Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Has Botanical Enhancement of Broad‐Leaved Plantations in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, Resulted in More Woodland‐Like Insect Assemblages?

Two methods of invertebrate sampling were used to determine how the deliberate introduction of field layer vegetation to broad‐leaved plantations influenced the associated insect assemblages. Enclosed pitfall traps and tent‐like emergence traps were employed at (1) 25‐year‐old plantations where botanical enhancement had taken place a decade previously; (2) “nonenhanced” plantations of a similar age; and (3) local ancient woods, all in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. The aim was to discover whether enhancement had produced a community intermediate to nonenhanced plantations and naturally established woodland. Enhancement had not successfully created plantations botanically more woodland‐like and plantation types were not constant; however, plant species richness had increased. This was also true of the insect assemblages (Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera), which showed more variation in composition, though woodland communities could still be distinguished. However, those insect species present in the naturally established woods did have a significantly greater frequency and abundance in the enhanced plantations compared to the nonenhanced plantations, especially so with “woodland edge” species. Mantel tests showed significant correlations between the plant species present and insect assemblages taken by both sampling types. Although insect species richness was not significantly higher in the enhanced plantations, this correlated strongly with plant species richness and a measure of vegetation volume. The overall findings suggest that the enhancement had created plantations only subtly more like the local woodlands, though the insect assemblages had responded. However, relative to the time scale of woodland development, it is still early days.
Discussion: Should Ecologists Become Bayesians?

Bayesian statistics involve substantial changes in the methods and philos- ophy of science. Before adopting Bayesian approaches, ecologists should consider carefully whether or not scientific understanding will be enhanced. Frequentist statistical methods, while imperfect, have made an unquestioned contribution to scientific progress and are a workhorse of day-to-day research. Bayesian statistics, by contrast, have a largely untested track record. The papers in this special section on Bayesian statistics exemplify the diffi- culties inherent in making convincing scientific arguments with Bayesian reasoning.
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf explants of endemic Begonia pavonina

An efficient protocol for the regeneration of endemic Begonia pavonina plants via somatic embryogenesis was developed. Somatic embryos were induced from in vitro leaf explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 and 2.0 mgL -1 of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in combination with 1.0 mgL -1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Histological examination successfully revealed all stages of somatic embryos; globular embryos, torpedo and heart-shaped structure were induced from callus. Approximately 90% germination for development of somatic embryos into complete plantlets were achieved, upon subcultured onto MS basal medium. This is the first report of somatic embryogenesis in B. pavonina with significantly high plantlet regeneration frequency.
Prebiotic Activity of Poly- and Oligosaccharides Obtained from Plantago major L. Leaves

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prebiotic potential of Plantago major L. leaves water-extractable polysaccharide (PWPs) and its lower molecular fractions. The structure of PWPs was investigated by high pressure anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC), size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering detector (SEC-MALLS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The chemical composition and monosaccharide analyses showed that galacturonic acid was the main monosaccharide of PWPs followed by glucose, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose. FTIR study indicated a strong characteristic absorption peak at 1550 cm−1 corresponding to the vibration of COO− group of galacturonic acid. The PWPs was subjected to hydrolysis using commercial enzymes to obtain P. major low molecular fraction (PLM) which was successively separated by size exclusion chromatography on Biogel P2. PWPs and PLM were examined for in vitro prebiotic activity using various assays. Results gave evidence for changes in optical density of the bacteria cells and pH of the growth medium. A heterofermentative process with a lactate/acetate ratio ranged from 1:1 to 1:5 was observed. The ability of PLM to stimulate the production of certain probiotic bacteria glycohydrolases and to be fermented by Lactobacillus sp. strains was successfully proved.
Facing past, present, and future: the role of historical beliefs and experiences in the Lithuanian public perception of military threats

ABSTRACT This article investigates the role of historical beliefs and experiences in threat perception. Drawing on the results of a representative survey in Lithuania, it demonstrates a link between public beliefs about the Soviet period and public assessments of the likelihood of Russian military invasion, NATO disintegration, and diminishing levels of national security. Additionally, the study places historical beliefs within a tapestry of other theoretically-informed factors related to the perception of military threats. The results speak in favor of social complexity, where past and present come to inform the Lithuanian public’s understanding of the future.
Modern Construction Envelopes: Systems for Architectural Design and Prototyping (3rd ed.)

forward in many different respects. ” The authors do not provide a counterpoint to this projected progress, nor do they offer a deeper lineage of material history. With this kind of framing noticeably absent, Materials in Progress best serves architects, designers, and students as an inspiring sourcebook and a view into an emerging material taxonomy, with an expanded lexicon. Through a presentation of seemingly unknown material discoveries, Materials in Progress does not promise motivational energy but provides an inspiring compendium to expand our understanding of meaningful—and ethical—material consumption.
How can aging be reversed? Exploring rejuvenation from a damage‐based perspective

Advanced age is associated with accumulation of damage and other deleterious changes and a consequential systemic decline of function. This decline affects all organs and systems in an organism, leading to their inadaptability to the environment, and therefore is thought to be inevitable for humans and most animal species. However, in vitro and in vivo application of reprogramming strategies, which convert somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells, has demonstrated that the aged cells can be rejuvenated. Moreover, the data and theoretical considerations suggest that reversing the biological age of somatic cells (from old to young) and de‐differentiating somatic cells into stem cells represent two distinct processes that take place during rejuvenation, and thus they may be differently targeted. We advance a stemness‐function model to explain these data and discuss a possibility of rejuvenation from the perspective of damage accumulation. In turn, this suggests approaches to achieve rejuvenation of cells in vitro and in vivo.
A combination model based on transfer learning for waste classification

The increasing amount of solid waste is becoming a significant problem that needs to be addressed urgently. The reliable and accurate classification method is a crucial step in waste disposal because different types of wastes have different disposal ways. The existing waste classification models driven by deep learning are not easy to achieve accurate results and still need to be improved due to the various architecture networks adopted. Their performance on different datasets is varied, and there is also a lack of specific large‐scale datasets for training. We propose a new combination classification model based on three pretrained CNN models (VGG19, DenseNet169, and NASNetLarge) for processing the ImageNet database and achieve high classification accuracy. In our proposed model, the transfer learning model based on each pretrained model is constructed as a candidate classifier, and the optimal output of three candidate classifiers is selected as the final classification result. The experiments based on two waste image datasets demonstrate that the proposed model achieves 96.5% and 94% classification accuracy and outperforms several counterpart methods.
Smaller Compressed Suﬃx Arrays ∗

An alternative to compressed suﬃx arrays is introduced, based on representing a sequence of integers using Fibonacci encodings, thereby reducing the space requirements of state of the art implementations of the suﬃx array, while retaining the searching functionalities. Empirical tests support the theoretical space complexity improvements, and show that there is no deterioration in the processing times.
A universal and facile approach to suppress dendrite formation for a Zn and Li metal anode

To solve the poor cycling stability of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) caused by the growth of zinc (Zn) dendrites, a novel method of separator modification is proposed. Herein, graphene oxide (GO), which has many outstanding properties, is applied as a modified material to a glass fiber (GF) separator using a simple vacuum filtration method. A stable and dendrite-free Zn anode can be obtained after 500 cycles in a Zn//Zn symmetrical battery when using a modified separator (GF/GO1), which is mainly owing to the preferential growth of the non-protruding crystal planes of the zinc metal and the uniform nucleation of zinc ions under the action of GO. As proof of concept, full Zn//MnO2 batteries with a GF/GO1 separator exhibited a high specific capacity of 126 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, a high energy density of 327.5 W h kg−1 (power density of 0.517 W kg−1), and a high power density of 20.8 kW kg−1 (energy density of 253.8 W h kg−1), demonstrating significant improvements compared with the unmodified GF separator. Meanwhile, ZIBs with a GF/GO1 separator exhibited excellent long-term stability with less than 25% capacity fade over 500 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. ZIBs with a GF separator retain only 37% of their initial capacity after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the GF/GO1 separator can also help to improve the cycle performance and rate performance of lithium metal batteries and to achieve a dendrite-free lithium anode. Full batteries of Li//GF/GO1//LiCoO2 show improved rate and cycling capabilities. A higher energy density of 537.1 W h kg−1 at 0.04 kW kg−1 and higher power density of 1.4 kW kg−1 at 264.6 W h kg−1 can be achieved with a GF/GO1 separator, which is better than many Li metal batteries. This modification of the separator provides an effective approach to designing next-generation batteries exhibiting excellent rate and cycling capabilities, and high energy and power densities.
Efeitos do estresse hídrico sobre o desempenho germinativo da semente de faveira (Clitoria fairchildiana R.A. Howard. - Fabaceae) de diferentes tamanhos

Clitoria fairchildiana R. Howard, commonly known as faveira, is a widely used tree species in reforestation projects and is also recommended for the recovery of degraded areas, due to the possibility of its use as green manure. However, there are few basic studies to understand its ecological and physiological attributes. Thus, the objective of the present work was to study the influence of seed size and water stress on the seed germination and seedling vigor in faveira. Four repetitions of 25 small, medium, and large seeds were sown in washed and sterilized sand moistened with water to 25, 50, 75, and 100% of its water holding capacity. In accordance with the results, it was concluded that seed germination was not affected by seed size whereas seedling vigor was, since large and medium-sized seeds gave rise to more vigorous seedlings. Water excess reduced total and speed of seed germination whereas lack of water reduced seedling growth.
The Fine Structure of the Trophont and Stages in Telotroch Formation in Circolagenophrys ampulla (Ciliophora, Peritrichida)1

Ultrastructural studies of the trophont of the epizooic loricate peritrich, Circolagenophrys ampulla, show that the body conforms to the basic peritrich pattern. The lorica is dome-shaped, and the trophont is joined to it by attachment organelles. A single row of barren aboral kinetosomes is present. In telotroch formation, as cytokinesis proceeds, a band of aboral kinetosomes develops, running posteroventrally in an arc from the base of the epistomial disc. In one instance, postciliary microtubules were seen associated with the kinetosomes of the adoral polykinety in a dividing organism. In the fully developed telotroch there are several distinctive structures. In the midaboral region there is a scopula with numerous barren kinetosomes in the epiplasm underlying the pellicle. Surrounding the rim of the aboral surface is a tripartite fringe which overlies the base of the aboral ciliary girdle. The outer layer of this fringe contains regularly spaced electron-dense striations and the middle region contains microfilaments. The aboral ciliary girdle forms a complete ring. It is composed of diagonal rows of kinetosomes, 8–9 in each row. Striated fibers run between the rows of kinetosomes. They bend at the ends of the rows and continue for some distance below the outer rim of the aboral surface. Running beside each striated fiber is a band of paracrystalline material. Several distinctive structures are associated with the kinetosomes and striated fibers of the aboral girdle. In the telotroch many of the adoral cilia are absent but the adoral kinetosomes are still present. The possible functions of the specializations of the aboral surface in settlement of the telotroch, and the relationship between telotroch formation and the molting behavior of the crustacean host are discussed.
Fruit biomass and relative abundance of frugivores in a rain forest of southern Western Ghats, India

Fruit biomass and frugivore abundance were quantified over 3 y in a rain forest of the south Western Ghats, India. Fruit biomass was estimated by sampling fruit fall in the primary forest, and frugivore abundance by a 2.5-km transect. A total of 645 kg ha−1 of fruit was produced annually in the forest. Only 49% of this is edible to the frugivores and the remaining 51% is in the form of non-edible husks. Mammalian frugivores outnumbered avian frugivores and the majority of the mammals were seed predators. The total fruit biomass produced at Kakachi is lower than in the lowland forest and mountain forests in the neotropics but higher than in the wet sclerophyll forest of Australia. Lower diversity of trees and edaphic factors at Kakachi could be some of the reasons for these differences. On the other hand, paucity of fleshy fruits, low density of trees producing fleshy fruits and irregular fruiting of these species, account for the low number of obligate avian frugivores at Kakachi.
Operationalization of Utilitarian and Egalitarian Objectives for Optimal Allocation of Health Care Resources

Resources for health care interventions, such as tests and treatments, are limited. This makes it necessary to prioritize patient segments (defined in terms of their risk) by allocating resources so that the expected contribution to the chosen population-level objective is maximized. In this article, we build a model for the optimal allocation of resources in view of two such objectives: maximizing the aggregate health of the population (utilitarian) and limiting differences in the health outcomes for different patient segments (egalitarian). In particular, we build a two-phase optimization model that (i) first uses dynamic programming to determine what testing and treatment strategies maximize the expected health benefits for each patient segment at different cost levels, and (ii) then solves a binary linear programming problem to determinewhat resources should be given to each segment to maximize the chosen policy-level objective subject to the overall resource constraint. Our model supports the specification of patient segments, the development of optimal testing and treatment strategies within each segment, and the allocation of available resources to these segments so that the policy-objective will be maximized by implementing these strategies. In addition, the model can be used to guide the interpretation of test results and to assess the impacts of new tests and treatments. It also offers insights into the cost of equity by permitting comparisons between the optimal strategies under utilitarian and egalitarian objectives. We illustrate our approach with real data by optimizing the use of traditional risk scores and genetic tests in preventing coronary heart disease events. [Submitted: April 15, 2019. Revised: January 30, 2020. Accepted: March 23, 2020. ] † Corresponding author. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Accepting the unacceptable? Exploring how acceptance relates to quality of life and death anxiety in a cancer population

Background: Quality of life is a core concern for cancer patients, which can be negatively affected by illness-related death anxiety; yet understanding of how to appropriately target psycho-oncological interventions remains lacking. We aimed to explore experiential acceptance in cancer patients, and whether acceptance – as an alternative to avoidant coping – was related to and predictive of better quality of life and death anxiety outcomes. Methods: We used a longitudinal, quantitative design with a follow-up after three months. Seventy-two participants completed a questionnaire-battery measuring illness appraisals, acceptance and non-acceptance coping-styles, quality of life, and death anxiety; 31 participants repeated the battery after three months. Results: Acceptance was an independent explanatory and predictive variable for quality of life and death anxiety, in the direction of psychological health. Acceptance had greater explanatory power for outcomes than either cancer appraisals or avoidant response styles. Avoidant response styles were associated with greater death anxiety and poorer quality of life. Conclusions: The findings support the role of an accepting response-style in favourable psychological outcomes, identifying a possible target for future psychological intervention. Response styles that might be encouraged in other therapies, such as active coping, planning, and positive reframing, were not associated with beneficial outcomes.
Electronic structure modulation strategies in high-performance thermoelectrics

Thermoelectric energy conversion from waste heat sources is expected to play a crucial role in determining the world energy landscape through efficient thermal energy utilization and management. The thermoelectric performance of a material critically depends on its electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. The electronic structure plays a pivotal role in determining both these parameters, electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, in a material and, therefore, in turn, dominantly controls the material’s thermoelectric performance. For example, a common feature among most of the known high-performance thermoelectric materials is that they are heavily doped degenerate semiconductors and have large band degeneracy. Therefore, it is essential to improve our understanding and manipulation capabilities of the electronic structure in a material. Intensive research on thermoelectric materials has led to various novel electronic structure modulation strategies, such as valence band convergence, resonant level, and employment of various low dimensional electronic features. These strategies play a critical role in the recent developments of various high-performance thermoelectric materials, such as PbTe, SnTe, SnSe, and GeTe. In this Perspective, we have discussed various electronic structure modulation strategies and their recent developments with a brief background of the underlying ideas.
Adaptation and assessment of M-44 ejectors in a fox-control program on Phillip Island, Victoria

This study aimed to adapt M-44 ejectors for use in sandy soils and to assess the feasibility of incorporating the modified M-44s into a long-term fox-control program on Phillip Island, Victoria. M-44s were adapted by burying a plastic cylinder around them, which prevented sandy soil from collapsing and inhibiting the trigger mechanism, and at the same time orientated the fox's mouth vertically over the M-44 to maximise the dose of poison delivered. The fast-acting poison sodium cyanide was used to ensure the collection of fox bodies and any non-target animals. A fox was killed on 78.6% of occasions that an M-44 was triggered. No non-target species triggered M-44s, although rodents and birds occasionally ate the unpoisoned baits. The modified M-44 ejector technique accounted for 19% of foxes killed by all techniques during one year on Phillip Island. To assess whether M-44s were a worthwhile technique to include in the fox-control program on Phillip Island, we compared their catch per unit effort (number of foxes killed per 1000 person-hours) with other control techniques (spotlight shooting, treadle snaring and hunting with fox hounds). Deployment of M-44s with cyanide was labour intensive, due to safety considerations, and cyanide can be used only as a research tool. Future management use of the M-44s would be with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), so an estimate was made of the catch per unit effort of M-44s with this poison. Results suggest that deployment of M-44s with 1080 is likely to be more time-effective than the other techniques.
Convolutional neural network for recognizing highway traffic congestion

Abstract We investigates the performance of deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for recognizing highway traffic congestion state in surveillance camera images. Different from the usual images in ImageNet, images generated by highway surveillance cameras usually have much more extensive range of perspective and thus larger area of background. Therefore the objective road and vehicles are not as prominent as target object in ImageNet images. And also these images from cameras across a large number of highway sites could show a very rich variance of scenes, road configurations. We are very interested to study whether convolutional networks are still reliably able to classify such images, without any special previous processing such as segmentation of objective roads. Two classic convolutional networks, AlexNet and GoogLeNet are employed to classify congestion state. We build a highway imagery dataset using real-life traffic videos to evaluate the CNNs recognition performance. These images cover a wide range of road configurations, times of the day, weather and lighting conditions, and have been labeled with one of the two states, congestion or non-congestion. The experimental results indicate that under the current strategy of feeding images directly into networks, both AlexNet and GoogLeNet can achieve an excellent recognition accuracy of 98% on held-out test samples. And many of the misclassified images turn out to be borderline cases. More results include that scale and perspective in photography could affect the recognition result.