Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Causes and rates of mortality of swift foxes in Western Kansas

Knowledge of mortality factors is important for developing strategies to conserve the swift fox (Vulpes velox), a species being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act, but available information about swift fox mortality is inadequate. We used radiotelemetry techniques to examine the magnitude and causes of mortality of swift fox populations in 2 study areas in westem Kansas. One study area was predominantly cropland, the other rangeland, Mortality rates, calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimation techniques in a staggered entry design, were 0.55 ± 0.08 (x ± SE) for adult and 0.67 ± 0.08 for juvenile swift foxes. We did not detect differences between study areas in mortality rates for adults or juveniles. Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) was the major cause of mortality for adult and juvenile swift foxes in both study areas, and vehicle collision was an important mortality factor for juveniles in the cropland study area. No mortality was attributed to starvation or disease.
Rethinking the natural capital metaphor: implications for education and learning

One way in which the concept of sustainable development has been understood is through the metaphor of natural capital. This sees that the natural world has performing functions similar to those of economic capital. This metaphor is usually developed by applying to Nature standard economic techniques for capital valuation. However, where valuation of economic capital is complex, additional techniques are often used. One such technique is ‘real options’ analysis. Applying this technique to the concept of natural capital tends to lead to its revaluation, and has particular implications for the role of learning. Learning opportunities arising from the real options metaphor are explored through a number of examples.
Exergy Analysis for Power Plant Alternative Designs, Part II

This article constitutes a continuation of “Exergy analysis for a power plant alternative designs, Part I. ” In this article the analysis of the 95 MW cogeneration unit is performed and a comparison between the existing unit and the proposed cogeneration unit is made. The analysis and the comparison will be based on fuel cost, operation and maintenance costs, reliability, and air emissions of each case. All necessary data are obtained from the existing power plants (steam, gas turbine and diesel fuel) located at Linoperamata, Crete. Data for the cogeneration unit are obtained from the similar unit located at the town of Chania, Crete. Exergy analysis is used for the evaluation of the proposed solutions.
Effects of some carbon and nitrogen sources on spore germination, production of biomass and antifungal metabolites by species of Trichoderma and Gliocladium virens antagonistic to Sclerotium cepivorum

Conidia of Trichoderma pseudokoningii (IMI 322662) and T. viride (IMI 322659) were incubated in 1% bacteriological peptone at 25° C for 20 h and more than 95% of the spores germinated. In the same medium, only 35% of the conidia of Gliocladium virens (G20) and T. viride (IMI 322663) germinated but when 1% glucose was added, germination was increased to 70%. In the presence of glucose as a carbon source, maximal biomass production of G. virens (G20) after seven days at 25°C was obtained with either potassium nitrate or L‐alanine as the nitrogen source, whereas the Trichoderma isolates needed an organic nitrogen source. With L‐alanine as a nitrogen source, glucose, galactose and sucrose were readily utilized for biomass production by all fungal isolates. Maltose utilization by G. virens (G20) and T. pseudokoningii was incomplete after 21 days incubation, whereas glucose utilization was complete by this time. G. virens, T. pseudokoningii and T. viride (IMI 322663) produced antifungal metabolites which were e.
Chlorophyll fluorescence induction: an indicator of photosynthetic activity in marine algae undergoing desiccation

Algae of higher intertidal regions tend to be tolerant of extended periods of desiccation, while many lower tidal or subtidal species do not withstand even mild water loss. (Tidal regions can be characterized as high (regularly immersed at high tide and exposed at low tide), low (emergence only during minus tides (lower than mean low tide)), or subtidal (never exposed at low tide and extending to the maximum depth at which net photosynthesis can occur). ) The ecological necessity for tolerance in frequently emerged species is obvious, but the physiological basisof it is not well understood. Changes of photosynthetic partial reactions upon desiccation and rehydl-ation of tolerant and sensitive algae were studied by measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics (Kautsky effect). With progressive decrease in water content the gradual disappearance of the characteristic fluorescence transients was observed in both tolerant and sensitive species. The water content ranges where typical changes occurred were species dependent. Rehydration in tolerant plants resulted in rapid recovery from severe desiccation; there was no such recovery in sensitive plants when water content was decreased below a critical value. Analysis of the fluorescence changes upon desiccation and rehydration suggests: (I) electron transport between photosystem 11 and photosystem I. 21s well as H20 splitting are the partial reactions sensitive to desiccation; (2) in the resistant Porpl~yrn sn~ljlin~~e~lsis , intersystem electron transport is blocked at around 25% water content; (3) further desiccation leads to loss of water-splitting activity and eventually to the complete loss of variable fluorescence photosystem 11 reaction centers; and (4) on rehydration intersystem electron transport begins almost immediately while recovery of H20 splitting requires several minutes.
Habitat Selection in Birds: The Roles of Vegetation Structure, Competitors, and Productivity

Ecologists have been interested in the factors that affect habitat selection in birds for centuries, especially those that segregate taxonomically and ecologically related species. In the 18th century Gilbert White discovered that there are three sibling species (not one as previously thought) of Phylloscopus warblers in England; he used differences in their breeding habitats as well as differences in their songs to distinguish them. Writing to Thomas Pennant in 1768, White related that he had "now, past dispute, made out three distinct species of the willow wren [Phylloscopus] . " Of the two smallest, "one has a joyous and easy laugh [trochilus] . , the other a harsh chirp of two notes [collybita]. " The third [sibilatrix] "makes a sibilous grasshopper-like noise . and haunts only the tops of trees in high beechen woods" [White 1906 (1789)]. Later, Howard (1920) discussed the interrelations of habitat, food, and territory among the Phylloscopus species at length, and their systematic revision by Ticehurst in 1938 included habitat differences among the characteristics most likely to aid the field observer in distinguishing among species. Although the subject of habitat selection has been intensively studied since these pioneer works (see reviews by Hilden 1965, Lack 1971, Cody 1974), bird ecologists are still bringing to light new facts and facets of the problem. Consider what faces a small bird that seeks to es-
Flora diversity in burned forest areas in Dehdez, Iran

Abstract Flora identified within a region plays an important role in maintaining national natural reserves. Iran is one of the most important centers of plant diversity in the Old World (22% endemic species of 8000 plant species). Dehdez burned forest area is located in the southeastern Khuzestan province. The field data were obtained from 115 sample plots in a systematic random grid (20 m × 20 m). The attributes such as tree and shrub species type, the number of species and canopy coverage were recorded. Within each sample plot small and large crown diameters were measured. In order to record herbaceous species, the Whitaker’s snail plot method was applied (100 m² minimum plot area). In this study, 240 plant species were assessed and identified to 158 genera and 42 families. Asteraceae family with 33 species, Papilionaceae with 32 species, Poaceae with 29 species, Apiaceae w ith 27 s pecies a nd Lamiaceae with 18 species prevailed and constituted 57.9% of all the plants observed. Investigation of species life forms showed that Hemicryptophyte plants were most important. Chorological study showed that species found in Irano-Turanian and Common areas of Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean eruption were the most important ecological groups in the region, while other chorotypes were positioned far from the next in importance.
Filtering for linear systems with shifted noises

In this paper a method of approximation of a white noise by wide band noises is developed and based on this the complete set of equations of the Kalman type optimal filter for the linear signal-observation system with the signal noise delaying the observation noise is deduced. The respective Riccati equation is found as a system of equations containing partial differential equations. A possible application of the results to navigation and guidance of spacecrafts is discussed.
Physico‐chemical characterisation of a non‐conventional food protein source from earthworms and sensory impact in arepas

Summary This study aimed to characterise a non-conventional protein source: a powder made from earthworms, and to evaluate its potential use as human food. The way it was prepared led to low solubility and wide particle size distribution. Sensory analysis was used to assess the acceptability and the organoleptic properties of maize-based pan-cakes fortified with this novel protein powder. Satisfying products were obtained with a substitution level of 5.5% (w/w) earthworm powder in pan-cakes. GC-MS allowed the identification of more than seventy volatile compounds that may be responsible for the off-odour of the powder. The most abundant chemical groups found in the volatile fraction were ketones with undecan-2-one, alcohols with pentan-1-ol, and aldehydes with hexanal. Partial delipidation was tested as a way to improve the organoleptic quality of the powder. It clearly led to less intensely coloured samples but delipidation must be optimised to have an impact on odour.
Functional maternal catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism and fetal growth restriction

Objectives The pathophysiologic processes that occur at the cellular and molecular levels in intrauterine fetal growth restriction are largely unknown. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a phase II enzyme that inactivates catechol estrogens by transfer of a methyl group. A functional Val158Met polymorphism in the COMT gene has been known as a susceptible marker for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the association between this polymorphism and fetal growth. Methods A consecutive series of 412 women who experienced singleton deliveries was assessed in the birth cohort study. Genotyping of COMT and CYP17A1 polymorphisms was determined by allelic discrimination using fluorogenic probes and the 5′nuclease assay. Results The adjusted odds ratio for the risk of low birth weight (<2.500 g) in women with homozygous low-activity (COMT-L) alleles was 2.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–8.11). The mean birth weight of infants whose mothers were homozygous for COMT-L was less than that of infants whose mothers had at least one high-activity (COMT-H) allele (2.610 versus 2.800 g, P=0.07). The odds ratio for the risk of intrauterine fetal growth restriction, defined as birth weight <10th percentile or <mean–1.5 SD, in women homozygous for COMT-L alleles was 2.63/2.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–6.05/0.96–6.88). In the recessive genotype model, the odds ratios for the risk of low birth weight and intrauterine fetal growth restriction in women homozygous for COMT-L were 3.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.30–8.65) and 2.89/2.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.31–6.34/1.06–6.65), respectively. A positive association exists between birth weight and the homozygous CYP17A1 A2 genotype (P<0.01). When both COMT and CYP17A1 genotypes were considered, the highest risk of low birth weight/intrauterine fetal growth restriction was found among women with the homozygous COMT-L and CYP17A1 A1 genotype. The odds ratio for the risk of intrauterine fetal growth restriction (<10th percentile) in those women was 5.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.15–25.0). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the allele encoding low-activity COMT may be a susceptible marker for intrauterine fetal growth restriction.
The effects of climate change on avian migratory patterns and the dispersal of commercial poultry diseases in Canada - Part I

Many birds are able to modify migratory strategies when selection favours an adjustment. Climate change is provoking a range of responses from avian migrants and affecting their relationship with other biological systems. This is the first part of a two-part review that aims to summarise the available literature on the impact of climate change on migratory birds and how those changes will subsequently affect the spread of poultry diseases. Part I reviews the effects of climate change on the ecology of avian migrants; it was found that climate change has evoked several changes in birds, including changes in avian phenology, poleward shifts in avian distributions, modification of migratory distances, direction and activity, and alterations to movement patterns and destinations. Based on predictions for future climatic trends, climate change will continue to favour changes in avian migratory strategies and behaviour, emphasising the importance of investigating how these adjustments will affect the relationship between avian migrants and bird-borne pathogens.
Ocorrência de ginandromorfismo em Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Egg parasitoids of genus Trichogramma can reproduce by arrhenotokous or thelytokous parthenogenesis. Thelytoky is genetically determined or induced by endosymbionts such as bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. In thelytokous Trichogramma populations, gynandromorphism - an individual having both male and female structures - can occur. Gynandromorphism was observed in one specimen of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley in which the individual presented female genitalia and male antennae, a fact never reported before in Trichogramma in Latin America.
Impact of nutrition on welfare aspects of broiler breeder flocks

To ensure health and reproductive performance, broiler breeders are feed restricted during the rearing period and, to a lesser extent, during the production period. Although restricted feeding improves health and bird welfare, on the other hand the birds are chronically hungry and suffer from frustration of feeding motivation, which has a negative effect on bird welfare. The aim of the current paper is to give an overview of the role of feed (nutritional aspects as well as feeding management) as a possible tool to improve broiler breeder welfare. Possible strategies discussed are 1) dietary dilution, by reducing the energy content and/or increasing the NSP content, by adding soluble or insoluble fibres to the diet; 2) adding appetite suppressants (e.g. calcium propionate) to the diet; 3) changing feeding management (e.g., scattering feed in the litter). Some of these strategies, i.e. dietary dilution or adding appetite suppressants, positively affect behavioural patterns of the birds, by reducing stereotypic pecking and eating motivation, and increasing the time spent sitting. Appetite suppressants have however been criticised for causing birds to feel ill. These behavioural changes, however, can only be considered as indirect parameters of improved bird welfare and there is still a need for a reliable indicator of hunger. It is clear that nutritional strategies can be helpful in reducing hunger stress in broiler breeders. Nutrition, however, cannot fully solve the broiler breeder paradox. The main reason for this paradox is related to breeding goals that are focussed on improving feed conversion and increasing breast meat percentage. Future genetic selection should aim at uncoupling the link between (re)production and welfare or reducing the conflict between these outcomes.
Growth and food consumption of 0+ Arctic charr fed pelleted or natural food at six different temperatures

The effects of temperature and diet on the specific growth rate and food consumption of 1-summer-old Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus were studied. Fish were reared singly in aquaria at six different constant temperatures (5, 9, 13, 16, 18 and 20°C). They were fed Neomysis integer or commercial pelleted food for 2 weeks and growth and food consumption were measured. In both experiments, growth rate increased to an optimum at 15°C. Growth rates were high in the range 13–18°C, with no significant (P >0·05) differences between temperatures. No significant (P> 0·05) differences in growth were found between fish at 9 and 20°C. There were no effects of diet on size-adjusted growth rates. The growth efficiency decreased with increasing temperature in both treatments, but the decrease was faster in the Neomysis treatment. Charr seemed to compensate for the high water content (79·5%) of Neomysis by having a higher food intake.
Food Consumption, Absorption, Assimilation and Growth of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius Fed a Prepared Feed and the Alga Laminaria japonica

Prepared feeds are standard for developed aquaculture programs. Prepared feeds have been shown to be effective for several species of sea urchins. We investigated the use of prepared feeds for culture of the important commercial species Strongylocentrotus intermedius by comparison with the usual food used, the brown alga Laminaria japonica. The experiment was done in the summer and consisted of two successive 30-d periods. Individuals consumed more of the alga than the prepared feed but the absorption efficiencies were the same. This probably resulted from a higher content of structural carbohydrates in the alga and a higher content of available organic matter in the feed. The amount of organic matter absorbed was the same for both foods. However, the amount of gonad production and the assimilation efficiency was greater for the prepared feed. This indicates the prepared feed is of better nutritional quality. The physiological measurements and production were greater in the first 30-d period when the temperature was 21 C. This indicates temperature will be an important consideration in aquaculture of S. intermedius.
Static and dynamic quantization in model-based networked control systems

In this paper the effects of quantization in an important class of networked control systems called model-based networked control systems (MB-NCS) are considered. The MB-NCS architecture uses an explicit model of the plant in the controller in order to reduce the network traffic, while attempting to prevent excessive performance degradation. Sufficient stability conditions for two types of static and a dynamic quantization schemes for MB-NCS are derived. An important feature is that the stability conditions are explicitly expressed in terms of the plant and controller dynamics, the error between the model and the plant parameters, the transmission or update times, the quantization parameters, and a robustness measure of the system to parameter uncertainty. This is important because it allows the design of the controller and network parameters to achieve the desired goals. Examples are used throughout to illustrate the main results.
CHANGES IN THE EFFICIENCY OF UTILISATION OF FOOD THROUGHOUT THE FIFTH‐INSTAR NYMPHS OF LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA

The amounts eaten and the efficiency of utilisation of food were studied in detail for 5th‐instar nymphs of Locusta migratoria reared under a 12: 12 LD photoregime at 30°. Changes were found between the light and dark periods, and throughout the instar, in the amount of food eaten, dry weight growth efficiency and % water retention.
Mechanisms of action of the mood stabilizer valproate: A focus on GSK-3 inhibition

Valproate is the most widely prescribed antiepileptic drug worldwide, and it is also used in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder, migraine headache and cancer. However, the therapeutic mechanism of action of valproate in these illness states is not understood. This article reviews the pharmacological effects of valproate that may explain its therapeutic efficacy. It focuses on the hypothesis that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 by valproate is a crucial therapeutic mechanism of this drug in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. Other cellular pathways and signaling molecules that are targets of valproate (such as inositol de novo biosynthesis, histone deacetylase, protein kinase C, γ-aminobutyric acid, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and others) are also discussed.
Gas Production Rate Optimization by Genetic Algorithm

In order to satisfy the excessive demand during the heating days, the excessive supply during the nonheating days should be stored and used then. Underground gas storage is the process accomplishing this task. A detailed study of the reservoir and model construction will enable correct forecasts and thus the successful operation of the underground storage facility. In the event that the demand exceeds the field's top production capacity, optimization has to be made in order to maximize the gas production. Genetic algorithm is used as the optimization tool in this study. A population is initially randomly generated and manipulated by processes analog to natural operators in the effort to find the optimum. Each population consists of individuals which each represent a different set of well production rates for the gas storage field. In this study a real gas reservoir in Turkey having the potential for being an underground gas storage unit is evaluated. A preutilization design procedure is applied to determine the field's working conditions. Interactive software (GASOPT) is developed which utilizes the three-dimensional gas reservoir simulator as the genetic algorithms evaluation function. A probable demand curve is put forward. Forecast and optimization is made with GASOPT.
Predicting infestation parameters and impacts of caligid copepods in wild and cultured fish populations

Summary The intensity and timing of infestation events of caligid copepods in wild or cultured fish populations may be predicted from previous local production of nauplius I of the parasite. However, this relationship is not well established, the spatial scales over which it operates are unclear, and the role of host reactions to the invading copepodid is unknown. Rate of development (and population structure), generation time and rate and actual reproductive output are temperature-dependent. In Ireland between five and seven generations of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer) can develop annually and generation time varies from over 120 days in winter to 23 days in summer. Host reactions may affect the rate of development of the parasite but are less important than temperature. Host reactions may also cause parasite mortality, but this effect is specific for individual host parasite associations. The distribution of L. salmonis in cultured host populations is typically normal but is very over-dispersed in wi.