS in all of these organs. Intracellular lysozyme activity was detected in the same organs and in isolated blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and lymphocytes. Increased lysozyme activity in response to both β-glucan and LPS was demonstrated in blood PMN and cells isolated from head kidney and intestine. In spleen and liver on the other hand, there was no increase in lysozyme activity in response to the stimulants. Based on previous work and the present results it is suggested that plasma lysozyme induced by LPS and β-glucan originate from macrophages in the different organs. The head kidney is likely to be the main supplier of plasma lysozyme considering its high contents of macrophages. This work supports the notion that microbial compounds containing phylogenetically conserved structures (β-glucan and LPS) are able to stimulate the non-specific defence of animals against infection by enhancing the lysozyme expression.
Adaptive Robust Neural-Network-Based Backstepping Control of Tethered Satellites With Additive Stochastic Noise

This article introduces a new method for mitigating the fluctuations of a two-body tethered satellite system (TSS). Initially, a state-space representation of the TSS is derived from the extended Lagrange method; and, due to the uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and external disturbances exist in the TSS modeling, a novel robust adaptive backstepping controller is proposed. The presented approach utilizes the radial basis function (RBF) to estimate online the unmodeled dynamics and the uncertainties of the system and the concept of the bounded in probability to minimize the effect of the stochastic Weiner process on the system angles. Due to the special structure of the TSS, the angles dynamics of the TSS are stabilized separately, which simplifies the design procedure. Through the Lyapunov stability and the Ito concept, the tracking error is assured to be bounded in probability and the error dynamics of the RBF neural network estimated weights are bounded in the Lyapunov sense. The proposed controller is applied to the nonlinear TSS for two cases of nominal and uncertain perturbed systems. Simulation results verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed controller in eliminating the tether libration for the nondisturbed system and decreasing the tether libration for the disturbed system.
Re-Reading Lawrence/Leticia/Latisha King: The Time of Genders and Sexualities

Abstract In the current paper, the author offers a philosophically informed history of the present to address the evolving intersections of gender identity and sexuality within the K-12 student body. The author returns to the case of Lawrence/Leticia/Latisha King, a murdered middle schooler, to unpack the evolving frames that have been developed since King’s murder in 2008. To do this, the author addresses the ways King’s name and clothing choices were used to frame King’s life and death in diverse ways at school. Schools, of course, are a space and time where youth come into presence and where decades of research have documented the less than ideal climate of schools for LGBTQ + students. King’s school experiences represent a challenge to the typical narrative of victimization that often frames LGBTQ + issues in education. The author argues engaging King’s life contributes to the need to address the everyday agentive practices of youth, particularly queer youth of color, in educational scholarship. As the author argues, King’s school experiences represent a challenge to the frame of victimization providing a key inflection point for understanding twenty-first century students.
Handbook of freshwater fishery biology

These volumes have, for over 30 years, been the most readily available source listing the scattered articles, theses, bulletins, and research on freshwater fish in the United States and Canada. "The Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology" summarizes the available data on age, growth, length weight, fecundity, reproductive behavior feeding habits, and necessary environment for each freshwater species. The comparison of species is presented in a manner easily used by fishery mangers and biologists.
Carbon Nanotube Wins the Competitive Binding over Proline-Rich Motif Ligand on SH3 Domain

The binding competition between a proline-rich motif (PRM) ligand and a hydrophobic nanoparticle, the single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), at the binding pocket of SH3 domain, has been investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the SWCNT has a very high probability of occupying the binding pocket of the SH3 domain, which prevents the PRM ligand from binding to the pocket. The binding free energy landscapes show that the SWCNT has similar to 0.6 kcal/mol stronger binding affinity than the ligand in the three-way binding competition (SWCNT + ligand + protein). The potent binding affinity between the SWCNT and the SH3 domain is shown to be mainly from the pi-pi stacking interactions between the CNT and aromatic residues in the binding pocket. Our findings show that the existence of hydrophobic particles can greatly reduce the possibility of the regular binding of the ligand with the target protein, suggesting potential toxicity to proteins by hydrophobic nanoscale particles.