Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predation rates of artificial nests in the edge and interior of a southern Victorian forest

Predation rates of nests at human-induced habitat edges may be greater than in forest interior due to differences in predator assemblages and predator activity. I compared the predation rates on 192 artificial nests containing plasticine eggs placed in forest edge and interior sites at Bunyip State Park, Victoria. The nest-predation rates at the forest edge sites were significantly greater (mean = 52–58%) than that at the forest interior sites (mean = 30–39%). The relative rates of predation by birds compared with mammals were significantly greater at forest edge sites (mean = 78–94%) than at forest interior sites (mean = 36–67%). Higher rates of nest predation at forest edges appeared to be due to greater densities of avian predators such as the grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), and/or lower abundances of small mammals. However, biases towards certain predator types may mask real, or create false, patterns in predation rates of artificial nests. A better understanding of how predators respond to artificial nests compared with natural nests is required. Until then, results of predation studies that use artificial nests should be interpreted with caution.
Thermogeography predicts the potential global range of the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas)

Aim The highly adaptable estuarine crab (Carcinus maenas) has successfully invaded five temperate geographic regions outside of its native Europe. Here, we determine which environmental factors predict the current distribution of C. maenas and what the potential geographic range of this species might be. We also investigated whether the invasion potential of C. maenas differs with respect to the origin of a native subpopulation.
Harnessing Phenotypic Diversity towards Multiple Independent Objectives

Multiple assessment directed novelty search (MADNS), introduced by the authors in [20], is an extension to the novelty search algorithm which exploits the observation that populations optimised for phenotypic novelty may contain solutions to multiple independent and conflicting objectives. It has been shown that, through the application of MADNS, an evolutionary trajectory may be simultaneously directed towards multiple conflicting objectives. Previous results from a series of simulated maze navigation experiments have shown that MADNS may significantly outperform novelty search in domains where the potential for phenotypic exploration is high [20]. In this paper we further explore the MADNS algorithm, assessing the effect upon the diversity and performance of the population as the phenotypic land- scape increases. A series of experiments in domains with multiple conflicting objectives and expanding areas of irrelevant space show that the relative performance gain of MADNS increases alongside the potential for exploration. We conclude that, as the potential for exploration within a domain expands, the importance of directing novelty becomes ever more necessary.
Polymorphic microsatellites in two different species of the genus Zoogoneticus Meek, 1902 (Goodeidae, Actynopterygii)

This report describes the characterization of 13 microsatellites in Zoogoneticus tequila, a goodeid fish that is extinct in nature and exists only in captivity. We also present a preliminary survey of the variability of nine of these microsatellites in both Z. tequila and the congeneric wild species Z. quitzeoensis. Variability was found to be low in Z. tequila (three polymorphic loci with two alleles each), and highest in Z. quitzeoensis (five polymorphic loci with a mean of 4.6 alleles). These genetic markers have applications in the study and management of both species.
Scale-invariant anomaly detection with multiscale group-sparse models

The automatic detection of anomalies, defined as patterns that are not encountered in representative set of normal images, is an important problem in industrial control and biomedical applications. We have shown that this problem can be successfully addressed by the sparse representation of individual image patches using a dictionary learned from a large set of patches extracted from normal images. Anomalous patches are detected as those for which the sparse representation on this dictionary exceeds sparsity or error tolerances. Unfortunately, this solution is not suitable for many real-world visual inspection-systems since it is not scale invariant: since the dictionary is learned at a single scale, patches in normal images acquired at a different magnification level might be detected as anomalous. We present an anomaly-detection algorithm that learns a dictionary that is invariant to a range of scale changes, and overcomes this limitation by use of an appropriate sparse coding stage. The algorithm was successfully tested in an industrial application by analyzing a dataset of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, which typically exhibit different magnification levels.
On the distribution of Micromys minutus in Italy

Bones of Micromys minutus were detected in barn owl pellets collected in the Padule di Fucecchio area. This is the first finding of this species in Tuscany. The authors discuss the past and present distribution of Micromys minutus in Italy and confirm that the two specimens found near Naples, and described as Mus meridionalis by Costa in 1844, belong to the species Micromys minutus.
Microbial biofilms and catabolic plasmid harbouring degradative fluorescent pseudomonads in Scots pine mycorrhizospheres developed on petroleum contaminated soil

Abstract Cellular interactions and catabolic activities of mycorrhizal root associated non-sporulating bacteria were investigated in a simplified phytoremediation simulation involving a woody plant species. Mycorrhizal Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) seedlings pre-colonised by Suillus bovinus or Paxillus involutus were grown in forest humus containing microcosms amended with petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) contaminated soil. Fungal hyphae of both species, emanating from mycorrhizal roots, colonised the PHC contaminated soil over a 16-week period and dense long-lived patches of S. bovinus hyphae formed on the PHC contaminated soil. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a microbial biofilm at the PHC soil-fungal interface composed of differentiated pseudoparenchymous patch hyphae supporting a morphologically diverse bacterial population. Certain non-sporulating bacterial isolates closely associated with the S. bovinus patch hyphae or P. involutus `web' hyphae from the PHC soil harboured similar sized mega-plasmids (approx. 150 kb). Isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens from the `patch' mycorrhizospheres represented different biovars, displayed similar REP-PCR genomic fingerprints, grew on e.g. m -toluate and m -xylene as sole carbon sources, cleaved catechol, and harboured plasmid-borne catabolic marker genes, xylE and xylMA , involved in degradation of mono-aromatics. The plasmids were transmissible in vitro, and Pseudomonas putida transconjugants retained a similar catabolic profile. The identification of microbial biofilms containing catabolic bacteria in the external mycorrhizosphere is discussed in relation to both phytoremediation mechanisms and normal efficient nutrient mobilisation from highly lignin-rich forest soils.
Plant Genetic Study of Restricted Nodulation in Soybean

The displacement of indigenous Bradyrhizobium japonicum in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] nodules in favor of a more effective inoculant strain has been suggested as an approach to enhance soybean productivity. The objectives of this study were to (i) screen additional soybean genotypes for ones which restrict nodulation by certain B. japonicum strains, and (ii) investigate at which stage nodule development is blocked. Preliminary screenings of 23 soybean accessions, including Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc. , indicated that 'TN 4-86', BARC-2(Rj4), and PI 468.397 showed restricted nodulation with B. japonicum strain 61A101C. Cultivar Essex gave effective nodulation. Segregation in the F 2 of Essex x PI 468.397 showed no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) from a 3 nodulation : 1 restricted nodulation ratio. The results indicate that the nodulation response of PI 468.397 with strain 61A101C is controlled by a single recessive gene. In contrast, the restricted nodulation response in TN 4-86 is controlled by a dominant gene which is allelic or closely linked to gene Rj4. The kinetic study of nodule development following inoculation with strain 61A101C indicated that the blockage of nodule development on BARC-2(Rj4), TN 4-86, and PI 468.397 did not occur during root hair curling, but during the stage of cortical cell division. Information of this nature might be useful in distinguishing among different types of nodulation restriction genes based on the stage that blockage occurs. This study suggests that accessions of G. soja should be viewed as potential sources of additional genes that restrict nodulation of soybean with specific strains of Bradyrhizobium. Introgression of such genes could result in soybean cultivars that exclude some of the indigenous strains and become nodulated with commercial strains that are more efficient at fixing nitrogen.
The Bundle Sheath-Phloem Interface of Cucumis sativus Is a Boundary to Systemic Infection by Tomato Aspermy Virus

The progress of infection of two cucumoviruses in cucumber plants was analyzed immunohistochemically. Strain Fny of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, FFF) was found to infect cucumber tissues systemically by 6 days postinoculation (dpi), while a reassortant virus with RNAs 1+2 of Fny-CMV plus RNA3 of strain 1 of tomato aspermy virus (FFT) was unable to move long distance and infect cucumber plants systemically. FFF infection of the vasculature was detected 6 dpi in the phloem of a low percentage of both minor (order VII–VI) and major (order V–IV) veins. At 9 dpi, infection was detected in phloem cells of about 50% of both minor and major veins. FFT colonization of inoculated cotyledons followed a pathway similar to that of FFF, but virus accumulation was never detected in vascular tissues. In minor or major veins, FFT infection was arrested at the bundle sheath (BS), and at 9 dpi was not detected in intermediary or other phloem cells. Thus, our data indicate that the BS-phloem interface is a boundary for the sy.
Repression of α-actinin SM exon splicing by assisted binding of PTB to the polypyrimidine tract

Polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) acts as a regulatory repressor of a large number of alternatively spliced exons, often requiring multiple binding sites in order to repress splicing. In one case, cooperative binding of PTB has been shown to accompany repression. The SM exon of the alpha-actinin pre-mRNA is also repressed by PTB, leading to inclusion of the alternative upstream NM exon. The SM exon has a distant branch point located 386 nt upstream of the exon with an adjacent 26 nucleotide pyrimidine tract. Here we have analyzed PTB binding to the NM and SM exon region of the alpha-actinin pre-mRNA. We find that three regions of the intron bind PTB, including the 3' end of the polypyrimidine tract (PPT) and two additional regions between the PPT and the SM exon. The downstream PTB binding sites are essential for full repression and promote binding of PTB to the PPT with a consequent reduction in U2AF(65) binding. Our results are consistent with a repressive mechanism in which cooperative binding of PTB to the PPT competes with binding of U2AF(65), thereby specifically blocking splicing of the SM exon.
Determination of histamine content in vegetable juices by using direct and competitive immunosensors

An Optical Waveguide Lightmode Spectroscopy (OWLS)-based immunosensor was developed for selective and sensitive determination of histamine content in fermented vegetable juices. The conjugate of the antigen (histamine-bovine serum albumin 10 µg mL−1) was attached on the amino modified sensor surface with glutaraldehyde. During the measurement standard solutions or samples were mixed with antibodies of appropriate concentration (1:1000), the mixture was incubated for 1 minute and injected into the OWLS system. The amount of antibodies bound to immobilised antigen conjugates was inversely proportional to the histamine content. Relative substrate specificity of the antibody was studied, and besides histamine, only putrescine, cadaverine and agmatine were found to give slight sensor responses. Fermented vegetable juice samples treated with different microorganisms were measured in 1000-fold dilution, and analytical data were compared to those measured by HPLC. It was concluded that the method is suitable for the sensitive and selective determination of histamine content.
CONE AND OVULE DEVELOPMENT IN SCIADOPITYS (TAXODIACEAE‐CONIFERALES)

Ontogeny of seed cones of Sciadopitys, with special reference to the ovule-supporting structure, is studied in material collected in Japan and Massachusetts. Cones are initiated as lateral or terminal structures in summer and complete the formation of most organs before winter. Bract development is well advanced before ovule-supporting structures are initiated. Continued cone development involves the formation of a narrow ridge of tissue in the axil of each fertile bract. This ridge develops a series of nine (but up to 12) apical lobes in centrifugal order, each of which is the primordium of a future tooth on the ovuliferous scale. Ovules are initiated as outgrowths of the adaxial surface of each lobe so that there is a one-to-one ratio between lobes and ovules. Intercalary extension of the ovuliferous scale itself (distally) and the common base of the bract and ovuliferous scale (proximally) greatly extends the complex. The ovuliferous scale eventually exceeds the subtending bract and its apex becomes recurved. Bracts each have a single trace, but each ovuliferous scale has a pair of traces that proliferate distally to irrigate ovule and scale lobe. Intercalary growth results in recurvature of the ovule trace. The organization of the cone is directly comparable with certain Permian fossils. Sciadopitys also seems unique within the Taxodiaceae in its centrifugal development of the ovule-supporting complex.
Effects of Ozone Gas Exposure on Toxigenic Fungi Species from Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium Genera

The antifungal properties of ozone (O3) gas exposure towards toxigenic fungi were evaluated in laboratory-scale treatments trials. O3 gas was utilized at a concentration of 60 μmol/mol at different times of exposure, which efficiently inhibited the fungi colonies growth, especially F. graminearum and P. citrinum. At the concentration applied, O3 gas exposure was able to inhibit conidia germination, caused hyphae morphological alterations that led to hyphae death and ROS production of all fungi tested. O3 action can be related to cell metabolism alterations, leading to apoptosis and oxidative stress, showing to be effective on controlling toxigenic fungal development which is one of the main problems regarding food contamination.
AVALIAÇÃO QUÍMICA E FÍSICA DE COMPONENTES DO BARU (Dipteryx alata Vog.) PARA ESTUDO DA VIDA DE PRATELEIRA

Agroecology, a science that studies productive relations between man and nature, and whose goal is ecological, economic, social, cultural, political, and ethical sustainability, has been increasingly used as a tool for social and cultural transformation. Within that perspective, the Brazilian Cerrado provides fruits such as baru , which is highly genetically variable, but also widely used as a source of income by the regional population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of baru pulp, along a 181-day storage period. For that purpose, weight and size analyses, centesimal analysis, monitoring of changes, and sensorial analysis of dry biscuits, in which 25% of the wheat flour was replaced by baru pulp, were carried out. Physical characteristics such as weight, length, and width did not present significant differences, during the storage period. The level of total sugars and reducers increased during the storage period, unlike the tannin level, which decreased. Baru pulp may be considered an important source of sugars and dietary fiber. In addition, the biscuits obtained satisfactory scores for both taste and appearance, on the acceptability test, and their nutritional quality increased. KEY-WORDS: Baru ; pulp; physical and chemical analyses; kinetics; sensorial analysis.
Effects of delayed payment of contractors on construction project delivery in Nigeria

Delay in paying construction contractors has impacted negatively on the effectiveness of the contractor and as such affect project delivery schedule. Failure to pay contractors for work executed might lead to the contracting firm being insolvent. This research is a form of quantitative research and it a cross -sectional research survey which is a combination of descriptive and explanatory research design. The population of the study comprises of clients, consultant and contractors. A total of 65 questionnaires were distributed and 47 were returned and used for the analysis. It gives a response rate of 72%. Random sampling technique method was used, thus the respondents has equal chances of being selected. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 20th version) was used to analyse the data via descriptive and inferential statistic. The finding shows that the causes of delayed payment were unrealistic cash flow, error in claims, poor financial problems and disagreement on valuation of work. The impact of delayed payment is delay in project progress which affects the schedule of work and leads to cost overrun and extension of time. In conclusion clients should seek coinvestors for support on financial commitment. It was recommended that the stakeholders should work as a team in the execution of project to avoid bottlenecks usually encountered in agreeing contractors’ payment.
The Role of Carotenoids in Resistance of Fungi to Cercosporin

Cercospora spp. produce large quantities of the singlet-oxygen-generating toxin cercosporin and are not harmed by it. We investigated carotenoid production by these fungi to determine if carotenoids (which quench singlet oxygen) play a role in resistance. Cercospora spp. produce high concentration of β-carotene at early stages of the growth cycle, up to 12 μg/g dry weight. (.)
Crocidolomia pavonana larval foraging: behavior and feeding site preferences on cabbage, Brassica oleracea

Experiments were conducted to determine feeding site preferences of Crocidolomia pavonana (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae within cabbage plants, Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata cv. Warrior (Brassicaceae), and to determine whether induced plant responses to herbivory affect the behavior of larvae. In the first experiment, intra‐plant damage and larval distribution were recorded to account for the spreading pattern of damage and larval feeding behavior on a plant; larvae initially fed on the base of leaves and moved progressively to the bud, leaf tips were avoided. In the second experiment, larval performance (the duration of the first instar, survival to the second instar, and weight of second instars) was assessed when larvae fed on the bud, the base, and the tip of the youngest fully expanded leaf on a plant. Crocidolomia pavonana larvae performed best when they fed on bud leaf tissue and most poorly when they fed on leaf tissue at the base of leaves. In the third experiment, expression of induced resistance was tested on each of the three plant parts using a first‐instar bioassay. Negative impacts on larval growth and development were not detected when larvae fed on the bud or base tissue when plants were damaged prior to the assay. However, negative effects were detected in larvae feeding on tip leaf tissue when the base of the leaf was damaged prior to the assay or if the bud tissue was damaged simultaneously with the assay. The findings indicate that resource heterogeneity for C. pavonana within‐cabbage plants is determined by both the initial quality of food at a location and by subsequent induced changes as a result of larval feeding; both contribute to the feeding pattern observed in these gregarious larvae.
Quantum theory of light scattering in a one-dimensional channel: Interaction effect on photon statistics and entanglement entropy

We provide a complete and exact quantum description of coherent light scattering in a one-dimensional multimode transmission line coupled to a two-level emitter. Using a recently developed scattering approach, we discuss transmission properties, the power spectrum, the full counting statistics, and the entanglement entropy of transmitted and reflected states of light. Our approach takes into account spatial parameters of an incident coherent pulse as well as waiting and counting times of a detector. We describe the time evolution of the power spectrum and observe deviations from the Poissonian statistics for reflected and transmitted fields. In particular, the statistics of reflected photons can change from sub-Poissonian to super-Poissonian for increasing values of the detuning, while the statistics of transmitted photons is strictly super-Poissonian in all parametric regimes. We study the entanglement entropy of some spatial part of the scattered pulse and observe that it obeys the area laws and that it is bounded by the maximal entropy of the effective four-level system.
Analysis of the phenolic compounds in root exudates produced by a subalpine coniferous species as responses to experimental warming and nitrogen fertilisation

In terrestrial ecosystems, plant root exudates clearly play a crucial role in the belowground ecosystem. However, there have been few reports on root exudates from field-grown plants or mature trees in situ, especially when exposed to experimental warming. In this study, we adopted and modified a culture-based cuvette system developed especially for root exudation collection in the field to collect soluble root exudates of a subalpine coniferous species, Abies faxoniana, under experimental warming and nitrogen fertilisation treatments. We then analysed the chemical composition and relative abundance of root exudates using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major chemical constituents of root exudates were phenols and their derivatives of all the different treatments, such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. Experimental warming had significant effects on the relative contents of major compounds and an increase effect on the total phenolic acid compounds. By contrast, there were small significant effects of N fertilisation on root exudation and no significant effects of the warming×N fertilisation interaction. Meanwhile, warming also markedly increased soil polyphenol oxidase activity and it may be soil ecological adjustment response to changes of root exudation under global climate warming.