Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inter- and intrahabitat dietary variability of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in South African savannas based on fecal δ13C, δ15N, and %N

Baboons are dietary generalists, consuming a wide range of food items in varying proportions. It is thus difficult to quantify and explain the dietary behavior of these primates. We present stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic data, and percentage nitrogen (%N), of feces from chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) living in two savanna environments of South Africa: the mountainous Waterberg region and the low-lying Kruger National Park. Baboons living in the more homogeneous landscapes of the Waterberg consume a more isotopically heterogeneous diet than their counterparts living in Kruger Park. Grasses and other C4-based foods comprise between ∼10–20% (on average) of the bulk diet of Kruger Park baboons. Carbon isotopic data from the Waterberg suggest diets of ∼30–50% grass, which is higher than generally reported for baboons across the African savanna. Based on observations of succulent-feeding, we propose that baboons in the Waterberg consume a mix of C4 grasses and CAM-photosynthesizing succulents in combined proportions varying between ∼5–75% (average, ∼35%). Fecal δ15N of baboons is lower than that of sympatric ungulates, which may be due to a combination of low levels of faunivory, foraging on subterranean plant parts, or the use of human foods in the case of Kruger Park populations. Fecal N levels in baboons are consistently higher than those of sympatric ungulate herbivores, indicating that baboons consume a greater proportion of protein-rich foods than do other savanna mammals. These data suggest that chacma baboons adapt their dietary behavior so as to maximize protein intake, regardless of their environment. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
FORAGING EFFICIENCY : ENERGY EXPENDITURE VERSUS ENERGY GAIN IN FREE-RANGING BLACK-TAILED DEER

Foraging efficiency (metabolizable energy intake/energy expenditure when foraging) was determined over a 2-year period in nine free-ranging Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) in Alaska, and related to foraging-bout duration, distances travelled, and average speeds of travel. We calculated the energy-intake component from seasonal dry matter and energy content, dry matter digestibility, and a metabolizable energy coefficient for each plant species ingested. We estimated energy expenditures when foraging as the sum of energy costs of standing, horizontal and vertical locomotion, sinking depths in snow, and supplementary expenditures associated with temperatures outside thermoneutrality. Energy intake per minute averaged 4.0 times more in summer than winter; energy expenditure was 1.2 times greater in summer. Animals obtained higher amounts of metabolizable energy with higher amounts of energy invested. Energy intake during foraging bouts in summer was 2.5 times the energy invested; in c.
Making decisions on industrial water sources: the case of Zaragoza, Spain

ABSTRACT In Southern Europe numerous areas suffer water scarcity. For public policies to be effective, a thorough study of water users must be conducted. This paper aims to analyse the key factors that influence the decision of industrial users in urban areas when choosing between withdrawing water from underground sources or using water supplied through the public network. Using a database of industrial firms in Zaragoza (Spain) the proportion of water drawn from wells is considered as the dependent variable of a fractional response model. This methodology provides an original contribution to the field of behavioural analysis of the industrial sector, enabling us to model industrial decisions on water sources. The results obtained show that the most significant decision-drivers are how the industries use the water, the firms’ location and the accessibility of the different sources. Moreover, the findings indicate that firms use lower proportions of well water during the summer.
Water Status Effects on Net Photosynthesis in Field‐Grown Alfalfa

Net photosynthesis (Pn) typically declines with drought. Partitioning of this decline into stomatal and nonstomatal factors determines the seasonal performance and stress adaptation of the leaves. Here stomatal and nonstomatal limitation to Pn in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are evaluated to determine their relative importance during drought. Photosynthesis of the upper leaves of irrigated and nonirrigated alfalfa (cv. Sabina) was determined in 1985 and 1986 during spring regrowth. In both years, Pn was inhibited more than 35% in nonirrigated compared with irrigated plants, which had higher leaf water potential. Internal CO2 partial pressure (pi) indicated that stomatal limitation was not the only reason for reduced Pn; stomatal and nonstomatal effects were about equally important in the inhibition of Pn in leaves of nonirrigated plants in 1986. In vitro ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity (RuBPCO) per unit leaf area was higher in the nonirrigated treatment, suggesting that the enzyme was not responsible for the nonstomatal component of inhibition of Pn. In 1986, O2, evolution, measured in detached leaves with saturating CO2, was lower in the nonirrigated treatment compared to the irrigated one, implying that limitations to ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration may play a significant role. The carbon isotope composition of total leaves of plants collected at the end of the experiment in 1985 and 1986 showed a lower discrimiation against 13C in nonirrigated compared with the irrigated leaves, indicating a reduced conductance to CO2 transfer. It is concluded that both stomatal and nonstomatal mechanisms contributed to reduced Pn in droughted alfalfa.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Analyze the Concentration of Ferulic Acid, Deoxynivalenol, and Nivalenol in Winter Wheat Grain

Biotic stress, which includes infection by pathogenic fungi, causes losses of wheat yield in terms of quantity and quality. Ear Fusarium is caused by strains of F. graminearum and F. culmorum, which can produce mycotoxins—deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). One of the wheat’s defense mechanisms against stressors is the activation of biosynthesis pathways of antioxidant compounds, including ferulic acid. The aim of the study was to conduct pilot studies on the basis of which neural models were created that would examine the impact of the variety and weather conditions on the concentration of ferulic acid, and link its content with the concentration of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. The plant material was 23 winter wheat genotypes with different Fusarium resistance. The field experiment was conducted in 2011–2013 in Poland in three experimental combinations, namely: with full chemical protection; without chemical protection, but infested with natural disease (control); and in the absence of fungicidal protection, with artificial inoculation by genus Fusarium fungi. As a result of the pilot studies, three neural models—FERUANN analytical models (ferulic acid content), DONANN (deoxynivalenol content) and NIVANN (nivalenol content)—were produced. Each model was based on 14 independent features, 12 of which were in the form of quantitative data, and the other two were presented as qualitative data. The structure of the created models was based on an artificial neural network (ANN) of the multilayer perceptron (MLP) with two hidden layers. The sensitivity analysis of the neural network showed the two most important features determining the concentration of ferulic acid, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol in winter wheat seeds. These are the experiment variant (VAR) and winter wheat variety (VOW).
Variation in resistance and virulence among demes of a plant host–pathogen metapopulation

1 Despite the recognition that spatial structure can have major consequences for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host–pathogen interactions, few empirical studies have examined how regional processes affect within‐population co‐evolutionary patterns. 2 Considerable variation was detected within and among demes of a metapopulation in the resistance of Linum marginale to a range of local isolates of the rust Melampsora lini. Only four resistance phenotypes were common (occurring at an overall frequency of > 5%) and pathogen populations were similarly variable, with five out of 44 virulence phenotypes classified as common. 3 Resistance and virulence structure were related to the occurrence of two distinct ecotypes of the host. Hill populations were consistently more resistant than those in bogs and their pathogen populations more virulent. Allozyme analysis showed a high degree of genetic differentiation between host ecotypes, with fixed allelic differences. Host and pathogen phenotypes were non‐randomly distributed between bog and hill sites. 4 When ecotypic differences were factored out, there was clear evidence of a non‐random spatial distribution of resistance, with nearby populations being more likely to share resistance phenotypes, suggesting at least weak isolation by distance. While still apparent, this effect was much less noticeable in the pathogen populations, indicating significant differences in the spatial scale of dispersal of host and pathogen.
Application of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and cremoris as Starter Culture in the Colonial Cheese Production

The addition of the starter culture composed of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris coming from two commercial brands was evaluated in Colonial cheese during the maturation period. The physiochemical parameters suggest an increase in lactic bacteria due to the reduction of pH and an increase in acidity; the starter culture did not influence the yields, moisture, ash, and instrumental color of the samples. The microbiological parameters show control of the growth of aerobic mesophiles compared to the control (without addition of the culture). As such, the use of evaluated cultures is a viable method for improving the quality of Colonial cheese.
What Is the Price of Freedom? Estimating Women’s Willingness to Pay for Job Schedule Flexibility

We conducted a discrete choice experiment to elicit women’s revealed preferences regarding job schedule flexibility (flexible scheduling and part-time employment) in a developing country context. We did so with an incentivized methodology for job seekers. On average, women have a high willingness to pay for a flexible schedule within a full-time contract but a much lower desire to trade wages for part-time contracts. The willingness to pay for a flexible work arrangement is largest for more affluent women, while willingness to pay for part-time employment is highest among those with higher time demands.
Altered kelp (Laminariales) phlorotannins and growth under elevated carbon dioxide and ultraviolet‐B treatments can influence associated intertidal food webs

Due to the importance of brown algae, such as kelp (Laminariales, Phaeophyta), within most cool nearshore environments, any direct responses of kelp to multiple global changes could alter the integrity of future coastal marine systems. Fifty‐five‐day manipulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ultraviolet light (UVB) within outdoor sea‐tanks, approximating past, present and two predicted future levels, examined the direct influences on Saccharina latissima (=Laminaria saccharina) and Nereocystis luetkeana development and biochemistry, as well as the indirect influences on a marine herbivore (Tegula funebralis; Gastropoda, Mollusca) and on naturally occurring intertidal detritivores. Kelp species displayed variable directional (negative and positive growth) and scale responses to CO2 and UVB manipulations, which was influenced by interactions. Kelp phlorotannin (phenolic) production in blade tissues was induced by elevated UVB levels, and especially enhanced (additively) by elevated CO2, further suggesting that some actively growing kelp species are carbon limited in typical nearshore environments. Negative indirect effects upon detritivore consumers fed CO2‐manipulated kelp blade tissues were detected, however, no statistical relationships existed among UVB‐treated tissues, and test herbivores did not distinguish between phlorotannin‐altered CO2: UVB‐treated kelp blade tissues. Results suggest that past and future conditions differentially benefit these kelp species, which implies a potential for shifts in species abundance and community composition. Higher CO2 conditions can indirectly impede marine decay processes delaying access to recycled trace nutrients, which may be disruptive to the seasonal regrowth of algae and/or higher trophic levels of nearshore ecosystems.
Institutional Trading, Investor Sentiment, and Lottery‐Like Stock Preferences

This paper explores the time‐varying institutional investor preference for lottery‐like stocks. On average, institutional investor holdings reflect an aversion to lottery‐like stocks. However, I find that an institutions’ aversion to lottery‐like stocks is reduced when investor sentiment is low. Moreover, I find that during low sentiment periods, institutional investors have abnormally high trading profits in more positively skewed stocks. These results suggest that institutions reduce their aversion toward lottery‐like stocks during low sentiment periods to profitably trade in lottery‐like stocks.
Histochemical Study of the Effects of Noise on the Cell Surface and Extracellular Matrix Glycoconjugates of the Developing Mouse Cochlea

Abstract Talaei-Khozani, T. , Monsefi, M. , Vojdani, Z. and Dehghani, F. 2007. Histochemical study of the effects of noise on the cell surface and extracellular matrix glycoconjugates of the developing mouse cochlea. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 209–212. To determine whether noise could change the glycoconjugate pattern of developing cochlea 42 pregnant mice (2–4 m) were exposed to 100 dB continual sound for 2.5 h daily. After parturition, the cochlea of the offspring in the first, seventh and fourteenth day after birth were removed, prepared histologically and stained with lectins, WGA (wheat germ agglutinin), PNA (peanut agglutinin), GSA (Griffonia simplicifolia) and DBA (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin). Exposure to noise led to decrease in the uptake of the PNA by spiral limbus and ligament in the seventh and fourteenth postnatal days. It is concluded that alternation in glycosilation of glycoconjugates in the noise exposed cochlea could be responsible for the structural and functional changes such as fetal noise induced hearing loss.
Exigência nutricional de lisina digestível para frangos de corte

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar, mediante ensaio de digestibilidade, as exigencias nutricionais de lisina digestivel verdadeira para frangos de corte nas quatro fases de crescimento. Quatro experimentos de desempenho, realizados previamente, permitiram estimar a exigencia de lisina total para frangos de corte nas fases de 1 a 21, 15 a 40, 22 a 40 e 42 a 48 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 30 galos, adultos, Leghorn, cecectomizados com peso medio de 2316±190 g, sendo alojados, individualmente, em gaiolas com bandejas coletoras de excretas, utilizando-se o metodo de alimentacao forcada. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (quatro com dietas e um em jejum) e seis repeticoes. Foram utilizadas as dietas basais das quatro fases de crescimento, contendo 1,0; 0,825; 0,80; e 0,75% de lisina total. Com base nos coeficientes de digestibilidade determinados de 93,3; 93,58; 89,76; e 92,25% e considerando a L-lisina HCL suplementada como 100% digestivel, as exigencias de lisina digestivel verdadeira foram 1,130; 1,075; 0,95; e 0,84% para as fases de 1 a 21, 15 a 40, 22 a 40 e 42 a 48 dias de idade, respectivamente. Ao aplicar o modelo de regressao linear, foram obtidas as equacoes (% lisina/Mcal) = 0,4335 - 0,003284X r2 0,98 e (% lisina/Mcal) = 0,41081 - 0,003213X, r2 0,96 para lisina total e digestivel, respectivamente, sendo x a idade media das aves, em dias.
HU‐α binds to the putative double‐stranded DNA mimic HI1450 from Haemophilus influenzae

Recently, the solution structure of the hypothetical protein HI1450 from Haemophilus influenzae was solved as part of a structure‐based effort to understand function. The distribution of its many negatively charged residues and weak structure and sequence homology to uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor (Ugi) suggested that HI1450 may act as a double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) mimic. We present supporting evidence here and show that HI1450 interacts with the dsDNA‐binding protein HU‐α. The interaction between HI1450 and HU‐α from H. influenzae is characterized using calorimetry and NMR spectroscopy. HU‐α binds to HI1450 with a Kd of 3.0 ± 0.2 μM, which is similar in affinity to its interaction with dsDNA. Chemical shift perturbation data indicate that the β1‐strand of HI1450 and neighboring regions are most directly involved in interactions with HU‐α. These results show that HI1450 and its structural homolog, Ugi, use similar parts of their structures to recognize DNA‐binding proteins.
NB-IoT Versus LoRaWAN: An Experimental Evaluation for Industrial Applications

Low power and long-range communications are crucial features of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm that is becoming essential even for industrial applications. Today, the most promising long-range communication technologies are LoRaWAN and Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT), which are driving a large IoT ecosystem. In this article, we evaluate the performance of LoRaWAN and NB-IoT with accurate in-field measurements using the same application context for a fair comparison in terms of energy efficiency, lifetime, quality of service, and coverage. The NB-IoT energy transmission is scarcely dependent on the payload length. Thus applications that can tolerate buffering and caching techniques on the node are favored. On the other hand, LoRaWAN consumes 10 × lower energy compared to NB-IoT for occasional and latency-sensitive communications, for which it enables much end-device lifetime. Finally, this paper provides design guidelines for future industrial applications with stringent requirements of long-range and low power wireless connectivity.
The relationship of teenager reproductive health knowledge and attitudes of prospective biology teacher student in the course of human anatomy and physiology in the biology department at universitas negeri padang

There are many cases of teenager reproductive health caused by low teenager knowledge of reproductive health. This problem must be a concern by various parties, including teachers. Furthermore, some teachers still do not understand how to properly integrate reproductive health material. Therefore, biology teacher candidates are required to have good knowledge and attitudes toward teenager reproductive health. This research is a descriptive study with 40 sample students taking part in the lectures on Human Anatomy and Physiology at Universitas Negeri Padang in 2018. Data were collected using written tests and questionnaires. The result showed that the knowledge is obtained by an average score of 77.71 with good categories, and attitudes with an average score of 86.55 in the excellent category. Based on the results of the study, concluded that the knowledge and attitudes of prospective biology teacher had a very strong correlation.
Seasonal variation in the strength of interference competition among headwater stream predators

1. Vertebrate communities in headwater streams are assumed to be regulated through competitive and predatory interactions. Although documented predation is rare, studies regularly report competitive dominance by fish that, as larger com - petitors reliant on aquatic habitat, exclude semi-aquatic salamanders to marginal stream habitat. However, it is unclear whether fish interact with stream-breeding salamanders through indirect effects such as competition for resources (e.g. food or cover) or fear (i.e. threat of predation) nor is it known whether these interac - tions are consistent through time. 2. This study used a novel caging approach to determine if competitive outcomes between a headwater fish and salamanders were regulated primarily through resource depletion (exploitative competition) or behavioural avoidance (interfer - ence competition). 3. We paired banded sculpin ( Cottus carolinae ) and larval red salamanders ( Pseudotriton ruber ) of similar body size in independent flow through mesocosms with intra-and inter-specific pairs allowed to interact physically or non-physically. The experiment was repeated in the autumn and in the spring when stream sala - mander larvae begin
Effects of weather on egg characteristics of Isa Brown layers in Ibadan, Nigeria

The effects of weather indices on the performances and egg characteristics of layers was investigated using average egg data from randomly selected layers at the poultry farm of the Federal College of Agriculture, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2003. The layers used were selected in a randomized complete block design experiment. Data on characteristics of the eggs were obtained from selected eggs, and weather data were obtained from the climatological station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to assess the linear relationships between the q and p sets of data obtained (q being the weather indices and p being the egg characteristics). The results of canonical correlation analysis revealed that hen day production and other egg characteristics are associated with some weather indices. Some level of redundancy was detected in the result.
EFFECTS OF LEAF‐WATER SUPPLEMENTATION UPON POST‐INGESTIVE NUTRITIONAL INDICES OF FORB‐, SHRUB‐, VINE‐, AND TREE‐FEEDING LEPIDOPTERA

Unless leaf‐water content is maintained near the saturation level of excised leaves via high humidities and leaf‐water supplementation via the petiole, larval growth is suppressed. In 87 paired feeding experiments involving sixteen species of Lepidoptera, the effects on larval growth of leaves with, and without, leaf‐water supplementation were compared. Suppressive effects upon the efficiencies of larval growth were observed for larvae fed leaves without water supplementation. These effects were more pronounced for tree leaf‐feeders than for forb leaf‐feeders.
Protective influence of antioxidant vitamins on hematological indices of rabbits fed crude-oil-contaminated diet

The effects of chronic exposure to petroleum on hematological parameters as well as the possible protective role of vitamins E and C were studied. The hematological parameters assessed were red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) counts. The RBC and hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased in the blood of petroleum-fed rabbits. However, there was a significant increase in WBC in rabbits exposed to crude-oil-contaminated feed. Pretreatment with the antioxidant vitamins E and C restored these parameters to normal.