Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scale for resource selection functions

Resource selection functions (RSFs) are statistical models defined to be proportional to the probability of use of a resource unit. My objective with this review is to identify how RSFs can be used to unravel the influence of scale in habitat selection. In wildlife habitat studies, including radiotelemetry, RSFs can be estimated using a variety of statistical methods, all of which can be used to explore the role of scale. All RSFs are bounded by the resolution of data and the spatial extent of the study area, but also allow predictor covariates to be measured at a variety of scales. Conditional logistic regression permits designs (e.g. matched case) that relate the process of habitat selection to a limited domain of resource units that might better characterize what is truly ‘available’ to the animal. Scale influences the process of habitat selection, e.g. food resources are often selected at fine spatial scales, whereas landscape patterns at much larger scales typically influence the location of home ranges. Scale also influences appropriate sampling in many ways: (1) heterogeneity might be obliterated (transmutation) if resolution or grain size is too large, (2) variance of habitat characteristics might be undersampled if extent or domain is too small, (3) timing and duration of observations can influence RSF models, and (d) both spatial and temporal autocorrelations can vary directly with the intensity of sampling. Using RSFs, researchers can examine habitat selection at multiple scales, and predictive models that bridge scales can be estimated. Using Geographical Information Systems, predictor covariates in RSF models can be measured at different scales easily so that the predictive ability of models at alternative spatial and temporal domains can be explored by the investigator. Identification of the scale that best explains the data can be evaluated by comparing alternative models using information‐theoretic metrics such as Akaike Information Criteria, and predictive capability of the models can be assessed using k‐fold cross validation.
The Oncoprotein SF2/ASF Promotes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival by Enhancing Survivin Expression

Purpose: SF2/ASF is a splicing factor recently described as an oncoprotein. In the present work, we examined the role of SF2/ASF in human non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and analyzed the molecular mechanisms involved in SF2/ASF-related carcinogenesis. Experimental Design: SF2/ASF protein levels were analyzed in 81 NSCLC patients by immunohistochemistry. SF2/ASF downregulation cellular models were generated using small interfering RNAs, and the effects on proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated. Survivin and SF2/ASF expression in lung tumors was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Survival curves and log-rank test were used to identify the association between the expression of the proteins and time to progression. Results: Overexpression of SF2/ASF was found in most human primary NSCLC tumors. In vitro downregulation of SF2/ASF induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. This effect was associated with a reduction in the expression of survivin, an antiapoptotic protein widely upregulated in cancer. In fact, SF2/ASF specifically bound survivin mRNA and enhanced its translation, via a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway-dependent mechanism, through the phosphorylation and inactivation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1. Moreover, SF2/ASF promoted the stability of survivin mRNA. A strong correlation was observed between the expression of SF2/ASF and survivin in tumor biopsies from NSCLC patients, supporting the concept that survivin expression levels are controlled by SF2/ASF. Furthermore, combined expression of these proteins was associated with prognosis. Conclusion: This study provides novel data on the mTORC1- and survivin-dependent mechanisms of SF2/ASF-related carcinogenic potential, and shows that SF2/ASF and survivin expression is involved in NSCLC progression. Clin Cancer Res; 16(16); 4113–25. ©2010 AACR.
A report on the conservation status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan

Summary Intensification of agriculture has significantly diminished the populations of segetal weeds worldwide in recent decades. Remarkable changes to the entire flora and vegetation of man-made habitats are being observed in agroecosystems. The present study analyses, for the first time, the threat status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan. A group of 871 weed species were evaluated against IUCN criteria. The assessment of threat status revealed that 214 weed taxa have to be regarded as threatened in Tajikistan, including 18 endemic and four subendemic plants. Five species have been classified as extinct, 27 as critically endangered, 27 as endangered, 39 as vulnerable, 34 as near threatened and 44 as in the ‘least concern’ category. For 38 species, the threat level was not possible, due to lack of data. The most threatened group of taxa is related to rice paddy fields. Numerous losses and disappearances were also observed in cereal communities. Percentages of threatened species in different chorological groups amounted to 58% in the Irano–Turanian, 17% in the Pluriregional, 11% in the Mediterranean, 9.5% in the Cosmopolitan and 4% in the Euro–Siberian species group. Assessment of the threatened status of the rich segetal flora of Tajikistan affords the opportunity to raise awareness of the value of this group of species in the country and may be useful in the conservation management of arable habitats. The results show that even though agriculture in Tajikistan is still based on traditional management and manual work, weed control causes a serious threat to its segetal flora.
Remote Board Meetings and Board Monitoring Effectiveness: Evidence from China

Using Chinese data, we examine whether synchronous remote board meetings, which facilitate status equalization among directors and alleviate their pressure for conformity, affect board monitoring effectiveness. We find that compared to face-to-face meetings, synchronous remote meetings are associated with directors’ better meeting attendance behavior, a higher likelihood of director dissent on monitoring-related proposals, higher forced CEO turnover-performance sensitivity, and more effective investments. These results hold when we use remote meetings that include both synchronous and asynchronous remote meetings. Proposal-director level analysis further shows that remote meetings reduce the pressure to conform faced by young first-term directors and socially connected directors.
Ultrastructure and regeneration of midgut epithelial cells in Lithobius forficatus (Chilopoda, Lithobiidae)

Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda, Chilopoda, Lithobiidae) is a widespread species of centipede that is common across Europe. Its midgut epithelial cells are an important line of defense against toxic substances that originate in food, such as pathogens and metals. Despite this important role, the biology of the midgut epithelium is not well known. Here we describe the ultrastructure of the midgut epithelium, as well as the replacement of degenerated midgut epithelial cells. The midgut epithelium of L. forficatus is composed of digestive, secretory, and regenerative cells. The cytoplasm of digestive cells shows regionalization in organelle distribution, which is consistent with the role of these cells in secretion of enzymes, absorption of nutrients, and accumulation of lipids and glycogen. Secretory cells, which do not reach the luminal surface of the midgut epithelium, possess numerous electron-dense and electron-lucent granules and may have an endocrine function. Hemidesmosomes anchor secretory cells to the basal lamina. Regenerative cells play the role of midgut stem cells, as they are able to proliferate and differentiate. Their proliferation occurs in a continuous manner, and their progeny differentiate only into digestive cells. The regeneration of secretory cells was not observed. Mitotic divisions of regenerative cells were confirmed using immunolabeling against BrdU and phosphohistone H3. Hemocytes associate with the midgut epithelium, accumulating between the visceral muscles and beneath the basal lamina of the midgut epithelium. Hemocytes also occur among the digestive cells of the midgut epithelium in animals infected with Rickettsia-like microorganisms. These hemocytes presumably have an immunoprotective function in the midgut.
Características das condições ambientais no reservatório da UHE Sobradinho no contexto da geração fotovoltaica flutuante

The main objective of the study is to analyze the environmental conditions in the site of the photovoltaic floating plant Sobradinho - BA and the characteristics of the photovoltaic generator as well as to estimate the generator operating temperature, a fundamental parameter in the performance of photovoltaic generation and strongly related to weather conditions. To this end, a floating test bench formed by a set of environmental measurement sensors coupled to a floating base was connected to 1 MWp UFF-Sobradinho (first stage of 5 MWp and in the final phase). The bench also includes two short-circuit and open-circuit photovoltaic modules, with instrumentation for temperature measurement and electrical parameters of the photovoltaic generator. The information collected is not available in the literature on these specific environmental conditions of floating photovoltaic systems in hydroelectric lakes, particularly in the UHE - Sobradinho lake. The behavior of the temperature variation of the photovoltaic generator as a function of the measured local weather conditions (solar irradiance, temperature, and relative humidity, wind speed and direction) is analyzed and estimated considering a model of energy balance and physical characteristics of the photovoltaic generator. The results confirm the excellent environmental conditions of the UHE - Sobradinho reservoir region and the operating efficiency of the generator, about 15.5% when operating in the real environmental conditions of the site. In addition to experimental studies and the development of a simple and effective generator performance estimation model, the work also presents an extensive analysis of the latest generation of Floating Photovoltaic Power Plants (UFF) in the world to provide relevant information on the technology trends of this Application.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEA CULTIVARS

The effects of two relative humidities and three temperature regimes on the growth and yield responses of four pea cultivars were investigated. The high day/night temperature regime of 27/17 C, compared with 17/7 C, decreased the number of pods per plant by 46, 65, 66 and 54% in the cultivars Dark Skin Perfection, Nugget, Early Sweet 11 and Elf, respectively. Continued growth at the high temperature decreased pea yield by 50% in Dark Skin Perfection and about 70% in the other cultivars. When plants were first grown at 17/7 until full bloom and then subjected to the 27/7 C regime, the high temperature treatment showed no significant effect on growth and yield. Dark Skin Perfection was the least adversely affected by high temperature. No significant differences in growth and yield were observed at 50 and 90% relative humidities.
Molluscicidal and Feeding Deterrent Activity of Crude Plant Extracts on Pomacea maculata Perry

: This study was focused on molluscicidal effect and feeding deterrent activity of saponin from five different plant materials; Andrographis paniculata , Entada spiralis , Ficus deltoidea , Furcraea selloa and Ipomoea batatas . Crude plant extracts were prepared from plant powders using methanol. The crude extracts were then tested on Pomacea maculata using five different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm, respectively) against niclosamide (control). After 72 h of exposure, the highest percentage of mortality of 80% was achieved from 15 ppm of F. selloa. Two analyses were conducted to observe the feeding deterrent activity and after 24 h, both analyses demonstrated the feeding deterrent activity in both crude extracts ( F. selloa and E. spiralis ) similar in niclosamide.
TYPES OF VASCULAR BUNDLES IN THE MONOCOTYLEDONEAE AND THEIR RELATION TO THE LATE METAXYLEM CONDUCTING ELEMENTS

being the most common number. There is a distinctive peripheral band below the apex of each semicell on each cell wall. Each band consists of three rows of small markings. Conjugation is scalariform in the present material. The cells remain united in filaments; several hundred pairs of gametangia were counted in some cases. Conjugating cells have well developed, clearly defined, elongated conjugation tubes. Zygospores are formed in receptive gametangia. The species is heterothallic. The zygospores are smooth, two or three walled, and compressedglobose in shape. (Length 43-56 j; width 33-43 /.) Lateral conjugation apparently does not occur in the present material although incipient conjugation was observed. Parthenospores occur frequently. A few spores were observed in cells with no conjugation tubes. Such spores could possibly be termed aplanospores.
β‐Thalassaemia intermedia in a Turkish girl: homozygosity for G→A substitution at +22 relative to the β‐globin cap site

We provide the first description of a homozygote patient for the G→A substitution in the 5′ UTR of the β‐globin gene. The proband was a 17‐year‐old girl with β‐thalassaemia intermedia who had never received a blood transfusion. The physical examination revealed a well‐developed women with no facial or bony abnormalities. There was mild paleness and mild splenomegaly which was 2 cm below the costal margin. The haemoglobin (Hb) was 7·6 g/dl, Hb A2 5·4% and Hb F 14·6% of the total Hb. The Hb A2 of both parents was 3·5%. The Hb F level in the mother and father were 0·9, 1·2% and the mean cell volume (MCV) value was 70 and 72 fl respectively. DNA analysis of the β‐gene region of the propositus revealed homozygosity for a G→A substitution at nucleotide +22 relative to the β‐gene cap site, within a functional downstream region that was referred to as the DCE (downstream core element). In addition to the data obtained previously from in vitro transcription assays, clinical findings and in vivo expression studies gave some valuable clues about the effect of +22 G→A mutation on the expression of β‐gene. Phenotypic expression of this homozygous patient is highly suggestive that G→A substitution at nt +22 confers a relatively mild (silent) β+‐thalassaemia phenotype.
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Prevention in Nigerian Public Sector: A Conceptual Paper

This study examines forensic accounting and fraud prevention in Nigerian public sector by using some selected studies from within and outside Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to determine how does forensic accounting prevents fraud in Nigeria Public Sector and to determine whether forensic accounting prevents fraud in Nigeria Public Sector. To achieve the stated objectives of the study, data were collected from secondary source or Content Analysis. Based on the analysis, the study found that a significant positive influence exists between forensic accounting techniques and fraud prevention. The paper is of the opinion that more steps should be taken to ensure fraud prevention with the application of forensic accounting techniques. Moreover, an effective and thorough legal framework should be developed and be provided for effective enforcement of what the law say by government agencies that were saddled with such responsibility on behalf of the government.
Altered timing of avian movements in a peri-urban environment and its relationship to climate

Abstract The peri-urban environment of Langwarrin, near Melbourne, Australia, was used to investigate relationships between local climate and timing of movements in land and waterbirds. From 1976 to 1997, three of 12 species (25%) significantly altered the timing of their arrival, four of 11 species (36%) altered the timing of their departure, and two of 13 (15%) altered the time of their peak abundance. For many species (68%) timing of seasonal movements was significantly correlated with climate, in particular the timing of arrival, peak abundance and for movement in autumn. Minimum temperature appeared to have a greater influence on timing of avian movements than maximum temperature, rainfall or the number of rain-days, and where rainfall or the number of rain-days appeared important it was generally in the season before movement. Although based on a period and location where little warming or drying was observed, the complexity of responses seen by these species indicates that it may not be straightforward to predict the timing of movements of individuals or populations in response to climatic shifts. Given climatic projections of more pronounced warming and drying of this region, this study highlights the need to monitor bird populations continually to determine if species respond predominantly to interannual variability in climate or to, as yet unknown, climatic thresholds.
Isoenzyme and Total Protein Analysis by Agarose Isoelectric Focusing, and Taxonomy of the Genus Acanthamoeba

Thirty axenically grown reference strains belonging to 15 different Acanthamoeba spp. were investigated for isoenzyme patterns by agarose isoelectric focusing in the pH range 3–10. Zymograms of acid phosphatase, leucine amino peptidase, malate dehydrogenase, propionyl esterase, glucose phosphate isomerase, phosphoglucomutase, and alcohol dehydrogenase were compared. The same strains were also analyzed for protein patterns separated by agarose isoelectric focusing in a pH gradient of 5–8. The results suggested changes in taxonomy within morphology group II of Pussard & Pons. Acanthamoeba paradivionensis becomes a synonym of A. divionensis. Although this species seems to be related to A. rhysodes, it could not be concluded that the species names are synonyms since the type strain of A. rhysodes was not available for comparison. In the subgroup A. polyphaga–A. quina–A. lugdunensis, A. lugdunensis becomes the species name for pathogenic strains of this subroup, A. quina for the nonpathogenic strains, while A. polyphaga is the species name for an atypical strain. Two strains of A. castellanii showed different zymograms from strain Neff of this species, but related protein patterns. In group III, A. pustulosa is found to be a synonym of A. palestinensis, while one strain of A. lenticulata is also found to belong to the A. palestinensis species. All other species names in both morphology groups could be retained as valuable, on the basis of the techniques used. Group I was not investigated, as axenic cultures could not be obtained.
Winning an Award Could Set You Free: Earnings Management and the Balance of Power between CEOs and CFOs

This paper investigates how the balance of power between chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) influences the use of earnings management. I employ nationwide awards that recognize CFO excellence as shocks to awardees’ job-market status and use a regression discontinuity design (RDD) to establish causal effects. I find that, compared to nominees who were close to winning the award, awardee CFOs experience a sharp increase in career opportunities, both outside and inside their own firms. Consistent with the view that shifts in bargaining power between the CEO and CFO can mitigate earnings management, I find that awardee firms have a significantly smaller magnitude of discretionary accruals than nominees in the first two years after the award. In addition, winning the award has a substantially negative effect on positive accruals, while the positive effect on negative accruals is less significant. Moreover, I find no evidence that the rise of CFO power triggers an increase in the use of real earnings management in awardee firms. Overall, my findings suggest that the balance of power between CEOs and CFOs plays an important role in the quality of financial reporting. JEL classification: G30, G34, J33, M41
Sexual Dimorphism in Morphometry and Allometry of the Adult Lined Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus

Despite monogamous mating systems and size-assortative mating observed in many seahorse (Hippocampus) species, sexual dimorphism is nonetheless observed in some. This study documents morphometry and allometry of the adult Lined Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, and examines sexual dimorphism in these measures. Males exhibit longer standard lengths, shorter trunks with isometric growth, and longer tails with positively allometric growth. In contrast, females demonstrate positively allometric growth of trunk length and isometric growth in tail length. There is no observed dimorphism in the weight–length relationship, but it is positively allometric. Sexual dimorphism of body parts suggests sexually selective pressures, with longer trunks in larger females accommodating developing ovaries, and longer tails hypothetically garnering advantages for larger males in courtship behavior (tail grabbing), gestation (supporting brood pouches), and intraspecific competition (tail wrestling). Though monogamous mating systems predict sexual monomorphism, the dimorphisms observed are probably a result of selection pressures due to the conventional sex roles maintained in this species.
Closely related families of genes code for the α and α‘ subunits of the soybean 7S storage protein complex

Abstract Nineteen cloned cDNAs encoding the alpha and alpha'-subunits of the 7S seed storage protein in the soybean, Glycine max, have been isolated from a recombinant cDNA library constructed with mRNA from maturing seeds. In addition, a gene encoding an alpha'-subunit has been isolated from a recombinant Charon 4A phage library containing genomic Glycine max DNA. The cloned DNAs have been divided, on the basis of their endonuclease sites, into two main classes of sequences which differ in approximately 6% of their nucleotides. Whereas the proteins encoded within each DNA class are nearly identical, the proteins encoded by the two different classes of soybean DNAs are distinct and correspond to alpha and alpha'-subunits. Thus, the alpha and alpha'-subunits are coded for by two closely related multigene families. The amino acid differences in the portions of the alpha and alpha'-subunits presented in this paper occur primarily near the carboxyl-terminus. The 3' noncoding nucleotides of the cloned alpha and alpha'-subunit DNAs are more highly conserved than are the coding nucleotides. This conservation suggests that the 3' untranslated sequences of the alpha and alpha'-subunit mRNAs are functional in the expression of the alpha and alpha'-subunit proteins or in the stabilization of the 7S subunit mRNAs.
First Detection of Penicillium fellutanum from Stored Rice in Korea

A representative isolate KU53 of the predominant Penicillium species was obtained from rice samples from rice processing complexes of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation in Korea. In this study, isolate KU53 was identified by its morphological and molecular characteristics. The macro- and microscopic characteristics of isolate KU53 were compared with the P. fellutanum reference isolate KCTC16913 on different media; isolate KU53 was generally identical to those of the reference isolate KCTC16913. In a molecular-based identification, the β-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1-alpha sequences of isolate KU53 was most closely related to those of P. fellutanum. Thus, isolate KU53 from stored rice could be identified as P. fellutanum, some isolates of which are known to produce mycotoxin-related metabolites. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of P. fellutanum from stored rice in Korea.