Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life cycle and age structure of Dolichopoda populations (Orthoptera, Raphidophoridae) from natural and artificial cave habitats

Abstract Life cycle, phenology and age structure have been studied in three Dolichopoda populations belonging to the loetitiae‐geniculata species complex. One of these populations inhabits a natural limestone cave (Valmarino Cave, VAL), the other two live in artificial tufa caves (Tuscolo, TUS; Tunnel of Veio, VEI). Morphometric data were collected periodically both in the field and in laboratory experimental breedings (TUS population). The life cycle of the TUS population lasts 25–28 months and involves 9 pre‐imaginal instars. In the artificial cave populations (TUS, VEI), two different cohorts have been recognized, which alternate yearly. On the contrary, the separation in cohorts is not apparent in the natural cave population (VAL). Mortality rates and age structure have been studied in the three populations. The results strongly suggest the occurrence of alternative adaptive strategies related to the different selective pressures operating in the artificial vs natural caves.
Susceptibility of Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lep., Pyralidae) eggs to entomopathogenic Hyphomycetes

Egg masses of the stem‐borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe, were infected in the laboratory with conidial suspensions of four isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (ICIPE 1, 2, 4, 12), one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (ICIPE 18) and two isolates of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown and Smith (ICIPE 10, 11). At a concentration of 108 condidia ml‐1, all fungi tested, except ICIPE 1, caused more than 82 % mortality. C. partellus larvae hatching from treated egg masses were also susceptible to all fungal strains, except ICIPE 10. Dose‐mortality relationships were demonstrated for the most active isolates. However, deferred larval mortality from eggs treated with ICIPE 4 was 100 % for all doses. The susceptibility of 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h‐old eggs to ICIPE 4 and ICIPE 18 was determined. The ability of the pathogen to infect decreased with the age of eggs; however, deferred larval mortality was not affected by the age of eggs. Results indicate that eggs could be the optimal stage for infection by the fungus. Among the fungi tested, isolates B. bassiana ICIPE 4 and M. anisopliae ICIPE 18 appeared promising for control of the early stages of C. partellus.
A Taxonomic Evaluation of the Shrew Suncus montanus (Soricidae: Crocidurinae) of Sri Lanka and India

The Sri Lankan and Indian populations of the mountain shrew Suncus montanus have hitherto been recognized as a single species, due to their similarity in size and colour. Here we present mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the cytochrome- b and 16S genes that suggest these populations represent distinct species. Phylogenetic analyses further reveal that the Sri Lankan and Indian populations are not sister taxa: S. montanus sensu stricto from Sri Lanka is the sister species of S. murinus , while ‘ S. montanus ' from India is the sister species of S. stoliczkanus . The uncorrected genetic distance for cytochrome- b between Sri Lankan and Indian ‘ S. montanus ' is ca. 7.5%, which is substantially higher than genetic distances within other species of shrews, or within vertebrate species in general, again supporting their recognition as distinct species. The name Suncus niger is available for the Indian shrew hitherto referred to S. montanus. Suncus montanus and S. niger should now be considered as endemic to Sri Lanka and India, respectively. Key words: Phylogenetic relationships, mitochondrial genes, genetic distance, cytochrome- b , 16S doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v37i2. 500 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 37 (2): 129-136, 2008
Illegal trade of the guitarfish Rhinobatos horkelii on the coasts of central and southern Brazil: genetic identification to aid conservation

Among the diverse species of guitarfish, Rhinobatos horkelii is endemic to the south-west Atlantic and is primarily found off the Brazilian coast. The IUCN has classified this species as being in critical danger of extinction owing to widespread exploitation. Currently, this species is protected under Brazilian conservation laws. However, the morphological similarity of R. horkelii to other species precludes effective protection from fishing. Guitarfish samples were obtained from fishermen in different regions along the Brazilian coast and were identified using a genetic forensic method (multiplex-PCR). The analysis showed that 56% of the samples analysed were from R. horkelii, 25% from Rhinobatos percellens and 19% from Zapteryx brevirostris confirming that R. horkelii continues to be caught, despite conservation legislation. These results stress the need for effective conservation measures and may help to alert others to the occurrence of R. horkelii poaching. In addition, this work aims to establish an effective method of species identification to help prevent poaching of protected species such as R. horkelii. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computing Clear Day Solar Radiation Spectra for the Terrestrial Ecological Environment

Clear sky (cloud—free) horizontal plane terrestrial solar radiation spectral fluxes can be computed for any time of day and year, geographic location (latitude and longitude), and elevation upon inputing the optical properties of the atmosphere and reflecting properties of the underlying surface. Consideration is given to the problem of diffuse terrestrial radiation spectra for non—sea level elevations and where the terrestrial atmosphere cannot be regarded as being purely a Rayleigh atmosphere. Computation of terrestrial spectra for large zenith angles (Z > or = 72 degrees) is considered along with a discussion of irradiation patterns peculiar to polar zones (i.e., long days and nights). Selected results from the integration of these concepts into a computer program include the computation of total diffuse—to—direct flux ratios for radiation from a Rayleigh atmosphere at any solar zenith angle and selected elevations with typical mean ground albedos. Comparisons of integrated energy predictions with meas.
A Comparison of Needle Types and Biopsy Techniques Used in Liver Biopsies of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Liver biopsy has been performed since the end of the 19th century. Paul Ehrlich (Germany) performed liver biopsy for the first time in 1883, and Sheila Sherlock described percutaneous biopsy technique in 1945 (1, 2). Menghini performed biopsy with aspiration technique in 1958 (3). The first ultrasound (US) guided biopsy was performed in 1972 (4). Today, despite technological advancements such as US, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liver biopsy is still recognized as the gold standard method in order to establish the diagnosis, to evaluate the prognosis and to plan the treatment (5, 6). Major indications for liver biopsy include liver neoplasm, cholestatic liver disease, presence of abnormal hepatic function tests, chronic viral hepatitis, unexplained jaundice, or evaluation of suspicious drug reactions. In addition, liver biopsy is performed to evaluate rejection or to plan treatment in liver transplantation, and to confirm the diagnosis and prognosis in diffuse liver diseases (7, 8). Whereas contraindications for liver biopsy divided into two as absolute and partial. Absolute contraindications include noncooperative patients, severe bleeding disorder (INR > 1.6, platelet count < 50,000), Infection of the hepatic bed, and extrahepatic biliary obstruction, while partial contraindications are abdominal ascites, cyst hydatid, vascular lesions, amyloidosis and morbid obesity (8, 9). The most common complications following liver biopsy are pain and hemorrhage. Among the other rarely seen complications are pneumothorax, hemothorax, organ perforations, biliary peritonitis, infections, and hemobilia (8, 10). Liver biopsy is performed using three different methods as percutaneous, transvenous (transjugular, transfemoral) and surgical-laparoscopic biopsy. There are three different methods for percutaneous biopsies as palpation/percussion, radiologic marking, and real time imaging guidance (11, 12). Aspiration (Menghini,
Determining Production Fabric with Three Dimensional Modeling System (V-Stitcher)

Three-dimensional modeling systems are promising methods for garments producers and retailers to provide good-wearing clothes for the body. For this reason, Computer Aided Design (CAD) is an inevitable element for the garment industry. Three-dimensional modeling systems are rapidly becoming widespread in the garment industry as it facilitates and accelerates processes. It is very important to use these systems in order to cope with today's tough competition. Aim of this study is to show that several fabrics can be chosen without sample sewing just upon the fitting on the model by using Three-dimensional model designing application. Keywords : Computer Aided Design-CAD, 2D Garment Pattern, 3D Virtual Dress Up, Fabric selection
BEHAVE : Fire Behavior Prediction and Fuel Modeling System - BURN Subsystem, Part 1

This file was created by scanning the printed publication. Errors identified by the software have been corrected; however, some errors may remain. She has been a member of the fire behavior research work unit since 1973. She is now team leader of the systems development and application team. She received her B.A. in mathematics from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 1969. Following 2 years of graduate study in mathematics at the University of Montana, she worked for 2 summers for Northern Region Fire and Aviation Management. In 1978, she began work at the Intermountain Fire Sciences Laboratory and is a member of the fire behavior research work unit.
Learning on complex, biased, and big data: disease risk prediction in epidemiological studies and genomic medicine on the example of childhood asthma

Predicting the risk of complex diseases is a field of growing relevance in medicine and shows high potential of refinement and improvement by integrating new data types and larger data sets. In this thesis, we investigate and overcome issues on several challenges in this field by applying and developing statistical methodology for working with complex data structures and we show how prediction for diseases can be improved by taking into account bias, complexity and bigness of data.
Field handling conditions of raw milk sold in vending machines: experimental evaluation of the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni

The direct sale by farmers of raw milk for human consumption has been allowed in Italy since 2004. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of selected foodborne pathogens in raw milk sold in vending machines, in field handling conditions, and during shelf-life from production to consumption. Temperature of storage of raw milk in 33 farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk were investigated from farm to vending machine delivery, together with consumer habits in one province of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Failure to maintain appropriate low temperatures during shelf-life was recorded and 43% of consumers did not boil milk before consumption. Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni strains were inoculated into raw milk samples, and the best (4°C as established by law) and worst temperature storage conditions detected (variable temperature) were simulated. Boiling tests were performed for each pathogen considered at high and low levels of contamination. Results showed an increase in L. monocytogenes in milk stored at 4°C and at variable temperatures recorded in shelf-life monitoring, an increase in E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium at variable temperatures but not at 4°C, and a decrease in C. jejuni in all storage conditions. Boiling milk is effective in making it safe for consumers. This study provides evidence that appropriate handling of raw milk, maintaining low temperatures, together with consumer education concerning boiling raw milk before consumption are key factors in preventing foodborne infections linked to raw milk consumption, and helps assess the risk of foodborne infection linked to raw milk consumption.
Life‐history variation in perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in five neighbouring Norwegian lakes

– We have studied the population dynamics and reproductive biology of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) from five neighbouring lakes in Norway. The lakes vary in water quality, varying from strongly acidified (pH≤5.0) to not acidified (pH≥6.0). Estimated annual survival rates did not differ among populations. There was no strong relationship between age at maturity in female perch and acidification. However, age at maturity was lower for female perch from the most acidic lake (c. 2 years) compared with perch in the four other lakes (2.5–3.5 years). There was no relationship between acidification level and size-adjusted egg size, fecundity or reproductive investment (Gonadosomatic index – GSI). Perch in the most acidified lake showed large variation in egg size, the lowest length-specific fecundity, the highest GSI, and the lowest age at maturity. Environmental stress, such as acidification, induces a number of changes to a lake community. It is therefore difficult to predict how acidification will influence the population dynamics and reproductive biology of a perch population.
The Relative Importance of Behavioral and Physiological Adjustments Controlling Body Temperature in Terrestrial Ectotherms

A series of simple heat-transfer models (termed the basic, conduction, physiological, and wet-skin models) is derived to examine a large number of behavioral and physiological mechanisms that are used by terrestrial ectotherms to control body temperature (Tb; table 1). The models reaffirm two generalizations: (1) in environments where solar radiation is available, behavioral mechanisms may provide a range of Tb's that is many times greater than the range in Tb's that results from physiological adjustments; and (2) among behavioral mechanisms, the times of seasonal and daily activity appear to be the most critical in determining Tb. Furthermore, microhabitat selection is more important than postural adjustments for controlling Tb. The models calculate Tb as the sum of air temperature (Ta) and the body-air temperature difference (Td). The direct effects of body size are expressed as functions of Td. Many behavioral mechanisms can then be expressed as some fraction of Td. The models (eqs. 3, 6, 8, 11), in combination with table 2 and the Smithsonian tables (List 1966), allow one to quickly estimate the effects of many environmental variables and behavioral and physiological mechanisms on Tb.
A hierarchical analysis of minisatellite DNA diversity in Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.; Fagaceae)

Gambel oak is a short shrub to medium‐sized tree of southwest North America for which the potential to grow in large clonal stands has been proposed. Here we use three different multilocus VNTR DNA probes (synthesized via PCR) to demonstrate that clones growing together can be identified, but individual clones exceeding 50 m in diameter do not commonly occur in the study population of Quercus gambelii. Further, using a hierarchical sampling scheme (three circular transects with diameters of 9, 1100, and 28 000 m), we estimate that for nonclonal individuals: (i) mean number of bands analysed per individual = 22.92; (ii) mean similarity (band sharing) between individuals = 0.322; (iii) mean probability that two randomly chosen individuals share all bands = 4.93 × 10–11; and (iv) mean estimated heterozygosity = 0.796. FST calculated for the two nonclonal levels of the sampling hierarchy was 0.023, indicating that little genetic differentiation exists between them. These results support previous findings that, due to life‐history traits of the genus and this species (out‐crossing, wind‐pollinated, animal‐dispersed, long‐lived woody perennials), gene flow is high and genetic subdivision of populations is low in oaks. At this study site, the clonal nature demonstrated for Gambel oak appears to have little detectable effect on these population genetic characteristics.
Dynamic UE clustering for distributed MIMO cooperative transmission

: Multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) using a large number of spatially distributed antennas (DAs) is a promising technique to achieve high link capacity uniformly over a macro-cell area. To reduce the computational complexity of MU-MIMO processing, the UE clustering can be used. However, this produces the inter-cluster interference (ICI) and degrades the link capacity of a user equipment (UE) especially near the cluster boundary. In this paper, to solve the ICI problem, we propose a dynamic UE clustering in which UEs in a macro-cell area are grouped into non-overlapped UE cluster-sets and they are activated in a time-division manner. We evaluate, by computer simulation, the UE link capacity of OFDM downlink achievable by the use of the proposed dynamic UE clustering.
Influence of social, management and enforcement factors on the long-term ecological effects of marine sanctuaries

Marine sanctuaries are increasingly being promoted as tools for conservation and fisheries management. This study investigates the effects of protection over 19 years on substrate composition and fish communities in four marine sanctuaries and corresponding non-sanctuary areas in the Philippines and examines the importance of community support, management measures and enforcement of regulations on these ecological effects. Between 1981 and 2000, substrate cover variables were measured using line transects with scuba and snorkel surveys, and fish censuses (identification to family level) were conducted using scuba within a 500 m2 area. Semi-structured interviews collected data on community support for the sanctuaries, and observations and interviews established management and enforcement aspects of the sanctuaries. Over time, all sanctuaries showed improvements, or maintenance of, ecological variables compared with pre-enforcement times, with maintenance of hard coral cover and average increases of 8.3% in fish species richness and 54.9% in fish abundance. In comparison, non-sanctuary areas showed maintenance of the status quo or declines in ecological variables. However hard coral cover, fish abundances and fish species richness showed significant declines as well as increases in sanctuary areas. Community, management and enforcement factors were significantly related to positive ecological trends in sanctuary areas; management and enforcement were related to a wider variety of ecological factors than community score. Community support was significantly related to an increase in hard coral cover in deep areas. Enforcement of regulations was significantly related to an increase in abundance of fishery target fish species in sanctuary areas, and simple management measures were significantly related to an increase in abundance of large predators. Supportive communities that voluntarily implemented sanctuary regulations, improved enforcement, and small discrete cohesive communities may have facilitated the process of building this community support. Well-enforced sanctuaries that showed an increase in abundance of target species may have contributed to the maintenance of fish yields in adjacent non-sanctuary areas. The effects of sanctuary implementation varied on a case-by-case basis, influenced by environmental, biological, physical and human factors. However, a combination of community support, management measures and enforcement of regulations contributed towards positive ecological trends in sanctuary areas.
Review: Natural Enemies and Biocontrol of Pests of Strawberry in Northern and Central Europe

The natural enemies of the more important arthropod, nematode and mollusc pests of strawberry in northern and central Europe and their use as biocontrol agents are reviewed. Most pests of strawberry are polyphagous and they and their natural enemies occur on other host plants (especially Rosaceae) as well as on other crops. Strawberry cultivation methods, including protected cultivation and other methods of extending the fruiting season, soil sterilization, polythene mulching and pesticide spray programmes have profound influences on the pest and natural enemy complex, though such effects have not been quantified adequately. All the pests of strawberry reviewed have natural enemies, though some pests (e.g. capsid bugs) have few. A few natural enemy groups are known to act as important natural limiting factors in pest population development in commercial strawberry crops. Two examples are naturallyoccurring phytoseiid predatory mites which regulate pest mite populations, and predatory carabid beetles which regulate root weevil populations. Apart from the introduction of predatory phytoseiid mites to control two-spotted spider mite, biocontrol is not widely used in commercial practice. Other biocontrol approaches are known to be efficacious, but are too costly in comparison with conventional insecticides for commercial adoption (e.g. nematodes for slug control). Several biocontrol approaches have been researched and have potential for further development and exploitation and there is considerable opportunity to develop new approaches. Research effort should concentrate on those for common pests, which are controlled currently by frequent sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides, e.g. aphids, blossom weevil, capsids and vine weevil. As strawberry is often grown as an annual or short-term perennial crop, exploiting natural populations of natural enemies is difficult. More effort needs to be devoted to the development of microbial and nematode biocontrol agents, which can be used as biopesticides. Protected cultivation of strawberry provides more favourable conditions for exploitation of biocontrol including introduction of insect predators and parasites.
A Process Model of Co-Creation as an Approach to Information Systems Development

This paper investigates the development of a digital game on a social media platform which involved primarily youths as co-creators. We applied a process model for crowdsourced development as a framework to understand information systems development (ISD) as co-creation in a not-for-profit environment. Using innovation theory we further discuss why co-creation fostered the co-creators to successfully carry out the investigated project. On this background, we provide lessons learned for practical use.
Automatic Speech Recognition for Indonesian using Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) and Hidden Markov Model (HMM)

Speech recognition is influential signal processing in communication technology. Speech recognition has allowed software to recognize the spoken word. Automatic speech recognition could be a solution to recognize the spoken word. This application was developed using Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) for feature extraction of speech signal and Hidden Markov Model (HMM) for generating the model of each the spoken word. The data of speech used for training and testing was produced by 10 speaker (5 men and 5 women) whose each speakers spoke 10 words and each of words spoken for 10 times. This research is tested using 10-fold cross validation for each pair LPC order and HMM states. System performance is measured based on the average accuracy testing from men and women speakers. According to the test results that the amount of HMM states affect the accuracy of system and the best accuracy is 94, 20% using LPC order =13 and HMM state=16.