Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ions uptake, yield and yield attributes of rapeseed exposed to salinity stress

Soil salinity is a serious constrain to crop production in many areas of the world. A pot experiment was carried out with rapeseed genotypes in order to investigate the effects of salinity stress on yield associated traits and shoot ions composition. Eight rapeseed genotypes were evaluated in three salinity levels of irrigation water including 0, 6 and 12 dsm -1 . A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 4 replications was considered for evaluation of 24 treatments. Significant mean square of the salinity levels, genotypes and salinity ×genotypes interaction effects were exhibited for seeds per pod, pods per plant, seed yield, Ca, K and Na, indicating significant differences of salinity levels and genetic differences for these traits. Due to significant correlation of seed yield with seeds per pod and pods per plant these traits can be considered as indirect selection criteria for seed yield improving. Among shoot ions compositions, K had significant positive correlation with seed yield, therefore this ion can be considered as good indicator for seed yield improving at saline environment. The genotypes including Hyola401, LRT1 and DSM12 had high amounts of seed yield at 12 dsm -1 of salinity level and were con
Diversidade microbiana no ecossistema ruminal (Microbial diversity in the ecossistema ruminal)

The ruminant eat basically fibrous foods and throughout evolution period they had developed a great ingestive capacity owing to the symbiosis with microorganism that promote digestion of the celulolitic fiber. Thus, they obtain the main energy source for their growth, production and reproduction. The rumen houses a complex mixture of food particles and of microorganisms: ciliated and
Proline as a biochemical marker in relation to the ecology of two halophytic Juncus species

This work has been supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation – with contribution from the European Regional Development Fund – to O. Vicente (project CGL2008-00438/BOS), and from the Polytechnic University of Valencia to M. Boscaiu (programme PAID-06-09).
Which Beak Fits the Bill? An Activity Examining Adaptation, Natural Selection and Evolution.

Evolution is a unifying concept within biology. In fact, Dobzhansky, a noted evolutionary biologist, argued, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" (Dobzhansky, 1973). However, often students have misconceptions about evolution. There are a number of available activities where students use tools (representing bird beaks) to collect different food items. These activities enable students to see how various beaks are adapted to feeding on certain types of food. This article describes an inquiry-based activity that takes the process several steps further. In this inquiry-based activity, students not only examine adaptations that birds have for capturing prey, and changes in a bird population over time, but also hypothesize what would happen to the bird population if relative seed abundances change over time. Students then model an environmental change recorded by researchers when observing Darwin’s Finches. The Grant’s observed a severe drought in 1977 resulting in a drastic decline in seed production with small seeds being particularly affected (Grant, 1999; Boag & Grant 1981). Students then test their hypothesis and compare their findings to those observed by the Grants. This activity is well suited for students in general biology, ecology or evolution classes.
Performance Analysis of VPN Gateways

VPNs play an important role in today’s Internet architecture. We investigate different architectures for software implementations of VPN gateways and their effect on performance. Our case study compares OpenVPN, Linux IPsec, and WireGuard. We also implement a WireGuard-compatible VPN benchmarking example application with three different software architectures inspired by the evaluated open-source solutions. Our implementation allows benchmarking of individual effects and optimizations in isolation. We find that WireGuard is the most promising software VPN implementation from an architectural viewpoint. Our implementation of WireGuard’s pipeline architecture on top of DPDK achieves 6.2Mpps and 40Gbit/s, the fastest of all evaluated VPN implementations. We find that the main bottleneck for scaling software VPNs are data structures and multi-core synchronization – a problem that can be tackled with an architecture based on pipelining and message passing.
Stability analysis of perturbed nonlinear systems applied to the tracking control of a wheeled mobile robot under lateral slip

Abstract: For high-speed operation under adverse ground conditions, motion control of mobile robots is a difficult task, because the robots’ wheels may be subject to different kinds of slip. For a differential drive wheeled mobile robot, the lateral slip is a challenging problem to deal with, since the wheels cannot directly produce movement in the lateral direction. This paper presents an application of a useful result from Lyapunov Theory for perturbed nonlinear systems, which can be viewed as a framework for analyzing the robustness of kinematic controllers for mobile robots under lateral slip. An example of such application is given by proposing a simple state feedback kinematic control law that solves the robot’s trajectory tracking control problem and then showing that the solution of the robot’s posture error dynamics is uniformly ultimately bounded. Numerical results illustrate the key aspects of the proposed approach.
RECRUITMENT OF THREE SPECIES OF JUVENILE ROCKFISH (S€BAST€S SPP.) ON SOFT BENTHIC HABITAT IN MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA

A number of ecologically and economically impor- tant species of rockfishes recruited to soft benthic habi- tats in Monterey Bay, Cahfornia, during 1995-96. Sebastes elongatus, S. saxicola, and S. levis were the most abun- dant and, although caught throughout the depth range (40-100 in) of our survey, had highest densities from 60 to 100 ni. Densities of S. elongatus and S. saxicola were greater than that of S. levis. Peak settlement followed ocean upwelling. Size-frequency analysis indicated that, once settled, juvenile rockfish ontogenetically moved to- ward adult depths. Growth rates ranged from 0.17 to 0.32 mm/d, with growth declining during months of highest sea-surface temperature. Peaks in distribution of back-calculated birthdates corresponded with periods of increased upwelling. Significant emigration from the sampling area occurred during the onset of winter storms. INTRODUCTION At least sixty-two species of rockfishes (Sebastes spp.)
Compressor Efficiency Definitions

Many standard efficiency definitions exist that qualify the mass flow and power performance characteristics of a compressor. These different definitions are often used interchangeably throughout the compressor industry, although each is based on fundamentally different assumptions. This often results in incorrect comparisons between compressors offered by different companies, which precludes the customer from obtaining a fair and accurate assessment of their compressor needs. Here, we present a brief description of some efficiency definitions to aid in understanding differences between them. To do so we first introduce a simple theoretical thermodynamic model of the compressor, and characterize its states during operation. Theoretical massflow equations are then presented, and theoretical compressor work are power are obtained. Next, power definitions, taken from standard thermodynamics texts and industry usage, are defined and discussed. Finally, these powers are used to define compressor efficiencies and recommendations are provided regarding their use, including which efficiency definitions are used by Vairex when characterizing compressors.
Plant water relations as affected by osmotic potential of the nutrient solution and potential transpiration in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Summary The hypothesis that water flow into tomato fruits is affected similarly by osmotic potential of the nutrient solution and potential transpiration (shoot environment) via their effects on stem water potential, was tested through experiments carried out in two glasshouses where climate was controlled to maintain a desired potential transpiration rate (normal and depressed, respectively). This climate treatment was factorially combined with a root zone osmotic potential treatment, whereby two values of osmotic potential were compared in each experiment. Data showed that water uptake per unit leaf area was not affected by osmotic potential of the nutrient solution. The hydraulic resistance within the plant, deduced from measurements of leaf and stem water potential, was independent of the transpiration flow and was not affected by the osmotic potential of the nutrient solution. Water import into the fruit was affected by both treatments and was correlated with the water potential gradient between the stem and the fruit. Since fruit osmotic potential was relatively constant at a given concentration of the nutrient solution, the stem water potential appeared to be a good indicator of fruit growth rate.
Microbiological pollution of the southern baltic sea froM sMall urban catchMents following rain events of different intensities

The microbiological quality of storm water runoff was monitored at four traffic-related sites in Trelleborg, Sweden to assess how microbiological pollution depends on rain intensity. Flow proportional storm water runoff samples were collected during the initial runoff and analyzed for total coliform bacteria, escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and intestinal enterococci. Microbiological pollution in storm water runoff was not proportionally related to traffic intensity. Intense rain events produced runoff that was substantially more polluted with indicator bacteria compared to less intense events. The average concentration of intestinal enterococci in storm water at all sites exceeded the requirement for good quality bathing water (2006/7/EC) by 5 to 55 fold suggesting that storm water discharged from even relatively small urban areas has the potential to pollute the southern Baltic Sea, or any, water reservoir with potentially pathogenic microbes. The results can be used as reference in assessment of potential impacts on human health of the release of storm water into the southern Baltic Sea, and other reservoirs, from the relatively small traffic-related catchments found in smaller cities.
Submission to the Queensland Productivity Commission’s Inquiry on Imprisonment and Recidivism

To divert offenders with intellectual disability away from the courts, prison and from reoffending, the criminal justice system must identify that the person has an intellectual disability in the first place. In this submission issues of identification and diversion of persons with intellectual and cognitive impairment are discussed with a view to improving system effectiveness and efficiency in the management of this group of offenders. Where possible information about possible savings and averted costs to government of diversionary initiatives have been included.
Effects of dietary acidifier supplementation on broiler growth performance, digestive and immune function indices

The effect of dietary acidifier (AC) supplementation in combination or not with avilamycin (AV) was evaluated on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, gizzard pH, activity of digestive enzymes and relative expression of cytokines. A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design with inclusion of AC (0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and AV (0 and 2.5 mg/kg of diet) as the main factors was implemented. Subsequently, 544-day-old male Cobb broilers were allocated in four treatments (i.e. C – no additions, AC; AV and ACAV), each having eight replicates of 17 broilers, for 6 weeks. Overall bodyweight gain (BWG) was improved (PAC = 0.035) by AC addition. BWG and feed conversion ratio were improved (P ≤ 0.05) by AV addition in all growth periods and overall. Dry matter, organic matter digestibility and energy retention were improved by AC (PAC = 0.050, PAC = 0.045 and PAC = 0.020, respectively), or AV (PAV = 0.018, PAV = 0.013 and PAV = 0.012, respectively). In addition AV supplementation improved digestibility of ether extracts (PAV = 0.022) and crude protein (PAV = 0.042). Pancreatic trypsin activity was lower in AC (PAC = 0.027) or AV (PAV ≤ 0.001) supplemented diets. An AC × AV effect on gizzard pH (PAC × AV = 0.034) was noted. Expression of interferon-γ (PAV = 0.010), interleukin (IL) 18 (PAV = 0.048) and inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (PAV = 0.035) in spleen were downregulated by AV. An upregulation of IL10 (PAC × AV = 0.018), IL18 (PAC × AV = 0.002) and IL22 (PAC × AV = 0.030) in the caecal tonsils was shown for the combined ACAV supplementation. In conclusion, dietary AC supplementation improved performance, nutrient digestibility and energy retention, irrespective of AV inclusion. This study has provided evidence for potential links between digestive and immune function indices with growth performance improvements.
Solid Dispersion Pellets: An Efficient Pharmaceutical Approach to Enrich the Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Deferasirox

Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron-chelating agent and classified into class II of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Low bioavailability of the drug due to insufficient solubility in physiological fluids is the main drawback of DFX. The idea of the current study was to explore the potential of solid dispersion (SD) as an effective method to improve the dissolution rate of DFX in pellets. The SDs were made by the solvent evaporation technique using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 with different drug-to-carrier ratios. Then, the dispersion was milled and mixed with other components and the mixture layered on sugar-based cores by pan coating technique. The pellets were evaluated in terms of size distribution, morphology (SEM), and dissolution behaviour. Drug-polymer interactions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction study (XRD), and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The pellets coated with SD showed a remarkable rise in the solubility of DFX than that of free drug-loaded pellets. The dispersion with PVP K25 showed a faster dissolution rate as compared to other mixtures. The DSC and XRD analysis indicated that the drug was in the amorphous state when dispersed in the polymer. The FTIR studies demonstrated any ruled out interaction between drug and polymer. The SEM showed smoothness on the surface of the pellets. It is resolved that the SD method considerably enriched the dissolution rate of DFX in pellets, which can also be utilized for other poorly water-soluble drugs.
Evaluation of biomedical ontologies through simulated navigation

This report summarizes my research visit at Stanford University in summer 2012. During my stay and in ongoing work, we evaluate simulated and human navigation on biomedical Wikipedia articles. While most visits to Wikipedia are results of direct searches, human users also navigate Wikipedia to explore certain areas of interest or to look for concepts they cannot recall the name of. By making use of some sort of background knowledge on their minds, humans are able to relate articles and guess where hyperlinks may be leading. We model this behavior with the established decentralized search al-gorithm, that allows to simulate navigation with diﬀerent ontologies as background knowledge. To compare the simulations to human click data, we conducted a user study where human navigators were given wayﬁnding tasks on a subset of biomedical Wikipedia articles. We show that using ontologies as background knowledge in navigation simulations exhibits the same characteristics and performance as navigation by our human test subjects. We demonstrate our ﬁndings based on four biomedical ontologies and their associated Wikipedia articles.
The Use of the Techniplast Mouse House ® in Four Strains of Mice

To combine the good qualities of a dark shelter with the possibility of the staff to monitor the animals withoutÂ disturbing them, a transparent plastic shelter with a red tint has been designed for mice. As the mice doÂ not see red colours, but perceive them as being grey or dark, this design is thought to provide a dark shelterÂ for mice. As humans do see red colours, the red transparent material allows for inspection of the animalsÂ while they are inside the shelter. Â However, recent studies and anecdotes seem to indicate a preference in some strains for not using theÂ red houses. Four strains of mice, C57BL/6/Bkl, Balb/c/Bkl, CBA/BomTac and Bkl:NMRI, were housedÂ individually with access to a red house as the only shelter. The result showed that there were significantÂ differences in the time spent in the red house and the number of entries between the strains with NMRIÂ mice â€“ and to some extent the Balb/c - spending less time and demonstrating a higher number of entries inÂ the red house than the pigmented strains. Â
SECOND NORTH AMERICAN DUCK SYMPOSIUM & WORKSHOP

s Species of Concern Here and Abroad . 17 Abstracts Open Session A . 21s Open Session A . 21 Abstracts Open Session B . 25s Open Session B . 25 Abstracts Duck Recruitment in Agricultural and Forested Landscapess Duck Recruitment in Agricultural and Forested Landscapes Part A Field Studies . 30 Part B Modeling Duck Population Dynamics . 35 Abstracts Evolutionary Ecology and Management . 38s Evolutionary Ecology and Management . 38 Abstracts “Top Down” and “Bottom Up” Perspectives ons “Top Down” and “Bottom Up” Perspectives on Duck Population Limitation and Regulation . 43 Workshop Outlines Systematic Approaches to Management Decisions: Improving the Biological Foundations of NAWMP . 47 N Common Statistical Mistakes in Ecology . 48 Waterfowl Community Ecology in Breeding and Nonbreeding Areas in the Holarctic . 50 Recent Advances in Survival Analysis . 52 Poster Abstracts (alphabetical order) . 54 Workshop Abstracts . 79
A nonlinear age-structured model of semelparous species

A species is called semelparous if its specimen reproduces only once in the lifetime, and usually dies afterwards. We consider a population such that individuals may give birth only at a given age. Discrete-time models of semelparous population have been intensively studied recently, because they have unexpected asymptotic properties, such as the extinction of all but one year classes. It is an interesting question if a continuous time age-structured model may exhibit similar properties. We present a non-linear McKendrick-type age-structured model, given by a linear partial differential equation with a nonlinear boundary condition. Properties of measure-valued periodic solutions of this system are investigated. We observe that there exists a unique nonnegative stationary distribution which is often unstable. We investigate also the behavior of classical solutions that converge to periodic degenerated Dirac measure solutions, which means that the population asymptotically consists of individuals at the same age. Such a phenomenon is observed in nature in some insects populations. The model is compared to discrete-time nonlinear Leslie models. References: J. M. Cushing, Three stage semelparous Leslie models , J. Math. Biol. 59 (2009), 75-104. R. Rudnicki and R. Wieczorek, Asymptotic analysis of a semelparous species model , Fundamenta Informaticae 103 (2010), 219-233. R. Rudnicki and R. Wieczorek, On a nonlinear age-structured model of semelparous species , submitted .
Attractiveness and Adolescent Student Performance

Previous studies (Cawley 2004; Sabia 2007) have examined the relationship between obesity and wages and academic performance. These studies have shown that obesity has a negative effect on wages and academic performance. We extend this work by examining the relationship between attractiveness and academic performance, to determine whether the obesity effect is simply a component of a more general attractiveness effect. Our results indicate that “unattractiveness” and obesity are separate effects that have a similar (negative) effect on academic performance. The notable exception is the least attractive subjects in the data set, who tend to outperform their more attractive classmates. We offer possible explanations for these findings.
Patterns of tree-fall and branch-fall in a tropical rain forest in French Guiana

1 Tree-falls and branch-falls of all trees with a diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) of over 10 cm were studied in 12 ha of primary rain forest at Nouragues, French Guiana. Consequences in terms of the number of damaged trees and number and sizes of resulting canopy gaps were investigated. Spatial distribution of tree-falls and spatial relation with pre-existing canopy gaps were analysed. Forest turnover rates were calculated on different bases. 2 Of the 6314 trees initially present in the plot 1.5% had fallen and 1.3% lost at least one major branch after one year. In total, 4.9% of the standing basal area had been felled or damaged. 3 The major cause of tree-fall and tree damage is falling trees and limbs: 75% of the fallen and 83% of the damaged trees were felled or damaged by others ('dominowise' felled or damaged trees). Of the remaining ('initiating') fallen trees, 38% were uprooted and 62% were snapped-off above the ground. Similar percentages were observed for domino-wise felled trees. 4 The spatial distribution of the 38 trees which initiated events was random. Preexisting canopy gaps did not increase the chances of surrounding trees to initiate a treeor branch-fall. However, initiating treeand branch-falls were found clustered at around 50 m from large gaps, while few gaps occurred at around 25 m from old gaps. 5 Some 35% of the fallen trees did not create canopy gaps, and 42% of the damaged trees were not involved in the creation of a canopy gap. Initiating tree-fall that resulted in a canopy gap had no larger d.b. h. than initiating tree-fall not resulting in a canopy gap. In contrast, gap-creating branch-fall trees had a larger d.b. h. than those that did not create gaps. 6 Gap size increased with the number and basal area of the trees involved. Gap size measured following the Brokaw (1982a) definition was not very relevant in quantifying the direct consequences of gap creation, and a modified gap definition is proposed. 7 Both the forest turnover rate based on the number of fallen trees and the turnover rate based on the area of canopy gaps underestimate the actual disturbance regime of the forest. To quantify the disturbance regime of a forest, the basal area of the annually fallen and damaged trees deserves more attention.