Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The perpetual forest: using undesirable species to bridge restoration

Summary 1 Conversion of established forests of undesirable species composition or structure to a multi-age, native forest community is a common restoration goal. However, for some ecosystems, the complexity of multiple disturbances and biotic factors requires unique approaches to advance community development. We use the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Miller) ecosystem as a model of such a restoration paradigm with an approach that utilizes the undesirable species as a functional or structural bridge to foster ecological processes. 2 In the conversion of adult slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantations to the biologically diverse longleaf pine forests that once dominated the south-eastern US Coastal Plain, we examine techniques for restoring and maintaining critical structural and functional components. Through partial and variable retention of the undesirable slash pine canopy, establishment of longleaf pine seedlings is facilitated, while maintaining fuels essential for prescribed fire, a necessary management practice for longleaf pine. Furthermore, we project that with subsequent fires, fine fuels and species richness will be encouraged in the ground cover, and with future slash canopy harvest, established longleaf pine seedlings will be released. 3 In this study, we present a statistical approach that examines the compositional movement of vegetation in restoration sites over time relative to the reference conditions that are also changing through time. 4 Synthesis and applications. Restoration efforts that remove undesirable species initially may actually hinder rather than facilitate restoration. Restoration of fire-maintained ecosystems in which the production of adequate fuels is an important consideration may require the retention of a portion of the existing canopy to provide fuels during the restoration process, even if the canopy is comprised of less preferred species. Individual species often provide similar structural features and influences on function within an ecosystem; thus, systems other than longleaf pine may also benefit from retention of the undesirable species through the restoration process. We conclude that a gradual approach to restoration may be advantageous when legacies of past management have altered complex ecological dynamics and promoted development along a successional pathway strongly differing from that of the reference conditions.
Yeasts associated with bark beetles of the genus Dendroctonus erichson (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): Molecular identification and biochemical characterization

The bark beetles (Scolytinae) increase their potential to colonize their hosts by associating symbiotically with microorganisms, particularly fungi, which are carried on specialized structures called mycangium (Harrington 1993; Klepzig 2001; Paine and others 1997;Six 2003; Whitney 1982). Additionally, there is experimental evidence that some yeasts and bacteria from the alimentary canal of these insects might be involved in digestion and detoxification processes and pheromone production. The latter are compounds fundamental to the chemical communication of these insects (Borden 1982;Harrington 1993; Paine and others1997). The role of bark beetles-associated yeast cannot be studied if we do not know their diversity and location. Yeasts taxonomic identification have been commonly performed on morphological characters of vegetative and sexual stages as well as by physiological tests; however, the variable responses of yeasts to the physiological tests and their phenotypic plasticity have hindered their taxonomic identification.
Effects of food value, predation risk, and pilferage on the caching decisions of Dipodomys merriami

Animals that scatter cache their food face a trade-off between the benefits of protecting caches from pilferers and the costs associated with caching. Placing food into a large number of widely spaced caches helps to protect it from pilferage but also involves costs such as greater exposure to predators. I predicted that animals would disperse food into a larger number of more widely spaced caches when caching (1) a preferred food versus a less preferred food and (2) under conditions of low predation risk versus high predation risk. To test these predictions, I examined the scatter-caching decisions of Merriam's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami). D. merriami distributed caches in clumped patterns, regardless of food preference, but they showed a tendency to invest more in a preferred food by distributing caches more widely. Under the relative safety of the new moon, they did not disperse caches more widely, rather they partitioned the same amount of food into a larger number of caches than they did under the full moon, when predation risk is higher. To examine whether their cache spacing decisions had a significant impact on the success of cache pilferers, I measured discovery by pilferers of artificial caches of two food types at different caching distances. Results indicate that the cache spacing behavior of D. merriami functions to protect caches from pilferers, because increased spacing of artificial caches decreased the probability of pilferage for both types of food. Copyright 2004.
The Importance of Staying Positive: The Impact of Emotions on Attitude to Risk

In this paper we examine the impact of emotions towards financial investments and emotions towards life in general on attitudes to financial risk using questionnaire data from 970 UK-based retail investors. We show that risk tolerance monotonically increases with positive emotions towards investments and life, and decreases with negative emotions. We incorporate a broader range of relevant emotions than in comparable existing studies and we show, perhaps surprisingly, that positive emotions have a stronger impact on risk tolerance than negative emotions. We find that emotions towards investments have a considerably greater explanatory power for the cross-section of risk aversion than gender, age, income, investment experience and investment knowledge. Our research sheds light on the different impacts that integral and incidental emotions have on retail investor financial decision-making. We suggest several implications for regulators and financial advisors, and we emphasise the importance for financial educators to support investors in developing emotional resilience.
A Taxonomic Review of the Hipposideros bicolor Species Complex and H. pomona (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in Thailand

Following extensive field work in Thailand (2006–2008), this paper reviews the taxonomic status of the three species of the Hipposideros bicolor group. Based on morphometric characters and acoustic data, the two phonic types, H. bicolor (131 kHz) and H. bicolor (142 kHz) are treated as distinct species. Hipposideros bicolor (131 kHz) is designated as H. bicolor; H. bicolor (142 kHz) is provisionally designated as H. atrox. The morphometric characters, acoustic data, and geographical distribution of H. pomona are also reviewed. The diagnostic characters of these frequently confused taxa are discussed, with a detailed study of the external, cranio-dental, and bacular morphology, and acoustic features. New data on the conservation status, distribution and ecology of these three species are included.
Germline hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α and 1β mutations in renal cell carcinomas

Mutations in one copy of the hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF) 1alpha and 1beta homeodomain containing transcription factors predispose the carrier to maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) types 3 and 5, respectively. Moreover, previous identification of biallelic inactivation of HNF1alpha in hepatocellular adenoma identified its tumor suppressor function in hepatocarcinogenesis. The seminal observation of an ovarian carcinoma in a MODY5 patient who subsequently developed a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, prompted us to screen for HNF1beta and HNF1alpha inactivation in a series of 20 ovarian and 35 renal neoplasms. Biallelic HNF1beta inactivation was found in two of 12 chromophobe renal carcinomas by association of a germline mutation and a somatic gene deletion. In these cases, the expression of PKHD1 (polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1) and UMOD (Uromodulin), two genes regulated by HNF1beta, was turned off. Interestingly, in two of 13 clear cell renal carcinomas, we found a monoallelic germline mutation of HNF1alpha with no associated suppression of target mRNA expression. In normal and tumor renal tissues, we showed the existence of a network of transcription factors differentially regulated in tumor subtypes. We identified two related clusters of co-regulated genes associating HNF1beta, PKHD1 and UMOD in the first group and HNF1alpha, HNF4alpha, FABP1 and UGT2B7 in the second group. Finally, these results suggest that germline mutations of HNF1beta and HNF1alpha may predispose to renal tumors. Furthermore, we suggest that HNF1beta functions as a tumor suppressor gene in chromophobe renal cell carcinogenesis through a PKHD1 expression control.
Nest Box Temperature and Hatching Success of American Kestrels Varies with Nest Box Orientation

Abstract We studied orientation-dependent differences in nest box microclimate and American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) reproductive parameters in Idaho, USA. Unoccupied nest boxes facing west were ∼0.6° C cooler than boxes that faced south or east and had ∼20% lower relative humidity levels than boxes facing all other cardinal directions. Clutches in occupied boxes that faced southwest had a proportionately lower chance of hatching success (12 of 21 nests were successful), defined as having at least one egg hatch, than boxes that faced northwest (9 of 9 nests) or southeast (9 of 12 nests). The possible link between orientation-dependent differences in microclimate and hatching success, and the question of whether American Kestrels may select for orientation adaptively requires further investigation.
Genetic and Cultural Evolution: From Fossils to Proteins, and from Behaviour to Ethics

At the end of the Darwin bicentenary year it may be thought that there is little more left to say on the subject of evolution, but there are some aspects that still deserve further elaboration. There are several, largely non-overlapping, sets of evolutionary scientists – for example, the palaeontologists who are particularly interested in fossils and in the evolution of structure; the biochemists and molecular biologists who are interested in the molecular aspects of evolution; and the sociobiologists who include cultural evolution in their field of interest. The Darwin celebrations, reflecting his own scientific interests, have been dominated by the palaeontological approach and other approaches may have been somewhat neglected.
Screening sticky traps under low magnification for adult Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) and Aleyrodes spp. (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae).

Les aleurodes sont communement transportes dans le commerce international des vegetaux, et representent 25% des arthropodes trouves en association avec du materiel vegetal importe en Angleterre et au Pays de Galle entre 1996 et 2006. Plusieurs especes sont de quarantaine et des identifications rapides et precises sont essentielles afin que les services phytosanitaires puissent decider d'une action appropriee. La taxonomie des aleurodes est basee sur les pupariums, mais ils sont souvent difficiles a detecter quand ils sont presents a des densites faibles. Les adultes sont plus visibles et sont facilement pris sur des pieges jaunes englues. L'examen de ces pieges sous un faible grossissement pour distinguer les adultes de Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum et Aleyrodes spp. en utilisant les caracteres de pigmentation a ete evalue; 5151 adultes ont ete examines sur 238 pieges et leur identite predite. Vingt-et-un pourcents des adultes ont ete montes sur lame et examines a fort grossissement pour verifier leur identite. La precision globale de la prediction initiale de l'espece d'aleurode sous faible grossissement etait de 98%. La vitesse et la fiabilite de la detection des adultes de B. tabaci sur pieges englues ont ete grandement ameliorees et le nombre d'adultes necessitant une preparation sur lame a ete reduit (en moyenne de 46% par piege), ce qui a conduit a d'importances economies en comparaison de la selection au hasard d'adultes. Les protocoles pour detacher les adultes des pieges et preparer les lames de microscope sont presentes.
How classroom design impacts for student learning comfort: Architect perspective on designing classrooms

This study aimed to determine the factors that influence student learning comfort in the classroom and its distribution. This explorative study employed 772 students who were elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school students in several Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta schools. Data collection techniques using open questionnaires. The data analysis technique uses qualitative analysis which consists of three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results showed that the factors that influence learning comfort of students in the classroom include: air circulation, quietness, cleanliness, adequate & supportive facilities, and peer attendance. These five factors are among other factors that are grouped into two: 1) factors originating from the physical environment (of building & site themes and of indoor space themes); and 2) factors from within its occupants (of human themes). The theme that shows the highest influence comes from the physical conditions in the classroom, that is indoor space themes.
AVIDIN EXPRESSION DOES NOT INCREASE SPEED OF KILL OF SPODOPTERA LITURA BY BACULOVIRUS

A disarmed (polh-minus) Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus-based baculovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) on the strong late promotor p10 was constructed. A second virus was made which also expressed the biotin-binding protein, avidin, from the strong late promotor polh. Both viruses caused strong fluorescence in Spodoptera frugiperda cells in insect cell culture. Seven-day-old larvae of Spodoptera litura were inoculated by microinjection with GFP virus, GFP+avidin virus or tissue culture medium (control). Mortality, growth rate and the development of green fluorescence were followed and after death the larvae were analysed for GFP and avidin content. All virus-injected larvae developed strong fluorescence. However, no significant differences in growth or mortality were seen between the larvae injected with virus expressing and not expressing avidin. Both GFP and avidin accumulated to high levels in the larvae. The expression of avidin did not change the level of expression of GFP.
Revision of the genus Amadotrogus Reitter, 1902 (n. stat.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

Abstract In this paper, the subgenus Amadotrogus Reitter, 1902 and its taxonomic status as a subordinate taxon of genus Amphimallon are reviewed. Two kinds of character sets are discussed; those relative to the external morphology of the adult and those of the male and female genitalia. Subgenus Amadotrogus is compared with its recognized allied genera in the same clade (Coca-Abia 1995) Amphimallon Berthold, 1827; Geotrogus Guérin, 1842; Monotropus Erichson, 1847; Pseudoapeterogyna Escalera, 1914 and Rhizotrogus Berthold, 1827 to asses the realtionships of these taxa. Phylogenetic analysis discloses that Amadotrogus, considered to be a subgenus of Amphimallon, has synapomorphic characters which justify its elevation to generic rank. Thus, genus Amadotrogus includes seven species distributed across the Northern Mediterranean basin. The type species, Amadotrogus quercanus (Burmeister, 1855), and six others, transferred from genus Rhizotrogus: Amadotrogus grassii (Mainardi, 1902), Amadotrogus insubricus (Burmeister, 1855), Amadotrogus oertzeni (Brenske, 1886), Amadotrogus patru- elis (Reiche, 1862), Amadotrougs truncatus (Brenske, 1886) and Amadotrogus vicinus (Mulsant, 1842) (Coca-Abia & Martín-Piera 1998). In addition, Rhizotrogus rugifrons Burmeister, 1855 is considered a new synonym of Amadotrogus vicinus. Rhizotrogus bolivari Martínez y Sáez, 1873, Amphimallon cata- launicum Báguena, 1956 and Rhizotrogus lajonquierei Baraud, 1970 are synonymized with Amadotrogus patruelis.
Reducing uncertainty in projections of extinction risk from climate change

Aim Concern over the implications of climate change for biodiversity has led to the use of species–climate ‘envelope’ models to forecast risks of species extinctions under climate change scenarios. Recent studies have demonstrated significant variability in model projections and there remains a need to test the accuracy of models and to reduce uncertainties. Testing of models has been limited by a lack of data against which projections of future ranges can be tested. Here we provide a first test of the predictive accuracy of such models using observed species’ range shifts and climate change in two periods of the recent past. Location Britain. Methods Observed range shifts for 116 breeding bird species in Britain between 1967 and 1972 (t1) and 1987–91 (t2) are used. We project range shifts between t1 and t2 for each species based on observed climate using 16 alternative models (4 methods × 2 data parameterizations × 2 rules to transform probabilities of occurrence into presence and absence records). Results Modelling results were extremely variable, with projected range shifts varying both in magnitude and in direction from observed changes and from each other. However, using approaches that explore the central tendency (consensus) of model projections, we were able to improve agreement between projected and observed shifts significantly. Conclusions Our results provide the first empirical evidence of the value of species–climate ‘envelope’ models under climate change and demonstrate reduction in uncertainty and improvement in accuracy through selection of the most consensual projections.
Citrullus colocynthis as a medicinal or poisonous plant: A revised fact

1 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. 2 Cell, Molecular and Developmental Division, Biology Department, Science Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. 3 Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. 4 Internal medicine Cardiology Department, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Viral Diseases Affecting Open Field Tomato in Jordan

This study reports the incidence of tomato viruses in open field tomato in Jordan. A total of 1647 tomato samples were collected from Southern Jordan Valley, Central Jordan Valley, Northern Jordan Valley and Badia. Double-antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) tests indicated that about 39.6% of the collected samples were infected with one virus or more. The survey results revealed the presence of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Tomato ring spot virus (ToRSV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), Tobacco etch virus (TEV) and Tobacco rattle virus (TRV). Interestingly, TSWV was the dominant viral disease in tomato fields since about 17.7% of the samples collected were found to be infected with TSWV either in a single or mixed infection. The second greatest number of samples were infected with PVY at 8.7% infection, followed by ToRSV with 7.8% infection. However, Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Potato virus X (PVX), Tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were not detected in any tomato sample.
Growth Determinants of Micro and Small Enterprises in Ethiopia: Evidence from Selected Woredas of Gurage Zone

The study attempts to provide two integrated growth models, sales and employee growth model to assess the factors that determine Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE’s) growth. Cluster sampling techniques was employed and a total of 348 samples were selected. The data were collected through questionnaires, key-informant interviews and focus group discussions. Both descriptive and empirical analysis methods were employed and the descriptive part was analyzed using central tendency measures, dispersion, while the empirical analysis applied confirmatory factor analysis, first order structural analysis and second order structural analysis. The study elucidates the inter-relationship among the four determinants of growth. According to the path analysis results, internal capabilities and business structure is key dimension that directly affects MSE’s growth (through innovation and imitations and number of products with employee incentives), and followed by human capital, social capital and access to external resources. A number of variables influence MSE’s growth. These may affect the growth directly, indirectly, or both. Human capital of owner-managers had direct and indirect effect on MSEs’ growth. In particular, training with work experience in same field has substantial positive effect on MSE’s growth. In addition to the direct effect, it has indirect positive effect via variables in social capital (such as organizational network with network maintenance and resources sharing with enterprise) and internal capabilities and business structure. The results with respect to access to external resources reveal both direct and indirect effects on MSEs’ growth. Especially, access to inputs (labor, raw material and finance) has substantial significant positive effect on growth. In the case of internal capabilities and business structure, the result suggests that it has direct positive effect on MSEs’ growth through innovations and imitations and number of products with employee incentives. Following the result, it is recommended that to best promote the growth of MSE’s in the study area, concerned body should take the following measures: 1) enhance human capital through training and technical assistance programs; 2) promote different form of innovations and imitations such as product, process, work practice, marketing and supply relations by increasing contacts with organizational networks and enhancing; 3) support collaboration with business support institutions and other organizations can serve to acquire the expertise and services that currently are lacking in the industry.
Functional relationships and bio-optical properties derived from phytoplankton pigments, optical and photosynthetic parameters; a case study of the Benguela ecosystem

The relationships between phytoplankton pigments, optical properties and photosynthetic parameters for different phytoplankton functional types (derived by diagnostic pigment indices, DPI) were determined from data acquired in the Benguela ecosystem and the offshore region in October 2002. We observed robust inter-pigment relationships: total chlorophyll-a (TChla) was highly correlated with total pigment (TP) and accessory pigment (AP). However, the regression equations for stations dominated by flagellates differed from the equations for stations dominated by diatoms and dinoflagellates. The pigment ratio TChla/TP and the optical ratio a676/a440 were not constant but increased non-linearly with increasing TChla or TP; complimentarily the AP/TP and a490/a676 ratios decreased. There were significant non linear relationships between the photosynthetic parameters Fv/Fm or σPSII measured by Fast Repetition Rate Fluorometry and TChla or TP. Pigment ratios, optical ratios, Fv/Fm and σPSII were all inter-correlated with high significance. We determined the distinctive bio-optical properties associated with dominant phytoplankton functional types (derived by DPI) that conformed to the classical partitioning: flagellates (nano-plankton, comprising several taxa) had low biomass,low TChla/TP fraction and low Fv/Fm and high σPSII; diatoms and dinoflagellates (micro-plankton) had high biomass, pigment ratios, Fv/Fm and low σPSII.