Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrofauna - plant-biomass interactions in a euhaline salt marsh in Paranagua Bay (SE Brazil)

To assess if benthic macrofaunal parameters correlate with aboveand below-ground plant biomass, we conducted a 14 mo survey over an intertidal flat colonized by Spartina alterniflora in the euhaline, high-energy sector of Paranagua Bay (Southeastern Brazil). Variations in species richness, overall abundance of epifauna and infauna, and densities of numerically dominant species in relation to Spartina biomass values were analyzed using principal components analysis and stepwise multiple regression. Ninety-eight taxa were found, with the 9 most abundant species comprising more than 80 % of total macrofauna. A 2-factor principal component model, which explained 65.7 % of the total variation within the data set, revealed a strong interaction among plant biomass values, faunal parameters and time of year, as well as an inverse relationship between aerial and below-ground plant components, reflecting storage and growth events. Vanation in total numbers of species and densities of the epifaunal Parhyalella whelpleyi (Amphipoda) and Bittjum varium (Gastropoda), and the infaunal Lucina pectinata (Bivalvia) was not significantly related to the various plant biomass measures, suggesting that other processes may be involved in the regulation of local species richness. On the other hand, total infaunal numbers, and the densities of the infaunal dominants, Isolda pulchella and Nerejs oligohalina (Polychaeta), were significantly predicted by live below-ground biomass expressed as dry weight, but not as ash-free dry weight. This indicates that plant matenal is pnmarily used as a refuge or physical support to tubes, rather than as a food source. Total epifaunal and Littorina flava (Gastropoda) numbers were negatively correlated to live above-ground plant biomass. We advance some hypotheses to explain such an unexpected pattern, taking into account feeding strategies and predation pressure as influenced by plant characteristics We infer that infaunal abundance is in fact strongly affected by below ground Spartlna biomass. Unexpectedly, higher aerial plant b~omass did not bear higher epifaunal or infaunal numbers; such relationships would be better expressed by negative linear interactions or nonlinear models Plant architecture is a major force, together with seasonal oscillations in detrital input and predation pressure, in structunng the macrofauna of local salt marshes.
Monitoring online communication: can the development of convergence and social presence indicate an interactive learning environment?

More units of study are being offered flexibly, using distance education and online facilities, as a consequence of recent educational developments in higher education, with learner expectations of being able to study when they like and where they like, as well as increasing class enrolments and more students studying remotely or part‐time. However, the quality of the learning experience and the efficacy of placing learning activities that require student interaction and discourse in an online environment have been questioned. The concerns raised by educators regarding placing learning activities online are often about the types of learning environments that are being created and the tools available to support student communication in a virtual learning environment. Asynchronous computer‐mediated communication is one means of allowing students to communicate independently of time and place, and to communicate questions, opinions and queries when transferring interactive learning activities to an online environment. The use of threaded, online discussions that allow asynchronous communication has been criticised for not producing the perceived benefits for learners and educators. This paper assesses the use of asynchronous computer‐mediated communication and the degree of convergence and level of social presence as indicators of developing highly responsive and interactive learning environments in the context of an inquiry‐based learning activity, using a case study approach with problem solving and self‐directed research.
A comparative analysis of public affairs master’s programs in the United States and the Latin American region

ABSTRACT Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration has been seeking to become a global leader in Public Policy & Administration (PPA) education by sharing knowledge and experiences across its members and other associate programs around the world. The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is part of this endeavor and Mexico represents a strategic partner for this network. Comparative studies of PPA higher education are relatively recent but only focus on the supply-side (programs offered by universities) among developed countries. A competency map framework was extended to considering the supply and demand-sides (universities and employers) of the PPA education market. By comparing official information of 301 master’s programs between the United States, LAC region, and Mexico, this study identifies similarities/differences of general characteristics and competencies from the supply side as a first part of an investigation. The results provide insights of PPA higher education between these countries and regions with some practical implications.
Economic shocks & civil conflict onset in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981–2010

A number of studies have examined the link between rainfall and conflict but results so far have been inconclusive. This study examines the effect of rainfall on economic performance in different sectors and conflict onset. The empirical analysis finds no support for a strong relation between rainfall and conflict as most results are not robust to different model specifications. The results also do not provide conclusive evidence for a link between growth in specific economic sectors and civil conflict onset.
The β2-adrenergic receptor/βarrestin complex recruits the clathrin adaptor AP-2 during endocytosis

βarrestins mediate the desensitization of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and many other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Additionally, βarrestins initiate the endocytosis of these receptors via clathrin coated-pits and interact directly with clathrin. Consequently, it has been proposed that βarrestins serve as clathrin adaptors for the GPCR family by linking these receptors to clathrin lattices. AP-2, the heterotetrameric clathrin adaptor protein, has been demonstrated to mediate the internalization of many types of plasma membrane proteins other than GPCRs. AP-2 interacts with the clathrin heavy chain and cytoplasmic domains of receptors such as those for epidermal growth factor and transferrin. In the present study we demonstrate the formation of an agonist-induced multimeric complex containing a GPCR, βarrestin 2, and the β2-adaptin subunit of AP-2. β2-Adaptin binds βarrestin 2 in a yeast two-hybrid assay and coimmunoprecipitates with βarrestins and β2AR in an agonist-dependent manner in HEK-293 cells. Moreover, β2-adaptin translocates from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in response to the β2AR agonist isoproterenol and colocalizes with β2AR in clathrin-coated pits. Finally, expression of βarrestin 2 minigene constructs containing the β2-adaptin interacting region inhibits β2AR endocytosis. These findings point to a role for AP-2 in GPCR endocytosis, and they suggest that AP-2 functions as a clathrin adaptor for the endocytosis of diverse classes of membrane receptors.
A Seed Treatment for Eliminating Non-hybrid Plants when using Atrazine Resistance as a Genetic Marker for Hybrid Seed Production

Abstract Brassica plants, with a combination of chloroplasts encoding triazine resistance and mitochondria encoding cytoplasmic male sterility, offer new opportunities for hybrid seed production. Such plants can be grown as a random mixture with a male parent, thereby allowing more effective pollen transfer for greater efficiency of hybrid seed production. Harvested seed consists of hybrid seed from the ‘female’ parent, which is triazine-resistant, and non-hybrid, triazine-sensitive seed resulting from self pollination of the ‘male’ parent. This study demonstrates that triazine-sensitive broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. var. italica ) progeny can easily be eliminated by allowing the seed to imbibe a solution of 10 g l -1 atrazine overnight then drying-back the seed for subsequent germination. Such a treatment prevents triazine-sensitive broccoli from developing beyond the cotyledon stage following germination, and remains effective for at least 3.5 years after seed treatment. The growth of triazine-resistant broccoli plants is unaffected by this seed treatment.
Reframing cinematography

ABSTRACT Current discussions around the practice of cinematography are focusing on the extension, or disruption, of the art-form as it is increasingly practiced in the realm of the virtual. The process of performing cinematography in a virtual environment is discussed initially by reflecting on the work of early cinematographers compared and contrasted with the work of modern cinematographers. Following this, comparisons are made between current leading examples of virtual cinematography in the discipline. Traditional and ‘new’ virtual practices of cinematography are unpacked through the prism of concepts proposed by theorists Jean Baudrillard (Simulacra and Simulation 1995) and Charles Pierce (Triadic Model of Indexical, Iconic and Symbolic Signs). Conceptually, this paper argues the practice of the contemporary cinematographer is, in style and substance, much the same as the very earliest cinematographic practice. In conclusion, a summation of the application of the leading methodological virtual cinematographic processes to the independent, low-budget, feature film Space/Time (Michael O'Halloran, 2017a (in-production)) is discussed by the author who is also the director of photography for this film.
Resource conflict in Kenya’s titanium mining industry: Ethno-ecology and the redefinition of ownership, control, and compensation

ABSTRACT The literature on community-mining enterprise conflict is currently dominated by discourses on equity, compensation, land ownership, and environmental degradation. While much debate has dwelled on whether mining is a curse or a blessing, little attention has been given to highlight the meanings that communities attach to the assets being fought over, and the need therefore to review existing laws on mining, and practices to reflect these realities. The displacement of over 3000 residents in Kwale, Kenya to make way for the mining of titanium has raised serious concerns over indigenous resource ownership and control in Kenya’s mining industry, calling for a fresh look at the Kenyan mining law. Using an ethno-ecological approach, this article explains how a community’s loss of land assets can induce a sense of vulnerability which can prefigure conflict. The conflict demonstrates the need for a more sensitive approach to community resource ownership and indigenous mineral control.
Variability in thermocline depth and strength, and relationships with vertical distributions of fish larvae and mesozooplankton in dynamic coastal waters

In this paper the dynamic nature of thermoclines is documented, and their influences on the vertical distributions of larval fishes and mesozooplankton in coastal waters off Sydney, southeastern Australia are tested. Significant small-scale spatial and temporal variability in thermocline depth and strength was observed, and even though there were strong depth-related differences in abundances of fish larvae and mesozooplankton, there were no predictable effects of thermoclines on their vertical distributions. Peak concentrations of some fish larvae were observed in thermoclines, but these patterns were not consistent among sampling locations and time periods. Fish larvae and mesozooplankton were most concentrated in the upper 30 m of the water column, regardless of thermocline position, and therefore trophic interactions among fish larvae and zooplankton would be strongest in this depth strata. Consequently, thermoclines were not considered the most important interface for trophic interactions in this dynamic coastal zone. We argue that thermoclines are probably not critical to the survival of fish larvae in relatively shallow coastal waters characterised by dynamic oceanographies where perturbations in the position and intensity of thermoclines are frequent.
Effects of nitrogen nutrition on the pattern of ions and organic solutes in five sedges (Carex spp.)

Summary In the present paper NH 4 + -, NO 3 − and both (NH 4 NO 3 )-N nutrition is compared in 5 Carex species that are native to wet-acidic oligotrophic ( C. limosa , C. rostrata ), moist-eutrophic ( C. gracilis ), saline ( C. distans ) and flysh habitats ( C. pilosa ). Water-soluble inorganic ions, organic acids, low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWC), amino acids, total N as well as in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) have been measured quantitatively. At low medium N concentration (1 mM), all investigated species showed similar intraspecific growth and solute pattern within shoots under different conditions of nitrogen supply (NO 3 — -N, NH 4 + -N, or both). NRA of Carex species was readily inducible even at low medium NO 3 — -N concentrations, even in species from acidic-oligotrophic habitats, showing their relatively high nitrate uptake and storage capacities. Therefore, it is suggested that under the usually low N field conditions, Carex species are very flexible with respect to the utilization of N sources. On the other hand, Carex species investigated showed remarkable intraspecific differences in ion pattern at high N nutrition (10 mM). High NH 4 + -fed plants contained higher levels of inorganic anions and amino acids, whereas at high NO 3 — -fed conditions the levels of cations and organic acids were higher and carbohydrates were somewhat lower. Asparagine (Asn) was the main N storage amino acid in the cultivated plants receiving luxury N nutrition. These results suggest that the Carex species investigated, having different ecological origin, behave rather similarly with respect to N metabolism. Obviously, they have the ability to utilize effectively both forms of nitrogen. This tolerance against different N supply might be an important physiological feature of the genus, which determines its ecological success.
Coordination of New and Alternate Methods of Analysis

Corresponding Members: P. Buscemi, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF); C. G. Johansson, European Brewing Convention (EBC); J. Murray, Institute and Guild of Brewing (IGB); and K. Harayama, Brewery Convention of Japan (BCOJ).
Scavenging behavior in spitting spiders, Scytodes (Araneae: Scytodidae)

Abstract Spitting spiders, Scytodes spp. , rapidly expectorate a zig-zag of silk from cephalothoracic glands through openings at the base of their fangs, tacking down prey before feeding. Previously, scavenging of dead prey was considered rare among the Araneae but, in laboratory bioassays, it is exhibited across a wide spectrum of spiders including Scytodes Latreille 1804. When presented with dead spiders as prey, two species of araneophagic Scytodes spiders secured their meals without deploying the probably metabolically expensive cephalothoracic silk in 25 of 30 feeding episodes. Scytodes globula Nicolet 1849 scavenged without spitting in 16 of 30 trials (53%), whereas S. atlacoya Rheims et al. 2007 did so in 9 of 36 trials (25%). Therefore, spitting spiders show behavioral plasticity in securing prey, conserving resources when necessary.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Individuals Living with HIV and Receiving Antiretroviral Treatment in Tanzania

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) among HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Tanzania. Study Design: A cross sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18years living with Original Research Article Kagaruki et al.; BJMMR, 5(10): 1317-1327, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.15
Biological Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Lettuce Using Antagonistic Bacteria

To isolate antagonistic bacteria against sclerotinia rot of lettuce, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, soil samples were collected from the diseased greenhouse field in Namyangju city, Gyeong-gi province from 2007 to 2008. A total of 196 bacterial isolates were isolated using serial dilution method. In dual culture assay in vitro, 26 isolates showed more than 80% of inhibition rates of mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the 26 isolates were identified as Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Arthrobacter nicotianae, A. ramosus, Pseudomonas filiscindens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Brevibacterium frigoritolerans and Sphingobacterium faecium. The 26 isolates inhibited the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum up to 80% and the sclerotial germination 0-100%. In the greenhouse pot test of ten isolates conducted in summer, 2 isolates B. megaterium (DK6) and B. cereus (C210) showed control efficacy on sclerotia viability of S. sclerotiorum, 20% and 35%, respectively. In the greenhouse pot test in winter, the disease incidence of the control group was 80%, whereas those of 9 isolates among 26 were approximately 20%. From the result, the 9 isolates are expected as potentially antagonistic bacteria for biological control of sclerotinia rot of lettuce caused by S. sclerotiorum.
Effect of artificial defoliation on biomass allocation in ectomycorrhizal Pinussylvestris seedlings

Ectomycorrhizal seedlings of Scots pine (Pinussylvestris L.) were subjected to repeated artificial defoliation (0, 25, 50, and 75%) to demonstrate the effect of a reduced amount of photosynthates on the allocation of biomass between the tree and its fungal symbionts. Defoliation reduced shoot biomass in the seedlings significantly, and belowground parts adjusted to the same growth level. Biomass parameters of seedlings that had undergone the mildest defoliation treatment did not differ significantly from control seedlings, while the two most intensive treatments reduced growth and biomass of seedlings in a similar way. Defoliation did not reduce mycorrhizal colonization or fungal biomass calculated per unit weight of fine roots. Actual needle biomass in seedlings correlated positively with stem biomass, total root biomass, fungal biomass both in roots and in soil, and the number of mycorrhizal root tips per seedling. Root/shoot ratio and total allocation pattern were relatively constant.
Suitability of Drought‐Preconditioning Techniques in Mediterranean Climate

Abstract Arid and semiarid ecosystems in the Mediterranean are under high risk of desertification. Revegetation with native well‐adapted evergreen shrubs is desirable, but techniques for successful establishment of these species are not fully developed. Transplant shock is a key hurdle to plantation success. The application of a drought‐preconditioning treatment during the last months of nursery culture is a potential technique for reducing transplant shock. This technique has been widely applied in boreal habitats and humid temperate areas. Three representative Mediterranean species (Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, and Juniperus oxycedrus seedlings) were exposed to classic drought‐preconditioning treatment consisting of reductions in the watering regime. The effects of preconditioning on seedling quality were assessed by cell water relationships (pressure–volume curves), minimal transpiration, leaf capacitance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange. Moreover, seedlings were exposed to transplant shock (intense drought period) during which water potential (predawn and midday) and maximal photochemical efficiency were evaluated to establish seedling performance. Results showed that preconditioning did not affect cell water relationships and minimal transpiration in any of the three species. Preconditioned seedlings of P. lentiscus maintained higher water content during desiccating conditions as a consequence of an increase in leaf water content at full turgor. These changes allowed plants to maintain higher net CO2 assimilation rates and an elevated photosystem II status, facilitating an increase in drought survival. Preconditioning improved the performance of Q. coccifera and J. oxycedrus seedlings, but these two species were much less responsive than P. lentiscus seedlings. Finally, results suggest that sensitivity to drought preconditioning may be related to drought tolerance or avoidance strategy of each species. Drought‐related strategies should be considered to optimize management scale preconditioning.
Common date palm in Tunisia: chemical composition of pulp and pits

Summary Date pulp and seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of a mixture of some mature common varieties called ‘Khalti’, from the South-Eastern region of Tunisia, were evaluated for their main chemical composition. Studies were also conducted on the profiles of the extracted oil fatty acid. The following average values (on a dry-weight basis) were obtained from the pulp and pits, respectively: total sugars 63.38% and 8.12%, reducing sugars 51.56% and 6.63%, sucrose 11.82% and 1.49%, protein 3.86% and 5.31%, oil 0.26% and 8.33%. Gas–liquid chromatography revealed that the major unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid (32.77%) for the pulp and oleic acid (47.66%) for the pits, while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (20.55%) for the pulp and lauric acid (17.39%) for the pits. Myristic, stearic and linolenic acids were also found in both the pulp and seeds. The uses of common dates, which are currently used only for animal feed, are assessed with suggestions for potential uses as sources of nutraceutical fructose and edible, pharmaceutical oils.
Effect of autoclaving sugar-beet fibre on its physico-chemical properties and its in-vitro degradation by human faecal bacteria

The effect of structure and properties of sugar-beet fibre on its degradability by human faecal bacteria was investigated by an in-vitro fermentation test. The composition and physico-chemical properties of sugar-beet fibre were changed by autoclaving. Autoclaving at 122°C and 136°C for I h increased the solubility mainly of pectins and arabinans and caused increased swelling. The form of the fibre influenced the water-binding capacity, the ionic form giving lowest values. Increasing the ionic strength of the medium reduced the water-binding capacity, especially for the raw fibres and fibres autoclaved at 122°C. The composition of the fibre did not entirely explain these differences and the three-dimensional arrangement of the different polymers in the cell wall was apparently involved. Galacturonic acid and arabinose were extensively depleted by human faecal bacteria and after 24h more than 80% of the initial carbohydrates had been degraded. However, the time course measurement of residual polysaccharides, production of short-chain fatty acids and values of pH showed differences in the rate of fermentation; the presence of solubilised material stimulated bacterial proliferation. The removal of pectic polysaccharides increased the degradability of cellulose and this fact suggested that accessibility is mainly responsible for the slow attack of cellulose in sugar-beet fibre.