Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of radio-tracking in studying the foraging behaviour of the Indian Flying fox (Pteropus giganteus)

Although much is known about the behaviour of the Indian Flying fox (Pteropus giganteus Brunnich) whilst at the roost (e.g. Neuweiler, 1969), very little is known of its foraging behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to describe the techniques and results of a preliminary radio-tracking study of P. giganteus. In view of the fact that some species of Pteropus are commercial pests (Ratcliffe, 1932) and others are declining rapidly in numbers so as to cause alarm to conservation bodies (Nicoll & Racey, 1981), it is likely that this genus will receive considerable attention in the future. P. giganteus is the largest species of frugivorous bat in Ceylon and is most widely distributed throughout the wet zone (Eisenberg & McKay, 1970).
Infection and colonisation of white clover seedling roots by fungi

Abstract Five soil-borne fungi isolated from white clover roots were tested for their pathogenicity on young clover seedlings under glasshouse conditions. Three of these fungi: Codinaea fertilis Hughes & Kendrick, Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc. , and Thielaviopsis basicola (Berk. & Br.) Ferraris were capable of invading roots and producing root rot symptoms on seedlings grown in Pawson Hill and Tasman soil-sand mixtures. Microscope studies show that the host root tissues are infected and colonised to different extents, and also that host defence mechanisms operate to limit the internal spread of the pathogen.
Mechanical and electric properties of ferroelectric Ba1-xCaxTiO3 ceramic

Abstract A comparative study on the dynamic mechanical and electric properties was firstly performed on Ba1-xCaxTiO3 (x = 0.1 ∼ 0.25) ceramics. A diphasic ceramic composed of ferroelectric tetragonal Ba0.8Ca0. 2TiO3 and normal dielectric orthorhombic Ba0.07Ca0. 93TiO3 solid solutions was obtained near the solubility limit (x = 0.23). The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition was clearly characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and dielectric spectrum, but the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transformation for Ba0.9Ca0.1TiO3 was only detected by DMA. Relatively lower internal friction and higher remnant polarization near the solubility limit (x = 0.21–0.25) were found. In addition, the influence of poling and annealing on the mechanical properties of BCT ceramic was investigated.
Role of arbuscular mycorrhizae in the alleviation of ionic, osmotic and oxidative stresses induced by salinity in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea).

Salinity stress causes ion toxicity and osmotic imbalances, leading to oxidative stress in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are considered bio-ameliorators of saline soils and could develop salinity tolerance in crop plants. Pigeonpea exhibits strong mycorrhizal development and has a high mycorrhizal dependency. The role of AM in enhancing salt tolerance of pigeonpea in terms of shoot and root dry weights, phosphorus and nitrogen contents, K + :Na + , Ca 2+ : Na + ratios, lipid peroxidation, compatible solutes (proline and glycine betaine) and antioxidant enzyme activities was examined. Plants were grown and maintained at three levels of salt (4, 6 and 8 dSm -1 ). Stress impeded the growth of plants, led to weight gain reductions in shoots as well as roots and hindered phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. However, salt-stressed mycorrhizal plants produced greater root and shoot biomass, had higher phosphorus and nitrogen content than the corresponding uninoculated stressed plants. Salt stress resulted in higher lipid peroxidation and membrane stability was reduced in non-AM plants. The presence of fungal endophyte significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and membrane damage caused by salt stress. AM plants maintained higher K + :Na + and Ca 2+ :Na + ratios than non-AM plants under stressed and unstressed conditions. Salinity induced the accumulation of both proline and glycine betaine in AM and non-AM plants. The quantum of increase in synthesis and accumulation of osmolytes was higher in mycorrhizal plants. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly with salinity in both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. In conclusion, pigeonpea plants responded to an increased ion influx in their cells by increasing the osmolyte synthesis and accumulation under salt stress, which further increased with AM inoculation and helped in maintaining the osmotic balance. Increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities in AM plants under salt stress could be involved in the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal colonization.
Selection of Salt-tolerant Yeast Strains Accumulating Glucosylceramide

Debaryomyces hansenii NBRC 0855 accumulated high amounts of glucosylceramide relative to 25 strains of salt-tolerant yeasts in the genera Candida, Debaryomyces, Kodamaea, and Pichia. The constituents of glucosylceramide were principally 2-hydroxystearic acid as a fatty acid, 9-methyl-trans-4, trans-8-sphingadienine as a sphingoid base and glucose as a hexose. Strain NBRC 0855 was able to produce glucosylceramide when cultured on actual effluent from a pickle manufacturer.
The importance of being a bdelloid: Ecological and evolutionary consequences of dormancy

The bdelloid rotifers represent an intriguing example of organisms displaying an array of unusual ecological and evolutionary features, yet have managed to remain an extremely successful group for more than 35 million years. Some of these unusual features include: strictly parthenogenetic reproduction, degenerate tetraploidy, horizontal gene transfer, and resistance to desiccation, starvation and ionising radiation. This review emphasises these as well as other ecological and evolutionary features of bdelloids, highlighting the current knowledge regarding the patterns and processes governing these organisms. We suggest a unifying framework, with dormancy representing the bdelloids' key feature. We hypothesise that dormancy, and especially the DNA repair mechanisms activated during dormancy recovery, might be responsible for all the unusual features present in the taxon. We propose further work that needs to be performed to test this hypothesis, and recommend further research areas that will help to unravel this “evolutionary scandal”.
The Economic Value of Biodiversity

Founded in 1948, The World Conservation Union brings together States, government agencies and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership: over 800 members in all, spread across some 125 countries. As a Union, IUCN seeks to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. A central secretariat coordinates the IUCN Programme and serves the Union membership, representing their views on the world stage and providing them with the strategies, services, scientific knowledge and technical support they need to achieve their goals. Through its six Commissions, IUCN draws together over 6000 expert volunteers in project teams and action groups, focusing in particular on species and biodiversity conservation and the management of habitats and natural resources. The Union has helped many countries to prepare National Conservation Strategies, and demonstrates the application of its knowledge through the field projects it supervises. Operations are increasingly decentralized and are carried forward by an expanding network of regional and country offices, located principally in developing countries. The World Conservation Union builds on the strengths of its members, networks and partners to enhance their capacity and to support global alliances to safeguard natural resources at local, regional and global levels.
Novel Enhanced Modular Multilevel Converter for High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission Systems

This paper proposes an enhanced modular multilevel converter as an alternative to the conventional half-bridge modular multilevel converter that employs a reduced number of medium-voltage cells, with the aim of improving waveforms quality in its AC and DC sides. Each enhanced modular multilevel converter arm consists of high-voltage and low-voltage chain-links. The enhanced modular multilevel converter uses the high-voltage chain-links based on medium-voltage half-bridge cells to synthesize the fundamental voltage using nearest level modulation. Although the low-voltage chain-links filter out the voltage harmonics from the voltage generated by the high-voltage chain-links, which are rough and stepped approximations of the fundamental voltage, the enhanced modular multilevel converter uses the nested multilevel concept to dramatically increase the number of voltage levels per phase compared to half-bridge modular multilevel converter. The aforementioned improvements are achieved at the cost of a small increase in semiconductor losses. Detailed simulations conducted in EMPT-RV and experimental results confirm the validity of the proposed converter.
Microsatellite markers for paternity testing in fork-marked lemurs (Phaner furcifer)

We report the development of three new microsatellites and four transferred across-species for fork-marked lemurs ( Phaner furcifer ). Two markers were isolated from Cheirogaleus medius and one from Microcebus murinus . The transferred markers also originate from Cheirogaleus medius and Microcebus murinus . The seven markers were tested on 30 individuals of Phaner furcifer and have proven to be useful for inclusion and exclusion of potential parents. The markers presented here are the first published for application on Phaner furcifer .
Advanced Freeze-Thaw Assessment of Internally Integrated Concrete with Sodium Acetate

A new line of research is presented in this study where sodium acetate is used as a protective material for concrete. A newly developed freeze-thaw method that depends on the alteration of temperature and humidity is introduced in this research to investigate the efficacy of integrating sodium acetate with concrete with different water to cement ratios (w/c). Results from the introduced freeze-thaw method were compared with the outcomes of a standard freeze-thaw testing method. The distressed concrete was tested for water absorption and compressive strength after finishing six months of freeze-thaw testing. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of sodium acetate in protecting concrete
Growth rates and crown morphology of Abies amabilis in the seedling bank of an ancient subalpine conifer forest

The population dynamics of shade-tolerant tree species often includes a seedling bank — small trees persisting in the understory until canopy opening allows increased height growth. We studied the growth and morphology of 0.1–1.3 m tall Abies amabilis Douglas ex J. Forbes trees in the seedling bank of an ancient (>1300 years old) subalpine conifer forest on Vancouver Island, western Canada. We determined rates of height growth by counting growth rings at 10 cm intervals along the main stem and assessed crown morphology by measuring the length and location of each branch along the main stem. These small trees were very old (mean basal ring count, 112 years) and grew very slowly, taking on average 170 years to reach a height of 1 m. Instead of the typical conical form of open-grown Abies Mill. , seedling bank individuals had flat crowns. Most branches were near the top of the main stem. The maximum distance along the main stem plus a branch was 1.6 times the main stem length, indicating that resource allocation is focused on lateral growth. The ability to grow slowly and adjust crown morphology allows seedling bank trees to persist for decades to centuries and to retain the possibility of release and growth into the canopy.
Down-Regulation of Transcripts for Na Channel α -SNS in Spinal Sensory Neurons Following Axotomy

Spinal sensory (dorsal root ganglion; DRG) neurons display slowly inactivating, tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R), and rapidly inactivating, TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) Na currents. Attenuation of the TTX-R Na current and enhancement of TTX-S Na current have been demonstrated in cutaneous afferent DRG neurons in the adult rat after axotomy and may underlie abnormal bursting. We show here that steady-state levels of transcripts encoding the α-SNS subunit, which is associated with a slowly inactivating, TTX-R current when expressed in oocytes, are reduced significantly 5 days following axotomy of DRG neurons, and continue to be expressed at reduced levels, even after 210 days. Steady-state levels of α-III transcripts, which are present at low levels in control DRG neurons, show a pattern of transiently increased expression. In situ hybridization using α-SNS- and α-III-specific riboprobes showed a decreased signal for α-SNS, and an increased signal for α-III, in both large and small DRG neurons following axotomy. Reduced levels of α-SNS may explain the selective loss of slowly inactivating, TTX-R current. The abnormal electrophysiological properties of DRG neurons following axonal injury thus appear to reflect a switch in Na channel gene expression.
A laboratory examination of the effectiveness of a winter seasonal lake drawdown to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

Abstract A set of laboratory studies were conducted to identify abiotic conditions associated with winter lake drawdowns that might be capable of sufficiently damaging root systems of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) to prevent shoot regrowth. Two separate conditions prevented regrowth: exposure of roots in hydrated sediment to a temperature of −5 C for 24 h or longer with a slow thaw over 12 h, or exposure to a sediment water content equivalent to 0.02 m3/m3 for 48 h or longer. Eurasian watermilfoil can therefore be killed by freezing at −5 C or desiccation at 4 C in as short a time as 24–48 h, and a percent relative electrolyte leakage (% REL) of 80% or higher is sufficient to prevent shoot regrowth. The ability to regrow shoots after freezing at −5 C did not correlate to the sediment hydration level. Treatments that did not damage roots sufficiently to prevent shoot regrowth included freezing at −5 C with a 10 cm snow cover above the sediment; freezing at −5 C for 1 d with roots submerged in standing water, as would occur if exposed plants were standing in pooled water prior to freezing; and freezing at 0 C for 4 d. Treatments that resulted in partial root damage but still allowed subsequent shoot regrowth included freezing at −5 C in standing water for 4 d, and freezing at −5 C for 4 d with a rapid thawing of roots. Monitoring of temperature and moisture content of the exposed littoral zone in sequential years indicated that both damaging conditions were observed in the 2009–2010 drawdown season, but neither condition was observed in the 2010–2011 season, suggesting that the interannual variability in response to drawdowns is probably the result of variable annual climate conditions. Monitoring the exposed sediment could indicate if and when conditions suitable for killing root crowns have been satisfied and the appropriate timing to reverse the drawdown.
Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy in 2020

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is proposed as a surgical option for the patients with no other surgical option with failed portal vein embolization or extremely small future liver remnant. Since the first publication of the technique in 2012, this technique evolved nowadays to partial ALPPS and minimal-invasive ALPPS. Conventional two-stage hepatectomy remains a feasible option for older patients and those with a liver to body-weight-ratio of > 0,4.
Bacterial production measured by leucine and thymidine incorporation rates in French lakes

SUMMARY 1. Production of heterotrophic bacterioplankton was estimated monthly by the tritiated thymidine and leucine incorporation methods during the draining and filling of the mesotrophic Lake Pareloup (over a 2.5-years sampling program). 2. Rates of 3 H-leucine (leu) and 3 H-thymidine (thy DNA) incorporation generally paralleled each other but the ratio of leu/thy DNA incorporation rates was higher for the draining period (34.5 mean) than during and after filling (11.5 mean). 3. After draining, the highest ratios were observed during periods of low temperature and low bacterial specific activity, while DNA labeling by 3 H-thymidine was reduced. However, bacterial production estimates obtained by 3 H-leucine (BPL) and 3 H-thymidine (BPT) incorporation methods were generally well correlated and the average BPL/BPT ratio was equal to 0.78. 4. In addition, both methods were applied during a diel cycle in three lakes of different trophic status. An increase of leu/thy DNA incorporation rates was noted from the oligotrophic to the eutrophic system. In the absence of Cyanobacteria, BPL and BPT values were quite concordant on average. 5. In situations of unbalanced growth, BPL and BPT values can diverge but when considered over a sufficient period of time they were found to be in agreement.
Performance of Related Indeterminate and Tall Determinate Soybean Lines in Short-Season Areas

Determinate growth habit (dt 1 dt ) is useful in reducing plant height and lodging but can result in excessive dwarfing in early-maturing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] lines. When the genotype E 1 E 1 e 3 e 3 e 4 e 4 is combined with dt 1 dt 1 , result is nondwarf, early-maturing determinate soybean lines (tall determinate). This study was conducted to compare the agronomic characteristics of Maturity Group 0 and I, tall determinate and indeterminate breeding lines. Thirty-five pairs of lines with contrasting growth habit, with each pair of similar maturity and from the same cross, were selected from 16 populations and evaluated in three environments. Tall determinate lines significantly outyielded indeterminate lines in two environments, while in the third, there were no differences. The tall determinate lines were shorter, had higher bottom pods, and had decreased 100-seed weight. Lodging and seed quality were not affected by growth habit. Tall determinate lines flowered later and matured earlier, resulting in a reduced reproductive period. High-yielding lines of each type were identified. These results suggest that breeding for high-yielding, tall determinate soybean lines adapted to short-season areas is possible and that the tall determinate phenotype could prove beneficial because of the height increase of the bottom pods
Modern information technologies in the hotel business: development trends and implementation issues

This article discusses the main developments in information technologies of the hotel business, which is especially relevant due to the fact that today the process of economy digitalization in the Russian Federation significantly influences hospitality industry. Automation of hotels associated with the use of modern technologies particularly improves the quality of customer service. In this research major trends in the development of information technologies in hotel business were identified. They include: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, etc. This paper defines the main problems of introduction of modern information technologies in hospitality industry. The study revealed that currently, information technologies are improving rapidly, directly impacting hotel business, but also assessing hotel market of the Russian Federation. In terms of development and use of modern information technologies it is important to note that a lot depends on management of a specific hospitality enterprise.
Morphological variation in Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976 (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

The morphological characters lateral chord structure, head, tail, vagina and spicule shape, which are those most frequently used in the diagnosis of mermithid species, were highly variable within the progeny of a single mating pair of Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976. In the light of this variability the usefulness of these characters in species diagnosis is discussed and it is concluded that a series of specimens at various developmental stages are required for reliable diagnosis.
Flowers and Insects in New Mexico

IN a certain sense we may say correctly that the flora of our country is fairly well known. New species, and even genera, are frequently described, but most of these are segregates from the more comprehensive groups of earlier authors, and radically new types are not often met with. Nevertheless, there is hardly a plant upon which new observations may not be made with ease. Our whole flora needs redescribing from living plants, every species needs close study to <letermine the character and range of its variations, and the relations between plants and insects offer a ~eld for research which appears practically inexhaustible. The following notes record the results of some recent researches, and may serve as a contribution to entomophytology. They are classified according to locality.
Fast Simulation of Litz Wire Using Multilevel PEEC Method

Litz wire has been an essential component for the power electronic design to reduce the eddy loss. However, there is a lack of efficient numerical algorithms to simulate Litz wires due to their complex structures. This letter proposes a multilevel partial element equivalent circuit method that significantly improves the efficiency of the simulation of the Litz wire. This method boosts the simulation efficiency at both packing level and twisting level. In the packing level, a novel meshing method is proposed to capture the skin and the proximity effect accurately and efficiently. In the twisting level, the calculation is further divided into wire level and multipole level, where filament approximation and fast multipole method are unitized, respectively. Taking advantage of symmetry and memory replication, the proposed method is significantly faster and more economical than reported electromagnetic algorithms. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are validated through comparison with popular toolkits and the measurement of two Litz wires with dozens and hundreds of wire strands, respectively.
Identifying suitable conservation targets: can GIS-based modelling serve to link coarse-scale complementarity to local selection of conservation sites

Complementarity analysis based on overlaying large numbers of species distribution maps is increasingly being employed by conservationists to determine conservation priorities. This method is used because of its efficiency in representing selected species in a minimal number of areas, thus maximizing the number of conserved species in relation to area. As such analyses are mostly based on coarse spatial scales, it is essential to test the efficiency and accuracy of these methods, and to develop supplementary analyses that allow us to translate the result into identification of conservation sites of a manageable size. Here we test the effectiveness of a coarse-scale (continent-wide) analysis using a more detailed (nation-wide) logical inductive model based on point records. We find that, although there are differences in the effectiveness at these scales, most of the areas identified by the fine-scale data are nested within those identified by the coarse approach. We also find that areas identified as important for birds fit well within the current national focal areas for conservation in Uganda.