Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of flow on oxygen dynamics in photosynthetically active sediments

To assess the influence of boundary flow on interfacial oxygen flux in sediments ~nhabi ted by benthic phototrophs, we measured the oxygen distribution and the photosynthetic activity in an intertidal sandy core a t flow velocities of 0, 2, 5 , 10, and 15 cm S' in a laboratory flume. The impact of flow was large; the effects were reversible and most pronounced in the velocity range of 0 to 5 cm S ' W ~ t h increasing flow velocity, both the nlaxirnum oxygen concentration in the sediment and the oxygen penetration decreased significantly. The depth of the oxygen concentration maximum was shifted over 1 mm closer towards the sediment surface at the highest flow and the diffusive boundary layer was gradually compressed to a width of 0.2 + 0.1 mm. The width of the photosynthetically active sediment layer decreased from 3.2 * 0.6 mm in stagnant water to 1.4 2 0.3 mm under flow, resulting in a n overall reduction of gross photosynthesis. This is explained by a migration of the benthic algae (dominated by pennate diatoms) into deeper sediment layers under flow to avoid resuspension into the water, and thereby impairing photosynthesis. Despite the decrease in photosynthesis, the flux of oxygen into the water colunln did not change significantly, suggesting that advective processes enhanced the release of oxygen from the sediment under flow conditions. We concluded that boundary layer flow is an Important factor controlling photosynthes~s and oxygen release in shallow water sediments.
Evaluation of non-carcass components of goat grazing in Caatinga rangeland supplemented with spineless cactus and native plants

The objective of this study was to evaluate non-carcass components of goats submitted to grazing in the Caatinga rangeland and supplemented with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochelinifera Salm Dick), Jitirana hay (Merremia aegyptia L. Urban) and Mororó hay (Bauhinia cheilanta Bong Stend). Thirty male goats (castrated), with no defined breed, with an initial mean body weight of 19 ± 0.35 kg and approximately 90 days of age were used. The treatments consisted of grazing without supplementation (GWS), grazing + Jitirana hay (GJ); grazing + Jitirana hay + spineless cactus (GJSC); grazing + Mororó hay (GM); grazing + Mororó hay + spineless cactus (GMSC). The means of the variables were tested by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The goats fed GWS, GJSC, GM and GMSC presented higher weights and yields of the diaphragm, and the spleen weight (p < 0.05). The highest yield of omasum (p < 0.05) occurred with goats fed GJ treatment. There were treatments (p < 0.05) on omental fat weight and leg yield, with the highest values for goats, fed GWS, GJSC, GM, and GMSC. The "Buchada" EBW-1 yield was higher (p < 0.05) for animals fed GWS. Feeding supplementation of goats grazing in the Caatinga had few influences on weights and yields of non-carcass components.
Behavioral Interactions among Hatchery-Reared Steelhead Smoltsand Wild Oncorhynchus mykiss in Natural Streams

Abstract The potential for hatchery fish to negatively impact wild fish has been identified as a concern for dwindling stocks of naturally produced anadromous salmonids in the Pacific Northwest. Using a control–treatment approach, we performed a multiscale examination of potential behavioral impacts of releases of hatchery-produced steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous rainbow trout) on preexisting wild populations of O. mykiss (anadromous and potamodromous) over a 4-year period. We released approximately 33,000 conventionally reared hatchery steelhead smolts (treatment) into an upper Yakima River tributary in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 and investigated behavioral interactions and small-scale displacement (0.2–5.0 m). Snorkelers conducted behavioral observations and observed small-scale displacements in treatment and control streams for approximately 1 month following releases. Hatchery steelhead were generally larger than wild O. mykiss and dominated most (68%) contests. The types of behavioral inter.
The Role of Knowledge Management and Data Mining in Improving Educational Practices and the Learning Infrastructure

Higher Educational Institutes hold a central and vital role in the knowledge economy. Knowledge generated by these institutes needs to be collected and disseminated to bring about improvement in not only student learning and performance, but also in educational practices, processes and the society in general. Sadly, in many institutes, this knowledge is rarely recognized, captured, analysed or utilized. Apart from the need for improved learning outcomes, rapid growth in educational data and technology has motivated several educational institutes to implement Knowledge Management (KM). KM is the key to enable educational institutes reach their goals and achieve their objectives. This paper explores the basic concept of KM and addresses the need of KM in higher educational institutes by proposing a framework to improve knowledge processes and practices in academia. This paper also highlights the role of data mining in facilitating KM in higher education through a case study that focuses on aspects of student management. Using data mining methods of pattern discovery and association rule mining, interesting patterns have been discovered from academic data that can be used for effective pedagogical decision making. The applications and challenges faced in the implementation of KM within higher educational institutes have also been briefly discussed.
Functional Properties of Glycated Soy 11S Glycinin

: 11S-rich glycinin fraction was extracted from defatted soy flakes and glycated using glucose (at a 1:44 molar ratio of protein to sugar) through the Maillard reaction. The glycation was done at 50°C and 65% relative humidity for varying incubation periods (6, 16, 24, and 48 h). Fluorescamine and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) methods both revealed a gradual increase in % glycation from 34.8% to 39.6%, 42.6%, and 46.5%, as samples were glycated from 6 to 48 h. Functional studies of the glycated 11S-rich glycinin fraction showed an initial increase in solubility during the early stages of glycation and a decrease as glycation progressed beyond 24 h. Glycation in the 1st hour of incubation also decreased protein surface hydrophobicity and fat absorption capacity (FAC). This was mainly attributed to an increase in the net negative charge induced by the introduction of the sugar moiety. As the Maillard reaction progressed (24 h and 48 h of incubation), an increase in FAC and surface hydrophobicity was observed. The results further showed an increase in foaming properties and emulsifying activity of the 11S-rich glycinin fraction with glycation (compared with control), especially at the early and middles stages of the Maillard reaction.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (Apiaceae)

Abstract Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) is derived from two herbal materials, Bupleurum chinense DC. and B. scorzonerifolium Willd. In this study, we constructed and annotated a complete circular chloroplast (cp) genome of B. scorzonerifolium. The cp genome of B. scorzonerifolium is 155,824 bp in length, including two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,317 bp, and the large single-copy (LSC) region is 85,591bp, while the small single-copy (SSC) region is 17,601 bp. The GC content of whole cp genome is 37.7%. 113 different genes were annotated in the genome, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that B. Scorzonerifolium and other species of Bupleurum formed a monophyletic clade, and the genus Bupleurum had deep development system in Apiaceae.
Response to Comments on "Independent Origins of Middle Ear Bones in Monotremes and Therians"

W e stand by our assessment of the taxonomic identity of Teinolophos trusleri and maintain that this specimen shows features that support an independent evolution of the middle ear in living monotremes and therians. Bever et al . ([ 1 ][1]) question whether the lower jaw that we ([ 2 ][2])
Strategi Pengembangan Klaster Ukm Produksi Bandeng Asap dengan Menggunakan Metode K-Means Clustering dan Fuzzy Ahp

Bandeng asap merupakan produk unggulan dari Kabupaten Sidoarjo yang banyak diproduksi oleh UKM binaan Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Kabupaten Sidoarjo. Mengacu pada data Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Kab. Sidoarjo, sebanyak 13 UKM pengolah ikan bandeng tersebar di beberapa lokasi yang ada di Kab. Sidoarjo. Tersebarnya lokasi menyebabkan UKM masih berjalan secara individu dalam pemenuhan kebutuhan produksi serta belum terbentuknya klaster industri bagi UKM bandeng asap. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menentukan klaster UKM bandeng asap yang ada di Kab. Sidoarjo serta dapat memberikan usulan strategi pengembangan bagi UKM yang bersangkutan. Metode yang digunakan yakni K-means clustering untuk pengklasteran UKM. Responden berasal dari UKM yang dijadikan sebagai subyek,. Hasil analisis K-means clustering menunjukkan bahwa terbentuk 2 klaster dimana klaster 1 yang beranggotakan 2 UKM (Sumber Rejeki dan Kartini) termasuk dalam skala usaha mikro dan kalster 2 yang beranggotakan 3 UKM (Bu Djalil, Bu Sunnah, Bunda Food) termasuk dalam skala usaha kecil.
N6-adenosine methylation of ribosomal RNA affects lipid oxidation and stress resistance

18S ribosomal RNA methylation by METL-5 regulates lipid oxidation and stress resistance in C. elegans. During stress, global translation is reduced, but specific transcripts are actively translated. How stress-responsive mRNAs are selectively translated is unknown. We show that METL-5 methylates adenosine 1717 on 18S ribosomal RNA in C. elegans, enhancing selective ribosomal binding and translation of specific mRNAs. One of these mRNAs, CYP-29A3, oxidizes the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid to eicosanoids, key stress signaling molecules. While metl-5–deficient animals grow normally under homeostatic conditions, they are resistant to a variety of stresses. metl-5 mutant worms also show reduced bioactive lipid eicosanoids and dietary supplementation of eicosanoid products of CYP-29A3 restores stress sensitivity of metl-5 mutant worms. Thus, methylation of a specific residue of 18S rRNA by METL-5 selectively enhances translation of cyp-29A3 to increase production of eicosanoids, and blocking this pathway increases stress resistance. This study suggests that ribosome methylation can facilitate selective translation, providing another layer of regulation of the stress response.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the yellow prawn-goby, Cryptocentrus cinctus (Perciformes, Gobiidae)

Abstract In this study, we sequenced the full mitochondrial genome of the yellow prawn-goby, Cryptocentrus cinctus, an abundantly available fish in in the Western Pacific, which may be a useful resource for understanding the molecular evolutionary history of gobiine-like gobiids. The mitochondrial genome of C. cinctus is 16,514 bp long, and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) along with 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a D-loop region, arranged similarly to those of Gobiidae species. A phylogenetic analysis of Gobiidae species indicates close relationships to the gobiine-like genus Oxyurichthys and Yongeichthys. The complete mitochondrial genome of C. cinctus will allow further understanding for analyzing evolutionary process in Gobiidae.
Empowerment and HIV Risk Behaviors in Couples: Modeling the Theory of Gender and Power in an African Context

Background: Young women and girls in Eastern and Southern Africa are at elevated risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with men, largely due to power dynamics within heterosexual relationships that contribute to HIV risk behaviors. Few studies employ a comprehensive framework to examine divisions between men and women and HIV risk behaviors in an African context. Thus, we examined associations between levels of women's empowerment and HIV risk behaviors applying the Theory of Gender and Power. Methods: We used logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios or AORs) to assess associations between women's empowerment indicators and HIV risk behaviors (multiple sexual partners) and self-efficacy (ability to negotiate sex/sex refusal) with couples data (n = 12,670) from Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Results: Specifically, key drivers of high levels of empowerment among women were household decision-making involvement, female economic independence, and rejecting all reasons for wife-beating. Furthermore, higher levels of women's empowerment in coupled relationships was associated with safer sex negotiation in Malawi (AOR = 1.57, p < 0.05) and Zambia (AOR = 1.60, p < 0.0001) and sex refusal in Malawi (AOR = 1.62, p < 0.0001) and Zimbabwe (AOR = 1.29, p < 0.05). However, empowerment was not associated with the likelihood of the male partner having multiple sexual partners across all countries studied. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that high levels of women's empowerment were associated with safer sex practices, although this varied by country. Policymakers should incorporate empowerment indicators to address women's empowerment and HIV prevention within African couples.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Podocarpus neriifolius (Podocarpaceae)

Abstract The complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don was determined by BGISEQ-500 platform sequencing in this study. The entire cp genome was determined to be 133,878 bp in length. The genome contains a total of 119 encoding genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes, and 33 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of P. neriifolius genome is 37.1%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by other 18 conifer species illustrated that P. neriifolius was the nearest relative to P. totara, P. latifolius, and P. lambertii.
Pest categorisation of Exomala orientalis

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Exomala orientalis (Coleoptera: Rutelidae) (Oriental beetle) for the EU. Larvae feed on the roots of a variety of hosts including most grasses and many vegetable crops. Maize, pineapples, sugarcane are among the main host plants. Larvae are particularly damaging to turfgrass and golf courses. The adults feed on flowers and other soft plant tissues (e.g. Alcea rosea, Dahlia, Iris, Phlox and Rosa). Eggs are laid in the soil. Larvae feed on host roots and overwinter in the soil. Adults emerge from pupae in the soil in May‐June and are present for about 2 months. E. orientalis usually completes its life cycle in 1 year although individuals can spend two winters as larvae. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex IIA) regulates E. orientalis. The legislation also regulates the import of soil attached to plants for planting from third countries; therefore, entry of E. orientalis eggs, larvae and pupae is prevented. E. orientalis is native to Japan or the Philippine islands. It is also found in East Asia and India, Hawaii and north‐eastern USA. It is assumed to have reached USA via infested nursery stock. Plants for planting (excluding seeds) and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. E. orientalis has been intercepted only once in the EU, on Ilex crenata bonsai. Climatic conditions and the availability of host plants provide conditions to support establishment in the EU. Impacts on maize, grassland and turfgrass would be possible. There is uncertainty on the extent of the impact on host plants which are widely commercially grown (e.g. maize) Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. E. orientalis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. Of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest, E. orientalis does not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU.
Diet diversity of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in a vole-less environment

Capsule The absence of key prey, voles, in Ireland, is associated with wide dietary niche in a top predator, the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Aims To examine the diet of the Buzzard as it recolonizes Ireland from the north and where prey diversity is low, prior to the presence of two small mammal species, the Bank Vole Myodes glareolus and Greater White-toothed Shrew Crocidura russula, which are invading from the south of Ireland. Methods Pellets and prey remains were collected in and around Buzzard nests during the breeding season in 2008, 2010 and 2011 in the northeast of Ireland and productivity at each site was recorded. Diet was analysed in terms of frequency and biomass of prey to calculate dietary niche width and the importance of each prey type in the diet, and the relationship between the number of fledglings produced and the proportion of prey items in the diet was tested. Results A total of 1194 items were identified at 61 nests over the 3 years. The diet of Buzzards in Ireland consists mainly of rabbits, rats and medium-sized birds, particularly corvids. Dietary niche breadth is wide and the population comprises mostly generalist individuals. The proportion of rabbit in the diet had a significant positive effect on the number of fledglings produced in all years. Conclusion The Buzzard in Ireland has adapted to the lack of vole species by adopting a wide dietary niche; however, rabbits remain an important component of the diet influencing productivity in the area. A wide dietary niche may promote the high rate of spread of the growing Buzzard population. Although rabbits are consumed widely by Buzzards in Ireland, they are not obligatory rabbit specialists, with corvids, medium-sized birds and rats being important components of their diet. Should Buzzards also incorporate invasive mammals into their diet, such that they meet their energy needs solely from mammal prey, there is the potential for change in prey community structure, particularly with regard to avian species.
Disease Control in Age Structure Population

We combine the Leslie model and its derivatives with the classical compartmental SIRS models to build a model of transmission of infected diseases, in a population of hosts, whether opened or closed systems. We calculate the basic reproductive rate R0. Under certain conditions, when , there is a disease-free equilibrium that is locally asymptotically stable. In contrast, when , this equilibrium is unstable. Then, through an example, we show how we can define public health strategies to tackle an endemic. Finally we carry a global sensitivity analysis based on this basic reproduction rate to exhibit the most influential parameters of our model that are applied to influenza.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Harpovoluta charcoti (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Volutidae)

Abstract We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Harpovoluta charcoti, a circum-Antarctic species of volutid gastropod inhabiting bathyal soft bottom substrates. The mitogenome is 15,487 bp in length, has a base composition of A (28.3%), T (37.3%), C (16.0%) and G (18.4%), and contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Gene order and strand orientation are the same as in other non-toxoglossan neogastropods. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of Volutidae, but not of the subfamilies Amoriinae or Cymbiinae as currently circumscribed.
WOOD DECOMPOSITION: NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS DYNAMICS IN RELATION TO EXTRACELLULAR ENZYME ACTIVITY'

Because plant litter decomposition is directly mediated by extracellular enzymes (ectoenzymes), analyses of the dynamics of their activity may clarify the mechanisms that link decomposition rates to substrate quality and nutrient availability. We investigated this possibility by placing arrays of white birch sticks at eight upland, riparian, and lotic sites on a forested watershed in northern New York. For 3 yr, samples were analyzed for mass loss, protein, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total phosphorus (TP) accumulation, and the activity of 11 classes of extracellular enzymes involved in C, N, and P cycling. The relationship between lignocellulase activity and mass loss did not differ among sites. TKN and TP immobilization exhibited some spatial variation; rates of accumulation per 1% loss of initial mass, estimated from linear regressions, ranged from 2.2 to 4.4 mg/g OM for TP and from 43 to 139 mg/g OM for TKN, with maximum concentrations reached at °80% mass loss. The relationship between the activities of acid phosphatase (AcPase) and N—acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase), enzymes involved in the acquisition of P and N from organic sources, and mass loss displayed even greater variation among sites; the slopes of linear regressions relating mass loss and temporally integrated activity ranged from 0.019 to 0.135 activity—months per mass loss point and 0.107 to 0.775 activity—months per mass loss point, respectively, suggesting that edaphic rather than substrate quality factors were regulating activity. The extent of N limitation at each site was inferred by plotting TKN accumulation, defined as the slope of the linear regression TKN concentration vs. mass loss, in relation to NAGase activity accumulation, defined as the slope of the linear regression cumulative NAGase activity—months vs. mass loss. P limitation at each site was similarly assessed from an analogous plot of TP accumulation in relation to AcPase activity accumulation. Low N or P accumulation in conjunction with high acquisition activity was taken as an indication of nutrient limitation while the converse indicated surfeit. The diagrams suggested that decomposition at the upland hemlock and lotic sites, which displayed intermediate rates of OM loss (zero order k = 0.29 g/mo and 0.23 g/mo, respectively), was primarily N limited, while the riparian sites, which had the lowest rates of OM loss (k = 0.14 g/mo), appeared to be P limited. Relative to the others, OM loss at the upland deciduous sites (k = 0.38 g/mo) was not limited by either N or P. The concordance of field observations with predictions based on ectoenzyme regulation mechanisms suggest that enzyme activity assays in conjunction with nutrient concentration measurements may be a useful indicator of nutrient limitation. An economic model is proposed that directly links N and P availability to litter decomposition rates on the basis of microbial allocation of resources of extracellular enzyme production.
A Fine Structural Analysis of the Statocyst in Turbellaria Acoela

Ferrero, E. (Istituto di Biologia Generale, Universith di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.) A fine structural analysis of the statocyst in Turbellaria Acoela. Zool. Scr. 2 (1): 5–16, 1973. —The fine structure of the statocyst components in the acoelan Convoluta psammophila is described, namely: capsule, parietal cells, lithocyte, and the statolith. The absence of ciliary structures, the highly developed endoplasmic reticulum of the lithocyte and the layered texture of the statolith are remarkable. A functional interpretation of the muscles inserted on the statocyst and of the nerve bundle running nearby is suggested. The morphological similarities and differences between the acoelan statocyst and the statocyst of lower and higher invertebrate phyla are discussed.