Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geographies of uncertainty : methodologies for detecting environmental and ecological changes

The study of geographical ecology is about how species populations are distributed in space and time. Using a model-based approach to study ecological processes controlling species distributions provides us with the means to compare different ecological hypothesis, predict a distribution of a species population in locations we have not sampled, and assess uncertainty of the predictions. Such models are practical tools for environmental management as well. For this doctoral thesis, I studied statistical modeling methodologies to reveal and accommodate model uncertainties, which originate from natural variation of the environment, inconstant surveying, and lack of important ecological covariate data from a model. I apply the methods to improve decision making process in conservation planning. As a case study I examined how Arctic marine environment has changed during the recent decades and how severely the Arctic marine mammals are exposed to stress from environmental change and disturbance from marine traffic in the Siberian Shelf Sea area. First, to assess the magnitude of change of the hydrographic conditions, I applied spatiallyexplicit prediction method, which accounts for uncertainties especially from strong spatiotemporal variation of the environment. Second, I developed a method for jointly analyzing different types of species observations, generated by heterogeneous sampling methods. Third, I combined species distribution predictions with the locations of marine traffic routes to define the mortality risk marine oil spill accidents pose to different species. Lastly, I developed approaches for further utilizing prior information in ecological models to improve the identifiability of the different processes that control distributions of species populations. I demonstrated this approach on vegetation data in northern Norway. This thesis shows, that the western part of the Siberian Shelf Area has become warmer and less saline during 1980-2000, but the magnitudes of changes are highly uncertain. The Arctic marine mammals in that area have responded to changes in physical environment, particularly diminishing ice cover, by changing their spatial distributions (ringed seal and polar bear), or becoming less abundant in their original distributional area due their inability to change their home ranges (walrus). The risks of the Arctic marine mammals to become exposed to oil spills are uncertain due to predictive variance of the species distribution models and natural variation of the environment. On average, spring is the riskiest season for oil transportation with respect to the hazards posed to the Arctic marine mammals. Lastly, the identifiability and predictive accuracy of species distribution models were improved by steering the inference with prior restrictions on the random effects, which reflect the unobserved ecological processes. This thesis shows that methods for propagating uncertainties into model predictions from data and model structure are essential for testing ecological hypothesis and predicting into
Discovery of Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Ontario, Canada and first host record in North America

Abstract Introductions of some forest invasive alien species result in important economic, environmental, and ecological impacts. One approach used by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to improve the detection of these species is to collect logs from trees in declining health at high risk sites of introduction and to incubate them to obtain insects, if present. Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) adults emerged, and live larvae were extracted, from one of two logs taken from a dying Norway maple, Acer platanoides Linnaeus (Sapindaceae), in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. In its native range, eastern Asia, this beetle is polyphagous, however, in North America there is no host record despite numerous interceptions of larvae in wood packaging material and captures of adults at various post-entry sites. An examination of the feeding damage caused by T. campestris in that maple suggests this insect is not a primary pest of trees in Ontario. Résumé L'introduction de certaines espèces exotiques invasives dans les forêts entraîne des conséquences économiques, environnementales et écologiques. Une méthode utilisée par l'Agence canadienne de l'inspection des aliments pour améliorer la détection de ces espèces est de récolter des billes provenant d'arbres à la santé défaillante dans des sites de haut risque d'introduction et de les incuber pour obtenir, le cas échéant, les insectes qui s'y trouvent. Des adultes de Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) ont émergé de l'une de deux billes obtenues d'un érable de Norvège, Acer platanoides Linnaeus (Sapindaceae) à Mississauga, Ontario, Canada et des larves vivantes en ont été extraites. Dans son aire de répartition d'origine, l'Asie de l'Est, ce coléoptère est polyphage, mais en Amérique du Nord, il n'y a pas d'hôte signalé malgré de nombreuses interceptions de larves dans des matériaux ligneux d'emballage et la capture d'adultes à divers sites après leur entrée. L'examen des dommages causés par l'alimentation de T. campestris sur cet érable laisse croire que l'insecte n'est pas un ravageur primaire des arbres en Ontario.
Predicting the Success Rate before Liver Transplant using ANN

The counterfeit learning models, for example, the artificial neural system, radial basis function and art map have demonstrated a promising application in the medicinal industry. The present work is a comparative examination of the previously mentioned. The consequences of our examination have demonstrated that among Artificial neural system, radial basis function and art map the numeric qualities acquired from ANN were relatively better. Further, the investigation of the exactness among the three chose calculations was found 98.9708%, 97.2556%, and 58.1475% separately. As per writing overview performed, it is clear that most examinations right now got lesser consideration, particularly in India. In view of our discoveries it appears that the ANN could be the best mode to predict the joint stabilities during liver transplantation.
Microalgae of mud volcano of the Bulganak sopochnoe field on the Crimean Peninsula

Mud volcanoes are one of unique natural phenomena widely spread around the world. They can be found in Crimea, including the Bulganak sopochnoe field – the largest cluster of active mud volcanoes on the peninsula (45°25′29.04′′N, 36°27′51.64′′E). Study of mud volcano microalgae in Crimea, as well as in other regions of Russia, has not been conducted so far. Therefore, scientific interest is caused by need and urgency of the study of these volcanoes. First data on microalgae species composition of active mud volcanoes are presented in this article. Samples collected by O. Yu. Eremin (03.08.2012 and 13.04.2013) in the upper 2–3-cm layer of suspension and in surface water were investigated. The ranges of salinity and water temperature were 27–32 g per L and +28. +31 °C, respectively. Microalgae species composition was determined in water preparations using Axioskop 40 (Carl Zeiss) light microscope at magnification of 10×40 with software AxioVision Rel. 4.6. Totally 16 taxa were found: Cyanobacteria (1), Dinophyta (2), Bacillariophyta (6), and Euglenophyta (7). Of these, cyanobacteria Chamaecalyx swirenkoi (Schirshov) Komárek et Anagnostidis, 1986 was found by us in the mud volcano in August 2012. Pennate species of diatoms were also identified – single living (of genera Cylindrotheca (Ehrenberg) Reimann & J. C. Lewin, Lyrella Karajeva, and Nitzschia Hassall) and colonial species (of genera Berkeleya Greville and Pseudo-nitzschia H. Peragallo). The brackish-water, benthic, boreal-tropical species Nitzschia thermaloidesHustedt was recorded for the algal flora of Crimea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov for the first time. Euglenophytes were also found in the samples – 5 species of the genus Trachelomonas Ehrenberg and 2 species of the genus Strombomonas Deflandre. Of all the species found in the mud volcano ecotope, 7 species are common for the Black Sea, and 9 species, including 3 euglenophytes, are common for the Sea of Azov. It is shown that by characteristics of halobility, species found in the mud volcano belong to freshwater complex (53 %), with a significant share of marine (27 %) and brackish-water (20 %) species. Of the phytogeographic flora elements, boreal species make up 33 %, boreal-tropical – 47 %, and cosmopolites – 20 %. Three species of potentially toxic algae are recorded: diatom Pseudo-nitzschia prolongatoides (Hasle) Hasle, 1993, as well as dinophytes Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge, 1975 and Alexandrium tamiyavanichii Balech, 1994. The last species is marine, boreal-tropical, and new to the algology of Crimea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. In the article, own and literary data on morphology, ecology, and phytogeography of species, as well as on their general distribution in different waterbodies of the world, are also presented. Some microalgae species are indicators of saprobity; they are able to participate in purification of water from organic substances. Photos of mud volcanoes and micrographs of some species are presented.
Relationship of DDE/ΣDDT in Marine Mammals to the Chronology of DDT Input into the Ecosystem

The DDE/ΣDDT (ΣDDT = DDT + DDE + DDD) ratios in the blubber of North Atlantic pinnipeds and odontocete cetaceans, as determined by several scientists and surveys, are compiled to obtain a biannual mean series. Conversion of DDT to DDE is interpreted as being due not only to the marine mammals but also to the overall detoxifying activity of the North Atlantic marine biota. The change of these ratios during the period 1964–81 is examined and a strong correlation between these ratios and time is found in both groups, which demonstrates that such an index can be tentatively used when one assesses the chronology of pollutant input into the ecosystem. An equilibrium value may be reached at the beginning of the next century when the ratio reaches a value of approximately 0.60, provided that no new inputs of contaminant into North Atlantic waters exist.
A Hybrid Algorithm using Neural Network and Artificial Bee Colony for Cyber Security Threats

With the increasing literacy rate, the crowd over internet is increasing dramatically and so as the internet threats. Now these days, even kids below 10 are aware of what a virus is and how easily a virus can be created. This is a major problem for the data and stock companies who keep their entire data online or at any server which is traceable. This paper deals with some of the most malicious attacks of cyber world and they takes a little effort to be applied from the attacker side but a lot of effort to even detect it. This paper also focuses on some of the modern world prevention architectures like usage of Artificial Intelligence (Neural Networks) and Swarm Intelligence (Artificial Bee Colony [ABC]). This paper has evaluated the effectiveness of the prevention algorithm through Quality of Service parameters
Protein Kinase C α Associates with Phospholipase D1 and Enhances Basal Phospholipase D Activity in a Protein Phosphorylation-Independent Manner in Human Melanoma Cells

It is well known that phospholipase D plays a crucial part in the signal transduction of many types of cells, and is activated by protein kinase C α when cells are stimulated. To elucidate the role of phospholipase D in melanoma, the expression of phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α in primary and metastatic lesions of acral lentiginous melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma was investigated using immunohistologic techniques. In addition, the mechanism of regulation of phospholipase D 1 by protein kinase C α was examined in a human melanoma cell line HM3KO using an adenovirus-mediated gene transfer technique. Both phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α were strongly expressed in primary and metastatic lesions of superficial spreading melanoma. Conversely, in acral lentiginous melanoma lesions, the expression of these two proteins increased dramatically with tumor progression; the expression of both phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α was almost negative in the radial growth phase of primary acral lentiginous melanoma lesions, and increased synchronously in a progression-related manner in advanced acral lentiginous melanoma lesions, including vertical growth phase and metastatic lesions. Immunoprecipitation study showed that phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α are associated physiologically in resting melanoma cells. Further immunoprecipitation study using HM3KO cells after adenovirus-mediated simultaneous overexpression of phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α, or phospholipase D 1 and the kinase-negative mutant of protein kinase C α revealed that both protein kinase C α and the kinase-negative mutant of protein kinase C α are associated with phospholipase D 1 in melanoma cells in the absence of an external signal. Overexpression of protein kinase C α or the kinase-negative mutant of protein kinase C α in melanoma cells by the adenovirus vectors resulted in the enhancement of basal phospholipase D activity in a viral concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, enhanced basal phospholipase D activity increased the in vitro invasive potential of HM3KO cells. These results suggest that upregulation of phospholipase D 1 and protein kinase C α plays a part in the progression of acral lentiginous melanoma from the radial growth phase to the vertical growth phase. The present results also suggest that protein kinase C α associates with phospholipase D 1 and enhances basal phospholipase D activity in a protein phosphorylation-independent manner in melanoma cells, which contributes to the cell's high invasive potential.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis sp. nov. and Staphylococcus schleiferi sp. nov., Two Species from Human Clinical Specimens

Deoxyribonucleic acid relatedness studies (S1 nuclease method) showed that 23 unidentified Staphylococcus strains form two homogeneous genomic species related 1 to 9% to 24 type strains representing known Staphylococcus species. These new species were named Staphylococcus lugdunensis and Staphylococcus schleiferi. Strains of S. lugdunensis were susceptible to novobiocin, produced a fibrinogen affinity factor, and failed to produce coagulase, heat-stable nuclease, and staphylokinase. S. lugdunensis strains differed from S. hominis (the phenotypically closest species) by production of ornithine decarboxylase and the fibrinogen affinity factor. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the deoxyribonucleic acid was 32 mol%. The type strain is N860297 (= ATCC 43809). Strains of S. schleiferi were susceptible to novobiocin, produced a heat-stable nuclease and a fibrinogen affinity factor, and failed to produce coagulase and staphylokinase. S. schleiferi strains differed from S. aureus by production of an antigenically different heat-stable nuclease and the lack of pigmentation, free coagulase, protein A, and β-ribitol teichoic acid. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the deoxyribonucleic acid was 37 mol%. The type strain is N850274 (= ATCC 43808).
Diet and Abundance of the Bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera) in a Brazilian Montane Atlantic Forest

Abstract We studied variations in diet and abundance of the bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a montane Atlantic Forest, in order to investigate if patterns in this habitat differ from those in the better-studied lowlands. The diet of S. lilium was assessed based on fecal samples, whereas possible variations in abundance were documented based on capture success. We also monitored and linked variability in air temperature to fruit production of Solanaceae, the main food of S. lilium. Bats fed exclusively on fruits, mostly on Solanaceae and occasionally on Piperaceae and Cecropiaceae. S. lilium was mostly absent in the area during the colder months, suggesting that they might migrate to lower and hence warmer elevations. Absence of the bats was not related to a distinct decline in availability of fruit of Solanaceae because fruit production was not related to temperature. We conclude that in tropical montane systems, abundance of some frugivorous bats might be affected more by air temperature than by food availability. Furthermore, we reinforce the idea that preserving elevational gradients is a crucial aspect for the conservation of migratory species.
Host-Specific Pathogens Do Not Account for the Corn-Soybean Rotation Effect

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] generally yields more when rotated with another crop rather than grown continuously. The specific reasons for this yield response are unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which a soybean-corn (Zea mays L.) rotation limited the buildup of host-specific pathogens of soybean, and to evaluate whether plant diseases were involved in the rotation effect. Incidence and severity of seven diseases and seed yield were recorded at two locations in the field in 1987 and 1988 for soybean maintained in four cropping sequences ranging from annual alternation with corn to 1, 2, or 5 yr of continuous cropping (.)
Effects of Photoperiod, Temperature, and Diet on the Reconditioning Response, Blood Chemistry, and Gonad Maturation of Atlantic Salmon Kelts (Salmo salar) Held in Freshwater

Changes in feeding behavior, rate of reconditioning, gonadal development, and maturation were investigated together with changes in plasma electrolytes, triglycerides, cholesterol, protein, and alkaline phosphatase in female Atlantic salmon kelts (Salmo salar) exposed to advanced and simulated natural photoperiods and warmer and natural water temperatures. Natural photoperiod cycles at natural and 12 °C temperatures were most stimulatory for feeding behavior, reconditioning, gonadal development, and maturation. Advancing photoperiod only slightly stimulated gametogenesis at 12 °C whereas at low temperature, vitellogenesis did not proceed and oocyte maturation did not occur. In all regimes, early reconditioning was associated with gonadal maturation. The levels of calcium, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase were markedly elevated in spawners and were coincident with temperature and photoperiod manipulation. No similar change occurred in nonspawners. Ovulation occurred earliest in the advanced photoper.
Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 : Effects on Mouse Intestinal Flora and Plasma Concentration of Isoflavonoids

The effects of Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 on the metabolism of daidzein and on the composition of intestinal flora were assessed for adult mice. Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 altered the equol production status in the in vitro incubation of daidzein with fecal flora of mice. For in vivo investigation, mice were fed an AIN-93M purified diet for 19 days followed by a 0.05% daidzein diet for 4 days in the in vivo experiment. The LD group received L. fermentum for 10 days. The control (CD) group did not receive lactic acid bacteria. In analysis of plasma isoflavonoids, plasma equol concentration tended to be high in the LD groups. However, no significant differences in plasma daidzein and equol concentrations were observed between the LD and CD groups. In analysis of the composition of intestinal flora, the occupation ratio of Lactobacillales was significantly higher in the LD group. We demonstrated that Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 could affect the intestinal flora and in vitro fecal equol production in mice.
Study on Bovine Cysticercosis with Special Attention to its Prevalence, Economic Losses and Public Health Significance in and Around Halaba Kulito Town, South Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study on bovine cysticercosis was conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 on 384 zebu cattle slaughtered at Halaba municipal abattoir to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors and to assess public health and economic importance of taeniasis. Moreover 100 residents in Halaba town were randomly sampled for questionnaire survey to assess the public health significance of the disease and inventory of pharmaceutical shops was made to assess the economic significance. Out of the total 384 inspected animals, 33 animals were infected by Cysticercus bovis giving an overall prevalence of 8.6%. Anatomical distribution of the cyst showed that the highest proportions of Cysticercus bovis cyst frequency were observed in Diaphragm (7.8%) followed by Intercostal muscle (7.3%), Heart (6.8%), Tongue (6.8%) and masseter muscle (6.2%). There was no significant association between the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis between age and origin of the animals (P>0.05) but significant association was observed between sexes and body condition (p<0.05). Of the total 100 interviewed respondents, 19 (19%) had infected by T. saginata infection at least once in their life time. Human taeniasis prevalence showed there was statistically significant association in the prevalence of Taeniasis between carcass source (p=0.00, x =19.63) but there was no statistically significant association 2 (p>0.05) observed in the prevalence of Taeniasis between age, sex, educational status, occupation and habit of meat consumption. An inventory of pharmaceutical shops for the year 2014 and 2015revealed a total of 63461 adult taenicidal drug doses were sold for a total cost of 190362 ETB (9285.95USD) with an average of 95181 ETB (4642.97USD) per annum. The finding also indicated that there was importance of cysticercosis and taeniasis both in economic and public health aspects. Therefore, high attention should be given for awareness rising in the public and strict routine meat inspection should be undertaken to minimize the impact of Taenia saginata in the study area.
User Control Support in Smart Homes

A smart home is a context-aware system that adapts itself autonomously in response to context to satisfy user needs and to improve safety, security, resource use, etc. On the one hand, software autonomy serves the basic purpose of pervasive computing by reducing interaction with the users, easing the use of the system, and reducing the user distraction. On the other hand, it takes control away from the users of the applications, making users feel loss of control over their contextaware applications. The situations including applications may not behave as expected, user preferences may change over time or users may want to add new behaviors, etc, may arise and require smart home users to interact with the applications to control their behavior. This research addresses this issue and proposes an approach, which would provide a wider support of user control by exposing and manipulating (1) application parameters, (2) adaptation logic(s) thus allowing users to add new behaviors. Using this approach a complete system is developed in order to see its effectiveness; furthermore the system is tested on three different context aware applications and a preliminary usability study is done to evaluate the system effectiveness.