Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cycled sensitivity observing system experiment on simulated Doppler wind lidar data during the 1999 Christmas storm ‘Martin’

In a companion paper in this issue Sensitivity Observing System Experiment (SOSE) has been introduced as a new method to assess the potential added value of future observing systems for NumericalWeather Prediction (NWP). There, SOSEwas introduced as a single cycle experiment, meaning that additional synthetic observations, to extend the existing global observing system (GOS), are applied in only one assimilation cycle. In this study SOSE has been extended to run over three subsequent days to enable impact assessment of additional prospective observations over a prolonged period prior to an event. This is achieved by a cycled implementation of the SOSE method where analysis adaptations from previous cycles evolve progressively in subsequent cycles. This implementation of a cycled SOSE results in a sequence of pseudo-true atmospheric states that are subsequently used for the simulation of prospective extensions of the existing GOS. A cycled SOSE has two attractive properties as compared to the single-cycle implementation (i) the resulting pseudo-true atmospheric state at the end of the cycling period, that is, at forecast initial time, provides a better forecast and (ii) the cycling implementation makes the SOSE method more suitable for absolute impact assessment of continuously operated observing systems such as from polar satellite platforms. The NWP case investigated concerns the 1999 Christmas storm ‘Martin’ that caused much havoc in Western Europe. We show that additional observations from a spaceborne Doppler wind lidar over a 3-d period would have improved the 2-d forecast of ‘Martin’ substantially. This is substantiated by a 50-member ensemble forecast run.
Clutch Size, Nest Size, and Hatching Asynchrony in Birds: Experiments with the Fieldfare (Turdus Pilaris)

Breeding strategy of an open—nesting passerine bird, the Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) was studied in a woodland in Norway during four successive breeding seasons. Most birds laid clutches of five or six eggs; only 1% laid more than six. For 100 nests, eggs and/or chicks were added to raise the final number to seven hatchlings. Parents that laid a clutch of five eggs showed a equal skill in raising broods of seven, as did those who laid six. In enlarged broods, when only small age differences existed among the hatchlings, their survival rate was higher than that of enlarged asynchronous broods. In the enlarged synchronous broods the nestlings the subsequently died did so at a greater age than did those in the asynchronous broods. Brood size frequency for synchronous broods, recorded 8 d after brood enlargement, deviated from that expected under a random mortality pattern, i.e., mortality more resembled in "all—or—one" type. Hatching success was not lower for larger clutches (provided that the eggs hatched synchronously); the parents showed great skill in raising enlarged broods, and these nests were not subjected to a much greater degree of predation than were nests that contained small clutches and broods. The Fieldfare therefore normally rears a smaller—sized brood than could be nourished. More pairs that were provided with an artificial, large—sized nest managed to raise a brood of seven than did pairs that attempted to rear seven in their own original nest. Brood reduction in birds may not be adaptive, as argued by Lack and others, but may result from overcrowding. The reason why wider nest cups are not built in nature may be related to problems involved in hatching the eggs successfully; hatching losses were greater in enlarged nests than in natural nests.
The developmental periods of the Ixodid tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neum. under laboratory conditions

A study, begun in 1966 at Edinburgh University, and completed during the ensuing 30 months at Muguga, Kenya, of the developmental periods of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neum. under controlled temperature and humidity was carried out to provide basic background information for an intensified FAO/EAVRO programme of East Coast fever research. Quantitative data are given on the preoviposition, pre-eclosion and, for larvae and nymphs, premoulting periods at three constant temperatures, 25, 21 and 18°C. The rate of development at all stages was accelerated by raising the temperature and retarded by lowering it. A “pre-immobilization period” which precedes the entry of engorged larvae and nymphs to the true moulting process also appeared to be temperature dependent. Development became very prolonged as temperatures fell below 18°C, being negligible at 15°C and having apparently ceased altogether at 9°C. Continuous exposure for more than two or three days to temperatures of 4°C and below were lethal to all engorged instars. Humidity (controlled at levels between 18 and 87% r.h.) had no influence on the rate of development. It is concluded that within limits of tolerable aridity, developmental periods would be completed within the times dictated by temperature regardless of the level of humidity or changes in the level of humidity. No suggestion of any diapause mechanism was discerned.
BRIEF REPORT

We employed a psychophysiological marker of directed attention (the visual scanpath) to investigate visuocognitive processing of particular facial expressions in healthy individuals (N = 47). Visual scanpaths were recorded using video-oculography while subjects viewed digitised photographs of threat-related (fear, anger) and nonthreat (sad, happy, neutral) facial expressions. Hypotheses regarding the existence of a differential viewing strategy for threat-related facial expressions were based upon the adaptive significance of rapid detection and effective appraisal of social threat from conspecific face stimuli. When compared with each of the nonthreat faces, viewing strategies for expressions of anger and fear were characterised by increased distance between fixations (extended scanning), with more fixations, of longer duration, to feature areas of these faces. The extended scanning style suggests that threat-related faces evoke a "vigilant" style of scanning, whereby longer saccadic eye movements may reflect heightened autonomic responses to threat, while the increased foveal attention to feature areas of threat-related faces may facilitate cognitive appraisal of the personal significance and direction of impending threat. These results suggest the existence of distinct visuocognitive patterns for processing threat-related facial expressions, in response to the evolutionary advantage of detecting and appraising social threat.
EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF THE PRODUCTION OF EPHIPPIA BY DAPHNIA MAGNA STRAUS (CLADOCERA)

[On montre que pour Daphnia magna le changement de la parthenogenese a la reproduction sexuelle est cause par l'action reciproque de la photoperiode, la temperature, la densite de la population, la disponibilite de nourriture et la qualite de l'eau dans laquelle on garde les animaux. Toutefois le changement est transitoire et les animaux se reproduisent par parthenogenese apres un certain temps meme gardes sous les conditions qui font au delut qu'ils se reproduisent sexuellement. , On montre que pour Daphnia magna le changement de la parthenogenese a la reproduction sexuelle est cause par l'action reciproque de la photoperiode, la temperature, la densite de la population, la disponibilite de nourriture et la qualite de l'eau dans laquelle on garde les animaux. Toutefois le changement est transitoire et les animaux se reproduisent par parthenogenese apres un certain temps meme gardes sous les conditions qui font au delut qu'ils se reproduisent sexuellement. ]
Editorial

The aim of this special issue of CoDesign is to interrogate design that takes as its primary driver social issues, its main consideration social impact and its main objective social change (Gamman and Thorpe 2006). The concept of social responsibility, the notion that an individual, a group of individuals or an organisation (or organisations) has responsibility to society, whilst topical, has been around as long as humanity. The benefit of such responsibility to society was described by Darwin, who argued in 1871 that,
The rapid analysis of single marine cells by flow cytometry

Analytical flow cytometry (AFC) is a novel technique for the rapid (more than 103 s-1) analysis and sorting of single cells based upon simultaneous, multiple measurements of laser-induced particle fluorescence, light scatter and impedance. Originally developed for biomedical use, AFC is now being adapted to analyse single-celled organisms such as phytoplankton and bacteria which are present as trace but functionally important components in seawater. Marine AFC has been used to analytically differentiate and sort these organisms from the heterogeneous assemblage of particles present in seawater. Chlorophyll autofluorescence is an unique biomarker for photosynthetic organisms and has been used to analyse phytoplankton cytometrically both in the laboratory and at sea. A theoretical and practical framework for the cytometric quantitation of cellular chlorophyll in phytoplankton based on autofluorescence is presented. Other subcellular constituents such as enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids and toxins in phytoplankton have recently been analysed by AFC using immuno-, induced or applied fluorescent labelling techniques. Examples are presented together with novel developments in fringe areas of cytometry that are likely to influence AFC of single marine cells in the near future.
Evaluation of Urease Inhibitors as Urea Amendments for Use on Kentucky Bluegrass Turf

Urea applied to turf areas can result in loss of urea N through NH 3 volatilization. One approach to decrease N loss is the use of urease inhibitors. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the urease inhibitors N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and phenylphosphorodiamidate (PPD) as fertilizer amendments for increasing N-use efficiency of urea applied to Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf in both the laboratory and the field (.)
Aimed Object‐throwing by a Wild African Elephant in an Interspecific Encounter

A wild and presumably female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) was observed when she threw with her trunk various materials - mud, soil, vegetation - to an interfering white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). Object-throwing, a special type of animal tool-behaviour, seems to be used by elephants not only in aggression but also for exploration.
Desempenho de cordeiros alimentados com diferentes níveis protéicos

The experiment was carried out to evaluate increasing crude protein (CP) levels in drylot lambs diet, and its effects on animal performance. Thirty two tricross lambs (1/2 Texel + ¼ Bergamacia + ¼ Corriedale), being 16 males and 16 females, with average age 5 months and live weight 30 kg, were fed for 57 days, with isoenergetic diets (72% TDN), but with different protein levels (12, 16, 20 and 24% PB). The animals were identified, weighted and distributed in the four treatments. The lambs were kept underroof in individual pens with lathing and a suspended floor. The studied parameters were weight daily gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, and cost per kilogram of carcass. The use of diets with different protein levels in lamb termination, showed a positive linear effect for weight daily gain and negative feed efficiency. It was verified that the use of diets with increasing protein levels did not influence the dry matter intake of the lambs. It was concluded that the diets between 12 and 24% crude protein were economical for finishing lambs in drylot, however, the largest return were gotten with the ration contends 12% CP. There were no sex effects for the analyzed parameters.
Potentiation of Histamine Release by Microfungal (1→3)‐ and (1→6)‐β‐D‐Glucans

(1-->3)-beta-D-Glucans, a cell wall component in most microfungi, are suggested to play a role in the development of respiratory and general symptoms in organic dust-related diseases. The mechanisms by which they induce these effects are, however, not clear. In the present study, mediator release and its potentiation by the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan as well as by the (1-->6)-beta-D-glucan found in yeast and other fungi were therefore examined. Blood leucocytes from healthy volunteers and from patients allergic to house dust mite were incubated with (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans with increasing 1,6-branchings: curdlan [a linear (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan], laminarin and scleroglucan, and furthermore with pustulan, a linear (1-->6)-beta-D-glucan. Histamine release was not observed on exposure to the glucans only, but in the presence of anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody or specific antigens, all the glucans investigated led to an enhancement of the IgE-mediated histamine release. The glucans induced a significant potentiation of the mediator release when present at concentrations in the range of 2-5 x 10(-5) M. These results suggest that (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan as well as (1-->6)-beta-D-glucan aggravates IgE-mediated histamine release. Knowledge concerning the effects of glucans on immune responses may be of importance for understanding and treating inflammatory and allergic diseases.
AEROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLING METHODS FROM AIRCRAFT

Three methods are described for sampling airborne bacteria and fungi from. aircraft. These methods were designed for use in aircraft flying at speeds about 200 m.p.h. The first is a qualitative method for use in a B-29 aircraft, with a sampling tube to hold a Petri dish 12 in. in front of the nose, yet permit loading and unloading from the interior. In the second and third methods, which are quantitative, the samplers are located inside the aircraft and air is brought to them by rubber hose connected to 1 in. aluminum elbows in a side window; the sampled air leaves the aircraft by another set of hose and elbows. The second sampling method uses a G.E. Electrostatic Bacterial Air Sampler located in an aluminum sampling chamber 18 in. × 18 in. × 18 in The third method utilizes filters made from glass wool and lens paper discs mounted in brass hose couplings. Numbers of organisms were calculated on a cubic foot basis from colonies which developed on nutrient media. In the second method, the organisms were pre.
DISTINGUISHING THE EFFECTS OF GENOTYPE AND SEED PHYSIOLOGICAL AGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

When differences are observed between genotypes in their response to low temperatures at germination, it has been generally assumed these are purely genetic. Laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of physiological age on the temperature responses of 13 rice genotypes from Bangladesh in order to clarify whether (a) differences in seed germination at low temperature represented genetic differences or differences in the physiological state of the particular seed lot used and (b) whether genotype performance at higher temperatures was indicative of performance at lower temperatures. A higher initial seed moisture content (mc) was associated with lower initial viability (Ki). The base temperature for germination differed by less than 1 °C between genotypes. Seeds remaining ungerminated at low temperatures usually germinated when transferred to 21 °C. The thermal time requirement to reach t50 (θ) differed widely between genotypes. Lower optimum temperatures for germination were associated with lower thermal time requirements. Ageing seeds for 24 hours at 24 % mc and 45 °C significantly reduced final germination on a thermal gradient table at all temperatures below 20.8 °C in genotype BR29 but only below 16.5 °C in BR11. The rates of germination (seeds d−1) of aged seeds were also lower at all temperatures. Germination of high quality seeds of four genotypes were compared at 21 °C and 11 °C both before and after ageing (at 24 % mc and 45 °C). Ageing consistently reduced the rates of germination at both 21 °C and 11 °C. Increased ageing time progressively reduced the rate of germination of all seed lots at both temperatures. The rates of germination at 11 °C and 21 °C were positively and significantly (p < 0.01) related to final germination at the lower temperature of 11 °C. These results demonstrate that seed physiological quality as well as genotype might influence the final germination and rate of germination of rice genotypes at low temperatures. This information will be useful for breeders involved in selection of lines suitable for growing in cooler seasons.
Editorial

Successful collaboration in product development teams can be attributed to numerous strategic, technical and social factors (Littler et al. 1995, Lam and Chin 2005, Koutsikouri et al. 2008, Ostergaard and Summers 2009). This special issue on ‘Comprehending Factors Influencing Cooperative Product Development’ focuses on four factors: labour flexibility; data sharing in discipline spanning global environments; vendors’ integration; the influences of pressure. Underlying this special issue is the belief that success of collaboration in product development efforts is the province of comprehensive understanding of influencing factors, including these four factors. In ‘Labour flexibility: Impact of functional and localised strategies on team-based product manufacturing’, Fraser examines the relationship between two labour flexibility strategies (functional flexibility and intra-cell flexibility) and their impact on team effectiveness and team performance. The author considers labour flexibility and effective team working to be among the most sought after properties in today’s dynamic and competitive manufacturing environment. The article describes the empirical study undertaken to explore: (a) if labour flexibility strategies (functional and intra-cell flexibility) have any impact on team processes such as communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, goal setting and performance management, and planning and task coordination; (b) if from an ‘output’ level, labour flexibility strategies (functional and intra-cell flexibility) have any impact on team performance. The main finding in this study is that functional flexibility indeed had an overall stronger, significant effect on team processes than did intra-cell flexibility. The study also found that functional flexibility improved team outputs in areas such as customer delivery, inventory holdings and quality. Fraser argues that findings from this research indicate that moving employees or operators around the department of an organisation or around a plant performing different jobs or operations may in fact enhance the ability of these people when working in a team environment. In contrast to Fraser’s paper, ‘A contribution to engineering data sharing in discipline spanning global environments’ by Anderl, Völz, Rollmann and Lee deals with the challenges of data sharing in interdisciplinary and transnational teamwork. According to Anderl et al., the interdisciplinary challenges include different approaches to work and pattern of thinking, different terminology and communication styles, interface challenges, lack of information flow and the challenges stemming from the use of different software tools and data formats in different disciplines in collaborating teams. On the other hand, challenges in transnational teamwork arise from the fact that global teams often speak different mother languages (such that subtleties are often not caught in foreign languages), CoDesign Vol. 5, No. 3, September 2009, 139–141
Environmental gradients explaining the prevalence and intensity of infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus: the host's perspective

Chydridiomycosis is an infectious emerging disease in amphibians that has been directly linked to mass mortality, drastic population decline and extinction. The understanding of the factors limiting the distribution and the abundance of its biological agent, the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd ), is still limited. It has been suggested that climate plays a key role. A recent study conducted infection surveys at 31 lowland sites on the Australian East coast and searched for climatic variables explaining Bd prevalence and intensity in Stony creek frogs Litoria lesueuri (complex). A link between the prevalence of infections and latitude was advocated, exclusively focusing on the pathogen. Beyond this, the prevalence and intensity of Bd infection may also depend on the climatic suitability of a given site for the amphibian host. Herein, we extend the previous study using a set of long‐term bioclimatic variables and assess climatic suitability for Stony creek frogs at the sites previously studied for Bd. We ran a Climatic Envelope Model for our target amphibian based on those variables with the most explanatory power for prevalence and intensity, thus representing the link between climatic suitability for both the pathogen and the host. Our findings allow the hypothesis that there exists a significant correlation between climatic suitability for Stony creek frogs at the previously studied sites and latitude. At the same time, this was congruent with the latitudinal gradient of the number of zoospores per frog.
Breeding soybeans for improved adaptation to iron deficiency chlorosis

Abstract Major objectives of the Northrup King Co. soybean breeding program include high yield potential, resistance to lodging and shattering, good emergence, adequate protein and oil levels, and resistance to diseases and pests, as well as resistance to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC). Any cultivar released from the program must have a favorable combination of those characteristics which are important in the area of adaptation. The Northrup King soybean research group began actively breeding for resistance to IDC in 1977. Breeding procedures have included screening of advanced experimental lines, crossing resistant x resistant parents, and mass‐selection in populations derived from resistant x susceptible crosses. Performance of two recently released cultivars selected from resistant x susceptible crosses indicate that it is possible to combine high yield levels from one cultivar with IDC resistance from another. Several strains selected from crosses involving highly resistant parents have been evaluate.
Does Acanthaster planci preferably prey on the reef zoanthid Palythoa tuberculosa

The crown-of-thorns starfi sh Acanthaster planci is generally known as an intensive predator on hermatypic corals, especially Acropora spp. (Pratchett, 2007). Outbreaks of A. planci cause serious damages to coral reefs. In contrast, it is less known that A. planci also consumes zoanthids. We observed A. planci preying on a reef covering zoanthid, Palythoa tuberculosa at night between August and September 2010, in the outer reef fl at of Mizugama, Okinawa. Several individuals aggregated on P. tuberculosa colonies (Fig. 1). The individuals were relatively small, approximately 5-10 cm in radial length. Acanthaster planci preying on P. tuberculosa were also observed in the daytime in October 2010 in Lyudao, Taiwan. According to Gleibs and Mebs (1999), A. planci predates upon Palythoa in the South Pacifi c, which may indicate this is a usual event. Interestingly, at Mizugama, no individuals were detected on neigh boring Acropora spp. colonies that probably had recruited after the mass bleaching event of 1998. From additional observations in April 2011, neither A. planci individuals nor feeding traces of them were detected on P. tuberculosa colonies, suggesting that preying on P. tuberculosa occurs seasonally. At Mizugama, P. tuberculosa breeds in August (Hirose et al. 2011). In fact, pink-colored mature eggs were observed within colonies damaged by A. planci feeding. It is possible that A. planci preys on P. tuberculosa to obtain a more nutritious food, their eggs.