Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of insect–insect interactions on the performance of three biological control agents released against water hyacinth

Abstract Insect–insect interactions can have implications for biological control programmes when multiple agent species are released. In many cases there is an increase in the efficacy when more than one species is used; however, there is a possibility that releasing an additional species into a programme could have a negative effect. The interactions between three arthropod agents of water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach, Eccritotarsus catarinensis (Carvalho), Neochetina bruchi Hustache and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner were investigated in an experiment to measure the impact that pairwise combinations of the insects may have on their performance. There was a significant interaction between the mirid E. catarinensis and the weevil N. eichhorniae, with significantly fewer weevil feeding scars when in combination with the mirid (approximately 0.2 scars per cm2) than when alone (approximately 0.4 scars per cm2). There were also slightly fewer petioles mined by N. eichhorniae when in combination with the mirid. Interestingly there was a negative interaction between the two weevil species when in combination, with the number of feeding scars being significantly lower per individual when the two species were in combination. None of the insects performed significantly better when in combination with another insect, however, the mirid was never negatively affected by the presence of either weevil species. The interactions observed between the insects tested were identifiable but subtle and are unlikely to have implications on establishment or performance of the insects in the introduced range, South Africa.
MICROALGAL LIGHT‐HARVESTING IN EXTREME LOW‐LIGHT ENVIRONMENTS IN MCMURDO SOUND, ANTARCTICA1

Microalgal pigment composition, photosynthetic characteristics, single‐cell absorption efficiency (Qa(λ)) spectra, and fluorescence‐excitation (FE) spectra were determined for platelet ice and benthic communities underlying fast ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, during austral spring 1988. Measurements of spectral irradiance (E(λ)) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as well as samples for particulate absorption measurements were taken directly under the congelation ice, within the platelet layer, as profiles vertically through the water column, and at the benihic surface. Light attenuation by.sea ice, algal pigments, and particulates reduced PAR reaching the platelet ice layer to 3%(9–33 fimol photons m‐2‐−s‐1) of surface values and narrowed its spectral distribution to a band between 400 and 580 nm. Attenuation by the water column further reduced PAR reaching the sea floor (28–m depth) to 0.05% of surface levels (< 1 μmol photons m‐2 s‐1), with a spectral distribution dominated by 470–580–nm wavelengths. The photoadaptive index (I) for platelet ice algae (5.9–12.6 μmol photons m‐2.s‐1) was similar to ambient PAR, indicating that algae had acclimated to their light environment (i.e. the algae were light‐replete). Maximum Qa(λ) at the blue absorption peak (440 nm) was 0.63, and enhanced absorption was observed from 460–500 nm and was consistent with observed high cellular chlorophyll (chi) c:chl a and fucoxanthin: chl a molar ratios (0.4 and 1.2, respectively). Benthic algae were light‐limited despite the maintenance of very low Ik values (4–11 μmol photons.m‐2.s‐1). Extremely high fucoxanthin: chi a ratios (1.6) in benthic algae produced enhanced green light absorption, resulting in a high degree of complementation between algal absorption and ambient spectral irradiance. Qa(λ) values for benthic algae were maximal (0.9) between 400 and 510 nm but remained >0.35 even at absorption minima. Strong spectral flattening, a characteristic of intense pigment packaging, was also apparent in the Qa(λ) spectra for benthic algae. FE and Qa(λ) spectra were similar in shape for platelet ice algae, indicating that the efficiency at which absorbed energy was
Identification and Mapping of New Sources of Resistance to Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) susceptibility to ear rot and afl atoxin accumulation by Aspergillus fl avus (Link:Fr) has caused signifi cant economic losses for farmers in the U.S. over the past 30 years. Afl atoxin outbreaks are generally associated with high temperatures and low moisture levels common to the southern U.S. To identify afl atoxin accumulation resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) and linked markers for markerassisted breeding (MAB), a genetic mapping population of F 2:3 family genotypes, increased by sib-mating, was developed from Mp717, a maize inbred resistant to afl atoxin accumulation, and NC300, a southern-adapted inbred with low levels of resistance and desirable agronomic traits. Replicated trials of the mapping population were subjected to A. fl avus inoculation in Tifton, GA and Starkville, MS in 2004 and 2005. Quantitative trait loci on all chromosomes, except chromosomes 4, 6, and 9, were identifi ed, and individual QTL explained from less than 1% to a maximum of 11% of the phenotypic variance in afl atoxin accumulation in grain. Both Mp717 and NC300 were found to contribute resistance to afl atoxin accumulation in the F 2:3 families and overall QTL effects differed because of environmental conditions. Many of these loci were distinct from previously identifi ed QTL, which confi rmed Mp717 as a novel source of afl atoxin resistance.
TRIMETHOPRIM AND RIFAMPICIN IN COMBINATION AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI

I n v i t ro , trimethoprim (Tp) has been shown t o act synerg is t i ca l l y w i th sul famethoxazole (Sx) against E. c o l i (Bushby and Hitchings 1968). However, when these two drugs were used i n combination under s im i l a r condit ions t o those found i n vivo, there was a neg l ig ib le co-operative e f f e c t between them (Amyes and Dible 1979). Rifampicin ( R i f ) i s an ant i tuberc le drug, but i t has been reported t ha t i f i t i s used i n combination w i th Tp against common pathogens the effect can be synerg is t ic (Kerry, Hamilton-Miller and Brumf i t t 1975) and hence R i f may be a su i tab le candidate t o replace Sx. However, i t has a lso been reported tha t t h i s combination can ac tua l l y be antagonist ic (Harvey 1978). This communication invest igates t h i s paradox by examining the e f f e c t o f these two drugs on E. c o l i under condit ions s im i la r t o those found i n urine.
Adição de Lipídios na Ração de Vacas Leiteiras: Parâmetros Fermentativos Ruminais, Produção e Composição do Leite

RESUMO - Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de dois niveis de lipidios (3 e 7%) na dieta de vacas em lactacao e, dentro do nivel de 7% avaliar duas fontes de lipidios (grao de soja moido e oleo de soja), sobre a producao e composicao do leite, os parâmetros ruminais, a atividade de producao de amonia pela microbiota ruminal e o consumo de MS. Foram usadas seis vacas multiparas holandesas, puras e mesticas, com 500 kg de peso corporal, 30 dias pos-parto e producao media de 20 litros de leite/dia, distribuidas em dois quadrados latinos 3x3. Cada periodo experimental teve duracao de 23 dias, sendo 16 dias para adaptacao a dieta e sete dias para coleta de amostras ruminais. A producao de leite foi medida diariamente duas vezes, do 15 o ao 23 o dia de cada periodo experimental, fazendo-se uma amostragem do leite para analises de proteina e gordura. As amostras de liquido ruminal foram coletadas manualmente, por intermedio de sonda esofagica, e filtradas em gaze. As producoes de leite e leite corrigido para 4%, proteina, gordura, lactose, solidos totais, solidos desengordurados e densidade nao foram afetados pelo aumento de lipidios na dieta e nem pelas diferentes fontes de lipidios. Houve efeito depressivo de lipidios sobre a porcentagem de butirato e consumo de MS, sendo que o oleo de soja causou maior efeito. O pH aumentou somente com a inclusao de grao de soja moido na dieta. Os niveis de acetato, propionato, A:P, isobutirato, isovalerato, amonia e atividade de producao de amonia nao sofreram efeito de tratamentos.
Proximate causes of losses in a snowshoe hare population

We used radiotelemetry to monitor proximate causes of mortality of snowshoe hares during a population increase, peak, and decline at Kluane Lake, Yukon. Predation and starvation rates increased 1.6- and 9-fold, respectively, in the winter of peak population density. Predation accounted for 58% of the losses during the winter of peak densities while losses were equally divided between predation and starvation in the winter following the peak. Starvation and predation rates were lower on a food-supplemented grid than on control grids in the peak winter. In the following spring and winter, starvation rates remained low on the food grid while predation rates increased to equal those on control areas. We conclude that both starvation and predation were the proximate causes of mortality during the hare decline at Kluane Lake.
Linking Singular Spectrum Analysis and Machine Learning for Monthly Rainfall Forecasting

Monthly rainfall forecasts can be translated into monthly runoff predictions that could support water resources planning and management activities. Therefore, development of monthly rainfall forecasting models in reservoir watersheds is essential for generating future rainfall amounts as an input to a water-resources-system simulation model to predict water shortage conditions. This research aims to examine the reliability of linking a data preprocessing method (singular spectrum analysis, SSA) with machine learning, least-squares support vector regression (LS-SVR), and random forest (RF), for monthly rainfall forecasting in two reservoir watersheds (Deji and Shihmen reservoir watersheds) located in Taiwan. Merging SSA with LS-SVR and RF, the hybrid models (SSA-LSSVR and SSA-RF) were developed and compared with the standard models (LS-SVR and RF). The proposed models were calibrated and validated using the watersheds’ observed areal monthly rainfalls separated into 70 percent of data for calibration and 30 percent of data for validation. Model performances were evaluated using two accuracy measures, root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Results show that the hybrid models could efficiently forecast monthly rainfalls. Nonetheless, the performances of the hybrid models vary in both watersheds which suggests that prior knowledge about the watershed’s hydrological behavior would be helpful to implement the appropriate model. Overall, the hybrid models significantly surpass the standard models for the two studied watersheds, which indicates that the proposed models are a prudent modeling approach that could be employed in the current research regions for monthly rainfall forecasting.
Comparative review of Pacific salmon survival rates

I collated estimates of survival from the literature for naturally reproducing populations of the five major commercially harvested species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and compared the mean and variability of survival across species and life-history stages. The conclusion that survival rates can be described with a lognormal distribution was extended to include both the marine and freshwater stages. Average egg–fry survival of pink (O. gorbuscha), chum (O. keta), and sockeye (O. nerka) salmon was similar (average 7%) but was significantly lower than that of coho salmon (O. kisutch, 19%). The egg–smolt survival of chinook (O. tshawytscha) was much higher than coho or sockeye that also rear in freshwater for similar periods (7 compared with 1–2%). No direct estimates exist for the marine survival rate of naturally spawning chinook stocks; however, from fecundity and freshwater survival data a species average of 1–2% was derived. Across all species freshwater contributes slightly more to total vari.
Application of Improved LightGBM Model in Blood Glucose Prediction

In recent years, with increasing social pressure and irregular schedules, many people have developed unhealthy eating habits, which has resulted in an increasing number of patients with diabetes, a disease that cannot be cured under the current medical conditions, and can only be mitigated by early detection and prevention. A lot of human and material resources are required for the detection of the blood glucose of a large number of people in medical examination, while the integrated learning model based on machine learning can quickly predict the blood glucose level and assist doctors in treatment. Therefore, an improved LightGBM model based on the Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization algorithm is proposed for the prediction of blood glucose, namely HY_LightGBM, which optimizes parameters using a Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization algorithm based on LightGBM. The Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization algorithm is a model-based method for finding the minimum value of the function so as to obtain the optimal parameters of the LightGBM model. Experiments have demonstrated that the parameters obtained by the Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization algorithm are superior to those obtained by a genetic algorithm and random search. The improved LightGBM model based on the Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization algorithm achieves a mean square error of 0.5961 in blood glucose prediction, with a higher accuracy than the XGBoost model and CatBoost model.
A Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation Framework for Embedded Systems in Agricultural Robots

—In this paper the task of point cloud semantic segmentation from RGB-D data in outdoor agricultural environments is addressed speciﬁcally for the challenges of detecting trees, obstacles and the safe ground to traverse. A multi-step framework is proposed to enable real-time processing on an embedded system for use in wheeled agricultural robots. The initial step uses a MobileNetV2 based deep learning model to perform semantic segmentation on an RGB image. A point cloud is created from the segmentation and depth images which is then down-sampled, ﬁnally RANSAC plane segmentation reﬁnes the ﬁnal segmentation output. Initial ﬁndings show the method performs well at labelling the desired targets while also running at up to 9fps on the embedded system.
A Nitrogen-Rich Covalent Triazine Framework as a Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Production

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have emerged as new candidate materials in various research areas such as catalysis, gas separation storage, and energy-related organic devices due to their easy functionalization, high thermal and chemical stability, and permanent porosity. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of a CTF rich in cyano groups (CTF-CN) by the solvothermal condensation of 2,3,6,7-tetrabromonapthalene (TBNDA), Na2(1,1-dicyanoethene-2,2-dithiolate), and 1,3,5-tris-(4-aminophenyl)-triazine (TAPT) at 120°C. XRD, SEM, and TEM characterization studies revealed CTF-CN to be amorphous and composed of ultrathin 2D sheets. CTF-CN possessed strong absorption at visible wavelengths, with UV-vis measurements suggesting a band gap energy in the range 2.7-2.9 eV. A 5 wt. % Pt/CTF-CN was found to be a promising photocatalyst for hydrogen production, affording a rate of 487.6 μmol g-1 h-1 in a H2O/TEOA/CH3OH solution under visible light. The photocatalytic activity of CTF-CN was benchmarked against g-C3N4 for meaningful assessment of performance. Importantly, the 5 wt. % Pt/CTF-CN photocatalyst exhibited excellent thermal and photocatalytic stability. Further, as a nitrogen-rich porous 2D material, CTF-CN represents a potential platform for the development of novel electrode material for fuel cells and metal ion batteries.
The Femoral Head “Divot” Sign: A Useful Arthroscopic Sign of Hip Microinstability

Background: A femoral head “divot” is a rare finding during hip arthroscopy. A linear chondral indentation can be observed on the femoral head, just lateral and parallel to the acetabular labrum. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to describe a novel arthroscopic sign and retrospectively review patients with this finding. We hypothesized that this sign would be found in patients with characteristics consistent with hip microinstability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Intraoperative images of patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy between July 2017 and July 2019 were reviewed for evidence of a femoral head divot. Preoperative characteristics, physical examination findings, radiographic measurements, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were described. Results: Of 690 available cases, 14 cases (13 patients; 2.0%) had evidence of a femoral head divot. The mean patient age was 29.1 years, and all but 1 patient (92.3%) were female. Ligamentous laxity was present in 81.8% of patients, anterior apprehension test was positive in 78.6%, and painful internal snapping was present in 50.0%. The mean lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, and Tönnis angle were 19.2°, 20.3°, and 12.4°, respectively. The divot was identified in 5 of 12 available MRI scans, most commonly on axial proton density sequence. Intraoperatively, all hips had labral tears, iliopsoas bursitis was demonstrated in 78.6%, and the ligamentum teres was damaged in 42.9%. Labral repair was performed in 12 of the 14 hips, with 2 patients undergoing labral reconstruction. Iliopsoas fractional lengthening was performed in 50.0%, capsular plication was performed in 78.6%, and capsular repair was performed in the remainder. Conclusion: The femoral head divot sign is a rare arthroscopic finding during hip arthroscopy. The results of this study demonstrated that patients who have a divot also present with characteristic radiographic or physical examination findings of hip microinstability due to either acetabular dysplasia or ligamentous laxity. Recognition of a femoral head divot may be valuable for the diagnosis of microinstability during hip arthroscopy and may help guide appropriate management, such as capsular plication. Further studies are needed to determine the exact prevalence of the femoral head divot in patients with microinstability and to evaluate the effect of this finding on patient outcomes.
Rumen protected protein and fat produced from oilseeds and/or meals by formaldehyde treatment; their role in ruminant production and product quality: a review

The nutritional characteristics of rumen-protected protein and fat supplements produced by formaldehyde treatment of oilseeds and meals are reviewed. The proportion of rumen undegraded protein (RUP) in different protein sources can be controlled by this process, bio-available lysine is 82–84% and the proportions of acid detergent and neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen are unchanged by formaldehyde treatment; this is in contrast to heat treatment of proteins where significant increases in these nitrogen components can occur if the RUP content exceeds 60% of the crude protein (CP). A RUP content of 75–80% of CP is optimal when using protein supplements for milk production, and for body growth in steers a lower RUP content is desirable (i.e. 50–55% of CP). Both the fat and protein constituents in rumen-protected fat supplements derived from the emulsification and formaldehyde treatment of oilseeds are highly protected from ruminal metabolism (75–90%) and are readily digested in the small intestine (90% for C18 unsaturated fatty acids, 82% for the essential amino acids). Protected fat/protein supplements are designed and fed to lactating and non-lactating ruminants to increase efficiency of production, enhance product quality, augment n-3, n-6 and n-9 fatty acid content of meat and milk, and to improve reproductive performance. The challenges and potential role for these protected fat/protein supplements in improving productivity and quality of ruminant derived foods are discussed.
An Open Source Seeding Agri-Robot

—To enable wider experimental uptake and build interest in autonomous precision agriculture, we present a low-cost, open source hardware and software platform for automated precision seed planting, for use by researchers and practical agri-hackers. The robot platform is about to plant seeds with higher within-row precision than conventional systems, and using high end Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is able to store the geospatial location of each seed to accuracies sufﬁcient to enable revisiting of plants during growth. It can also operate with lower cost GNSS using a swappable interface for other applications. We provide software up to the level of pose-to-pose driving using Dubins paths. The robot is based on a low-cost closed-source commercial off the self (COTS) vehicle, low-cost COTS seeder, and Raspberry Pi, with our open hardware design showing how to link them to each other and to the software. The hardware and software is being open-sourced at https://github.com/Harry-Rogers/PiCar as part of this publication.
Molecular Markers in Ambient Air Associated with Biomass Burning in Morelos, México

Atmospheric particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) were collected at two sites located in the urban area of the city of Cuernavaca (Morelos) during a season when a large number of forest fires occurred. Three dicarboxylic acids (malonic, glutaric and succinic) and levoglucosan were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF) and soluble potassium (K+) was analyzed by ion chromatography. The concentration of PM2.5 increased on the days when the highest number of forest fires occurred. A strong correlation was observed between levoglucosan and K+, confirming the hypothesis that both are tracers of biomass burning (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Levoglucosan (average 367.6 ng m−3, Site 2) was the most abundant compound, followed by succinic acid (average 101.7 ng m−3, Site 2), glutaric acid (average 63.2 ng m−3, Site 2), and malonic acid (average 46.9 ng m−3, Site 2), respectively. The ratio of C3/C4 concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 1.2, with an average of 0.8, which suggests great photochemical activity in the Cuernavaca atmosphere. The ratio of K+/levoglucosan concentrations (0.44) indicates that open fires are the main source of these tracers. The positive correlations between PM2.5 and levoglucosan and succinic and malonic acids suggest that such compounds are contributing to secondary organic aerosol particle formation.
Spontaneous Chiral Symmetry Breaking and Entropy Production in a Closed System

In this short article, we present a study of theoretical model of a photochemically driven, closed chemical system in which spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking occurs. By making all the steps in the reaction elementary reaction steps, we obtained the rate of entropy production in the system and studied its behavior below and above the transition point. Our results show that the transition is similar to a second-order phase transition with rate of entropy production taking the place of entropy and the radiation intensity taking the place of the critical parameter: the steady-state entropy production, when plotted against the incident radiation intensity, has a change in its slope at the critical point. Above the critical intensity, the slope decreases, showing that asymmetric states have lower entropy than the symmetric state.