Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual Variation in Predatory Behavior, Scavenging and Seasonal Prey Availability as Potential Drivers of Coexistence between Wolves and Bears

Several large carnivore populations are recovering former ranges, and it is important to understand interspecific interactions between overlapping species. In Scandinavia, recent research has reported that brown bear presence influences gray wolf habitat selection and kill rates. Here, we characterized the temporal use of a common prey resource by sympatric wolves and bears and described individual and seasonal variation in their direct and/or indirect interactions. Most bear–wolf interactions were indirect, via bear scavenging of wolf kills. Bears used >50% of wolf kills, whereas we did not record any wolf visit at bear kills. Adult and subadult bears visited wolf kills, but female bears with cubs of the year, the most vulnerable age class to conspecifics and other predators, did not. Wolf and bear kill rates peaked in early summer, when both targeted neonate moose calves, which coincided with a reduction in bear scavenging rate. Some bears were highly predatory and some did not kill any calf. Individual and age-class variation (in bear predation and scavenging patterns) and seasonality (in bear scavenging patterns and main prey availability of both wolves and bears) could mediate coexistence of these apex predators. Similar processes likely occur in other ecosystems with varying carnivore assemblages.
Body Scan Processing, Generative Design, and Multiobjective Evaluation of Sports Bras

Sports bras are critical to the comfort and performance of female athletes, yet mechanical models of sports bras are generally not used to guide their design. Typically, assessing any sports bra’s performance requires time-consuming and expensive biomechanical testing, which limits the number of designs considered. To more broadly advance knowledge on how different design properties of sports bras affect their performance, this paper presents a new design framework to explore and evaluate the sports bra design space. The framework incorporates methods for body scan analysis, fast simulation, design generation, and performance evaluation. Using these methods together enables the rapid exploration of hundreds, or thousands, of designs—each one having been evaluated on key metrics related to sports bra performance, namely, range of motion and average pressure. With this framework, designers can potentially discover a diverse set of new, high-performing sports bra concepts, as well as gain insights into how design decisions affect performance.
Thin-Slice Judgments of Children’s Social Status and Behavior

Abstract The moment a child walks into a new classroom, teachers and classmates form an impression based on minimal information. Yet, little is known about the accuracy of such impressions when it concerns children’s social functioning at school. The current study examined the accuracy of children’s, teachers’ and adults’ impressions of 18 unacquainted children based on thin slices of behavior. The likeability, popularity, prosocial behavior, aggression, and exclusion of these children were judged by 101 children, 79 elementary school teachers, and 68 young adults based on 20-second video clips. Judges were better than chance in predicting popularity and prosocial behavior, but worse than chance in predicting aggression and exclusion. Female judges were more accurate judging social exclusion of same-sex than other-sex targets. Teachers were more accurate than children in their judgments of prosocial behavior. The current study shows that confidence in one’s impression of aggression and exclusion in unacquainted children based on minimal information is not warranted.
Habitat Preference Within Its Native Range and Allelopathy of Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

ABSTRACT Even though Alliaria petiolata is a globally important invasive plant, for Europe it is a native humble understory species. I studied the population characteristics of A. petiolata in its native range (NE Slovenia) by evaluating its demographic structure (e.g. population size, density, plant fruit production) and herbivory damage in different habitats (forest understorey, forest edge, ruderal site). Moreover I tested the allelopathic potential of fresh A. petiolata leaves and roots on garden cress Lepidium sativum germination and seedling development. I performed bioassays with aqueous extracts and took a first step toward testing the presence of volatile potentially allelopathic compounds. The results showed that A. petiolata populations can become established at disturbed sites, even such without a tree canopy, but dense stands can be found only at disturbed forest edges. The bioassays confirmed the presence of A. petiolata aqueous and volatile allelochemicals in leaves and roots. Germination was suppressed more by volatiles, showing that allelopathy can act via volatile compounds and further suggesting their antifungal effects. The results allow predicting that the success of A. petiolata invasion in a non-native range might rely on its variable habitat tolerance (not being a strict ruderal species) and allelopathy.
Bermain Vegetable Eating Motivation (Vem) terhadap Perilaku Makan Sayuran pada Anak Prasekolah

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian bermain vegetable eating motivation (VEM) terhadap perilaku makan sayur pada anak prasekolah di TK Asma Jaya Kecamatan Lasolo Kabupaten Konawe Utara. Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimental dengan pendekatan pre and post test without control. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh anak prasekolah TK Asma Jaya Kecamatan Lasolo Kabupaten Konawe Utara yang berjumlah 16 anak. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan total sampling, metode analisis menggunakan Uji Wilcoxon. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli-Agustus 2018. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh pemberian bermain VEM terhadap perilaku makan sayur pada anak prasekolah di TK Asma Jaya Kabupaten Konawe Utara. Diharapkan kepada orang tua agar dapat memberikan gambaran tentang cara pemberian motivasi dan edukasi pada anak dengan pendekatan bermain VEM agar anak memiliki perilaku makan sayur yang baik.
The Perceived Benefits, Challenges, and Environmental Effects of Cover Crop Implementation in South Carolina

Cover crops are becoming more accepted as a viable best management practice because of their ability to provide important environmental and soil health benefits. Because of these benefits, many land managers are strongly encouraging the use of cover crops. Additionally, there is limited information on farmers′ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of implementing cover crops. Many farmers state that they do not have enough money or time to implement cover crops. In an attempt to gather more data about the adoption rate and perceptions of cover crops in South Carolina, a survey was sent to 3000 row crop farmers across the state. Farmers were asked whether they implement cover crops and their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with implementation. Furthermore, questions were asked regarding the impact of row cropping on their environment to gauge farmer′s education level on environmental impacts. Responses showed many people are implementing cover crops; however, there are still differences in perceptions about benefits and challenges between those who are adopting cover crops and those who are not. This research assesses these differences and aims to provide a baseline for focusing cover crop programs to tackle these certain challenges and promote the benefits.
Studies on the Molecular Cloning of a Gene for Beta-Glucosidase From a Bacillus Cereus/Cellulomonas Sp. Hybrid Bacterium Derived Through Protoplast Fusion.

lx Introduction . 1 Literature Review . 3 I. Biodegradation of cellulose. 3 II. 8-glucosidases . 9 1. Occurence and characteristics of g-glucosidase . 9 2. Mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis by g-glucosidase 16 III. Recombinant DNA technology for production of cellulolytic enzymes . 19 IV. Biotechnological applications of g-glucosidase . 23 Materials and Methods . 31 I. Bacterial strains . 31 II. Maintenance of organisms. 31 III. M e d i a . 32 IV. V e c t o r s . 33 V. X T n 5 . 33 VI. Enzymes used in molecular c l o n i n g . 33 VII. Methods of DNA preparation. 34 1. Isolation of chromosomal DNA from BacillusCellulomonas h y b r i d . 34 2. Plasmid DNA isolation. 35 3. Isolation of M13 RF D N A . 38 4. M13 single-stranded DNA preparation. 40 VIII. Transformation of Escherichia coli. 41 IX. Assay for 0-glucosidase. 42 X. Transposon mutagenesis. 42 XI. Electrophoresis techniques . 43 XII. Extraction of DNA from g e l s . 44 XIII. Nucleic acid hybridization techniques . 45 XIV. DNA sequencing methodology. 48 Results. 49 I. Cloning of the g-glucosidase gene into Escherichia coli plasmid pBR322 . 49 II. Characterization of presumptive cellobiose utilizing plasmid clones . 52 III. Transposon mutagenesis . 57
Tissue embedding in a silica hydrogel for functional investigations

Embedding procedures can be challenging for delicate specimens. We present a method based on a sodium metasilicate (waterglass) gel to embed tissue samples for acute physiological studies. We show that the application of such a colloidal gel has minimal effects on the properties of buffered solutions and cell activity, allowing functional investigations on sensitive cells such as ciliated insect olfactory neurons.
Allelopathic Inhibition by the Bacteria Bacillus cereus BE23 on Growth and Photosynthesis of the Macroalga Ulva prolifera

Bacteria-derived allelopathic effects on microalgae blooms have been studied with an aim to develop algicidal products that may have field applications. However, few such studies have been conducted on macroalgae. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted to investigate the impacts of different concentrations of cell-free filtrate of the bacteria Bacillus cereus BE23 on Ulva prolifera. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced when these cells were exposed to high concentrations of filtrate relative to f/2 medium. In such conditions, the antioxidative defense system of the macroalga was activated as shown by activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and upregulation of the associated genes upMnSOD and upCAT. High concentrations of filtrate also inhibited growth of U. prolifera, and reduced chlorophyll a and b, the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and the electron transport rate (rETR). Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was also inhibited, as evidenced by the downregulation of the photoprotective genes PsbS and LhcSR. Collectively, this evidence indicates that the alteration of energy dissipation caused excess cellular ROS accumulation that further induced oxidative damage on the photosynthesis apparatus of the D1 protein. The potential allelochemicals were further isolated by five steps of extraction and insolation (solid phase–liquid phase–open column–UPLC–preHPLC) and identified as N-phenethylacetamide, cyclo (L-Pro-L-Val), and cyclo (L-Pro-L-Pro) by HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. The diketopiperazines derivative, cyclo (L-Pro-L-Pro), exhibited the highest inhibition on U. prolifera and may be a good candidate as an algicidal product for green algae bloom control.
Life history of two data-poor but commercially valuable tropical reef fishes, Parupeneus barberinus and Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, from the Saipan fishery, Northern Mariana Islands

We provide a detailed characterisation of the life histories of two commercially important tropical goatfish species, Parupeneus barberinus and Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI). Two years of continuous fishery-dependent data were used to assess age, growth, mortality and reproduction. Both species are short-lived, with a maximum age of 5 years and maturation within the first year of life. Female and male P. barberinus reach 50% maturity at 15.4- and 20.2-cm fork length (FL) respectively. The M. flavolineatus females and males reach 50% maturity at 15.8- and 16.1-cm FL. Temporal variation in the reproductive cycle of M. flavolineatus indicated that average monthly gonadosomatic index had a clear reproductive period of May–June and an anomalously high peak in November. The reproductive seasonality of P. barberinus was less clear, owing to the abnormally high proportion of inactive physiologically mature females found throughout the year in the fishery across a wide size range. Migrations of P. barberinus into and out of the main fishing area (Saipan lagoon) may explain why the fishery does not encompass the actively spawning population.
Nutritive assessment of amino acids for three Chinese Zajius produced from hull‐less barley

In this study, the free amino acid content of traditional Zajiu, ‘small-scale trial’ Zajiu and commercial Zajiu, produced from hull-less barley, was determined using an automatic amino acid analyser. The amino acid nutritive value of the tested wines were measured using the ratio coefficient of amino acid and linear-regression analysis. A Chinese yellow wine was used as a reference. At least 17 types of free amino acids were found in all four of the tested wines. Chinese yellow wine exhibited the highest total amino acid content (3094 mg/L), followed by traditional Zajiu (2875 mg/L) and commercial Zajiu (2042 mg/L). However, Zajius had a higher essential amino acids/total amino acid ratio than Chinese yellow wine, and their composition of essencial amino acid more closely matched the recommendations of the World Health Organization/UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Analysis based on linear regression showed that the amino acid nutritive value of the wines was ranked from high to low as follows: commercial Zajiu, traditional Zajiu, Chinese yellow wine and ‘small-scale trial’ Zajiu. These results provide some information on the amino acid nutritional quality of Chinese Zajiu, and a new method for the amino acid nutritive value assessment of foods and beverages. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
Bats (chiroptera) and other small mammals (rodentia, lagomorpha, carnivora) from the pleistocene site trlica (Montenegro): biostratigraphical and paleoecological implications

Two bats, Rhinolophus cf. macrorhinus anomalidens and Myotis blythii longocaninus are reported for the first time from the Paleolithic site of Trlica in Montenegro. In addition, the previous list of small mammals from Trlica is now supplemented by Cricetus praeglacialis, Cricetulus sp. , Mimomys pliocaenicus, M. ex gr. savini, Terricola sp. , Lagurus ex gr. transiens, Microtus nivaloides, Pliolagus sp. , Martes sp. and small Vulpes sp. Based on the faunal composition, the lower layers of the Trlica site, which yielded the bat remains, should be dated to the Early Pleistocene. The upper layers are referred to the early Middle Pleistocene. The majority of the small mammal remains apparently come from pellets of birds of prey. In contrast, the scarcity of fossil bat remains could indicate their accumulation as a result of natural death. According to our analysis of the mammal fauna, the climate in the studied area in the Early Pleistocene was relatively cool. It became milder at the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene and the forest (presumably a broad-leaved forest) increased. However, local steppe areas in the northern part of Montenegro persisted during the Early and early Middle Pleistocene and large areas were covered with shrub.
DYS459, DYS391, DYS388 and DYS19 genetic loci have high allelic frequency in patients with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a significant disease in men, and a large number of individuals would benefit if risk factors that increase the susceptibility to develop prostate cancer could be established, which could aid in the early detection of the disease which is crucial for successful treatment. The first objective of this study was detection of allele frequencies of 12 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci from Iraqian prostate cancer patients and normal control males. The second objective was to evaluate the importance of these loci to develop prostate cancer. Blood samples were collected from 70 patients unrelated males living in middle and south of Iraq. FTA® Technology was utilized to extract DNA from blood collected on FTA™ paper. Post PCR amplification was detected by using ABI Prism1 3130xl Genetic Analyzer 16-capillary array system, with POP-7™ Polymer and Data Collection Software, Genemapper version 3.5 software. A higher incidence of disease was found among males who had either allele 10 of DYS391 or allele 9 of DYS459. It is likely that Iraqi males who belong to Y-lineages with either allele 10 or allele 9 are more susceptible to develop prostate cancer, while those belonging to lineages with allele 17 of DYS456 and DYS19 are more resistant to the disease. This study shows the influence of genetic elements on prostate cancer, and it seems that DYS391 and DYS459 locus comprising with other loci have the potential to be used as a screening method for prediction of susceptibility to prostate cancer in Iraqi population. Key words: DYS459, DYS391, DYS388, DYS19, high allelic frequency, prostate cancer, STR DNA typing.
An Analysis of Teaching Sustainable Development Values (SDVs) at Madrassah

The current study aimed to analyze prevailing notions and understanding of Madrassahs’ heads, teachers, and students about on-going teaching practices of Sustainable Development Values (SDVs). It was done by analyzing the expectation and prevalence of teaching practices of SDVs. Diversified methods’ approach was considered best appropriate, using an amalgamation of two methods known as qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population was all administrators, teachers, and students enrolled in Shahadat-ul-Alia and Shahadat-ul-Almia of the Madrassahs of the Punjab, Pakistan. The multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. Three instruments were used: first and second instruments were self-developed questionnaires, consisting of 17 items both for teachers and students used to collect quantitative data. The third instrument which was a viable method known as interview schedule was used to gather qualitative data to triangulate the results obtained from the quantitative data. Moreover, it has been deducted from the given study that heads of departments, mentors, and learners of the Madrassahs consist of unanimous views that the expectations for teaching SDVs are significantly greater than the prevailing teaching practices of SDVs. It leads to the conclusion that there is a more need for teaching Sustainable Development Values to the Madrassah students.
A Large-Scale Nature-Based Solution in Agriculture for Sustainable Water Management: The Lake Karla Case

This study demonstrates a new nature-based solution (NBS) project in agriculture, the ‘Karla’ reservoir in Central Greece, a unique example at European scale, of a lake ecosystem which was dried and is now restored with the purpose to maximize the efficiency of water provision in agriculture and biodiversity enhancement. In this article, we present: (a) The historical developments from the existence of the old natural Lake Karla until the reconstruction of the homonymous artificial reservoir, (b) the environmental and economic benefits that the new project delivers, and (c) the governance and management mechanisms that can ensure the efficient operation of the project. The analysis shows that the reconstructed Lake Karla can serve as a multi-purpose project to combat water scarcity, achieving a twofold crop yield production and respective agricultural income in the surrounding area, securing the coverage of the water supply needs of the closest city, improving the status of groundwater resources, developing a natural shelter for biodiversity and emerging recreation and touristic opportunities. At the same time, its construction and operation costs can be recovered, and the proposed governance plan can ensure the viability of the whole project inspiring similar multi-purpose water retention projects for investment in agriculture and the environment in southern Europe but also in other water scarce regions.
A Combined Experimental and Optimization Model to Improve the Machinability of Nimonic C-263 Superalloy

Nickel based superalloys finds extensive usage in manufacturing of intricate part shapes in gas turbine, aircraft, submarine, and chemical industries owing their excellent mechanica l property and heat resistant abilities. However, machining of such difficult-to-machine alloys up to the desired accuracy and preciseness is a complex task owing to a rapid tool wear and failure. In view of this, present work proposes an experimental investigation and optimization of process parameters of the cryogenic assisted turning process during machining of Nimonic C263 super alloy with a multilayer CVD insert. Taguchi’s L-27 orthogonal array is used plan the experiments. Effect of input parameters viz. cutting speed (N), cutting feed (f), depth of cut (d) are studied on responses viz. surface roughness (SR), nose wear (NW) and cutting forces (F) under hybrid cryogenic (direct+indirect) machining environment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis is carried out to explore the post-machining outcomes on the performance measures. The multiple responses are converted in to single response and ranked according to Taguchi based gray relational grade (TGRG). Feed rate (f) is found to be the most influential parameter from the analysis of variance of GRG. The means of GRG for each level of process parameters are used to improve the optimal process parameters further. Finally, the confirmative experiment is performed with these optimal set of process parameters which showed an improvement of 9.34% in the value of GRG. The proposed work can be beneficia l to choose ideal process conditions to enhance the performance of turning operation.
Characteristics of the Biochemical Composition and Bioavailability of Phytoplankton-Derived Particulate Organic Matter in the Chukchi Sea, Arctic

Analysis of the biochemical composition (carbohydrates, CHO; proteins, PRT; lipids, LIP) of particulate organic matter (POM, mainly phytoplankton) is used to assess trophic states, and the quantity of food material is generally assessed to determine bioavailability; however, bioavailability is reduced or changed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Here, we investigated the current trophic state and bioavailability of phytoplankton in the Chukchi Sea (including the Chukchi Borderland) during the summer of 2017. Based on a cluster analysis, our 12 stations were divided into three groups: the southern, middle, and northern parts of the Chukchi Sea. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that relatively nutrient-rich and high-temperature waters in the southern part of the Chukchi Sea enhanced the microphytoplankton biomass, while picophytoplankton were linked to a high contribution of meltwater derived from sea ice melting in the northern part of the sea. The total PRT accounted for 41.8% (±7.5%) of the POM in the southern part of the sea, and this contribution was higher than those in the middle (26.5 ± 7.5%) and northern (26.5 ± 10.6%) parts, whereas the CHO accounted for more than half of the total POM in the northern parts. As determined by enzymatic hydrolysis, LIP were more rapidly mineralized in the southern part of the Chukchi Sea, whereas CHO were largely used as source of energy for higher trophic levels in the northern part of the Chukchi Sea. Specifically, the bioavailable fraction of POM in the northern part of the Chukchi Sea was higher than it was in the other parts. The findings indicate that increasing meltwater and a low nutrient supply lead to smaller cell sizes of phytoplankton and their taxa (flagellate and green algae) with more CHO and a negative effect on the total concentration of POM. However, in terms of bioavailability (food utilization), which determines the rate at which digested food is used by consumers, potentially available food could have positive effects on ecosystem functioning.