Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Compensatory Responses: Bud Dormancy as an Adaptation to Herbivory

Some plants can compensate, and even overcompensate, for the loss of productivity caused by herbivory. The presence of latent meristems, or dormant buds, is one of the basic prerequisites of such compensation mechanisms. We present a mathematical model in order to analyze compensation responses in relation to the intensity of herbivory. The model generates a number of qualitatively different kinds of compensation curves when seed production is plotted against the proportion of active meristems lost per grazed plant. The shape of the curves depends on the proportion of dormant buds and their activation sensitivity in relation to meristem loss. Overcompensation is most probable when dormant buds are easily activated. When plants are grazed only once, as assumed in our model, selection favors high bud sensitivity. However, we expect that repeated damage may select for a more restrained pattern of bud activation. When relatively few buds remain dormant, plants can overcompensate for low levels of damage only. On the other hand, when most buds remain dormant, they can overcompensate even for high levels of damage. We consider compensation capacity a potential benefit of bud dormancy when plants are subject to damage. However, bud dormancy may also imply costs on plant productivity and fecundity in the absence of herbivory. Still, intense herbivory may favor bud dormancy in spite of the potential costs. Selection for bud dormancy requires both that the risk of herbivory is high and that herbivores remove a large fraction of active meristems per plant. Consequently, overcompensation is a theoretically plausible possibility, and intense herbivory is a potential selective force that favors bud dormancy. None of these results, however, imply that herbivory is beneficial to plants. In our case, plants with bud dormancy never have higher seed production than plants that have no dormant buds and that are not grazed.
Annual versus perennial growth cycle in Ruppia maritima L.: temporal variation in population characteristics in Mediterranean lagoons (Monolimni and Drana Lagoons, Northern Aegean Sea)

Abstract A perennial population of Ruppia maritima in a permanent lagoon in the Evros Delta grew from April to October and reproduced during summer. Numbers of rhizome and stem internodes increased in spring–summer and in late summer–autumn, revealing two successive periods of both horizontal and vertical expansion; leaf density increased continuously until October (78,210 leaves m−2). An annual population in a temporary lagoon grew and reproduced from May to August, and died afterwards leaving seeds as the habitat temporarily dried. Numbers of rhizome internodes sharply increased only in August, while numbers of stem internodes increased in June, indicating that a slow horizontal expansion was followed by a fast and brief vertical expansion; subsequently a second intense horizontal expansion occurred; leaf density peaked in August (58,080 leaves m−2). Several characteristics increased after mid-spring, attaining similar maximum values in annual and perennial populations. However, the perennial population had larger leaves and higher root biomass, but lower reproductive organ biomass. Rhizome, stem and leaf biomass increased sharply in August (113.2 g dw m−2) in the annual population and progressively up to October (167.8 g dw m−2) in the perennial population. Using principal component analysis, growth and reproduction were found to be mainly affected by temperature.
I-Business Firms in the Industry 4.0 Global Value Chains

I-business firms are upraising their capitalization compared to traditional pipeline businesses due to value cocreation with other participants complementors, supply-side and demand-side users forming a business ecosystem. The paper discusses the concept of value creation for platform firms and analyzes i-firms ’ integration in the global value chains under the influence of Industry 4.0. It results in providing the models of contemporary GVCs with i-business firms embedded in them.
Species specificity and sexual dimorphism in tooth shape among the three sympatric haplochromine species in Lake Kivu cichlids

Abstract Tooth shape is used to differentiate between morphologically similar species of vertebrates, including fish. This study aimed to quantify tooth shape of three sympatric species: Haplochromis kamiranzovu, H. insidiae, and H. astatodon endemic to Lake Kivu, whose existing identification criteria are currently only qualitative. A quantitative tooth shape analysis was performed based on digitized tooth outline data with a subsequent elliptic Fourier analysis to test for differences among the three species. We looked at crown shape and size differences within H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae at geographical, habitat, and gender levels. No comparison at habitat level was done for H. astatodon because it is found only in littoral zone. The analysis revealed significant tooth shape differences among the three species. Haplochromis astatodon had a significantly longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. insidiae. It had also a longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. kamiranzovu. Tooth shape differences of H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae species were not significantly different between littoral and pelagic fish (p > .05) while differences were significant between southern and northern Lake Kivu populations (p < .05). Tooth sizes in H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae were significantly different, both in height and width as well as in their ratios, and this was true at sex and geographic levels (p < .05), but not at habitat level (p > .05). Tooth shape was also significantly different with sharp teeth for males compared with females of southern populations versus northern ones. These shape‐ and size‐related differences between sexes suggest differences in the foraging strategies toward available food resources in the lake habitat. Further research should explain the genetic basis of the observed pattern.
Germination of Seeds in the Shadow of Plants

An attempt to prove the ecological significance of red-far red control mechanisms in seed germination was made. The seeds of 30 species were exposed beneath the plant canopies. All the normally light-stimulated seeds, and also seeds of 14 (out of 19) “insensitive’ species and seeds of 1 (out of 4) light-inhibited species, were inhibited or significantly retarded in their germination, as compared with seeds exposed to diffuse light in an artificial construction. Further experiments with “insensitive’ seeds of Lactuca sativa L. cv. Cud Vorburgu showed that after prolonged plant-shadow treatment the seeds became light-sensitive in the usual phytochrome-mediated manner. Seeds exposed under the plant canopies during a few days were extremely sensitive to red or white light, but this sensitivity diminished slowly in the course of treatment. The spectral composition of light filtered through the leaves shows great preponderance of far red radiation. The red-far red reversion can be simply obtained with the natural light and a leaf. In open stands bright weather retards considerably the germination of lettuce, cloudy weather brings about full germination. Some considerations on the ecological significance of seed behaviour, particularly as connected with plant competition, are given.
Nutritional response of loblolly pine exposed to ozone and simulated acid rain

The effects of ozone and simulated acid rain on the aboveground nutrient composition of loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) seedlings were studied in a 2-year open-top chamber experiment in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Multivariate analysis of variance tests indicated significant ozone response in the 2nd year but no significant simulated acid rain effect in either year. No interaction among treatments was detectable. Seedlings responded to increasing ozone exposures with increasing concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the stem, branches, and foliage. The response of increased nutrient concentration was associated with decreased total biomass accumulation. The nutritional responses were most prominent in late season flushes of foliage and are probably related to ozone-induced premature abscission of early-season flushes. High nutrient concentrations in the stem, branches, and late-season flushes of trees exposed to elevated ozone levels suggest retranslocation and slow.
Physiological Responses of the Ark Shell Scapharca broughtonii (Bivalvia: Arcidae) to Decreases in Salinity

The ark shell (or 'blood clam') Scapharca broughtonii is a filter-feeding bivalve that has red blood and inhabits waters approximately 10m in depth off the southern coast of South Korea. This study was part of a larger research project investigating the causes of death and restoration of shellfish resources, which are important aquaculture products in South Korea. We examined physiological responses related to survival, respiration, excretion, and amino acid changes as a result of changes in salinity. The 9-day median lethal salinity () was 16.5 psu with confidence limits of 14.9-18.1 psu. At , the oxygen consumption and ammonia-nitrogen excretion rates were increased with decreases in salinity. Although the osmolality of individuals was acclimated within 2 h at 26.4 psu and 12 h at 19.8 psu, it took more than 5 days at a salinity of 13.2 psu, whereas no individuals acclimated and all died at a salinity of 6.6 psu. Of the amino acids present in the blood, taurine and alanine increased in response to decreased salinity. Tissues of the gill and the mid-gut gland were affected by decreasing salinity. These data will provide important fundamental information for examining the causes of mass mortality of shellfish in the summer.
Southern right whales show no behavioral response to low noise levels from a nearby unmanned aerial vehicle

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for wildlife research and monitoring, but little information exists on their potential effect on marine mammals. We assessed the effects of a UAV on the behavior of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Australia. Focal follows of ten right whale mother‐calf pairs were conducted using a theodolite. Control data were recorded for 30 min, and then a DJI Inspire 1 Pro was flown above the whales for 10 min at 5 m altitude. Potential changes to horizontal behavior (swim speed and turning angle) and surfacing pattern (interbreath intervals) were investigated by comparing mother‐calf behavior before and during UAV approaches. Changes in respiration rate were used to quantify energetic effects. We also explored acoustic cue perceptibility of the UAV at 5, 10, and 30 m altitude, by measuring the received UAV underwater noise level on whales equipped with acoustic tags (DTAGs). The received noise levels were 86.0 ± 3.9 dB re 1 μPa, while the measured ambient noise was 80.7 ± 7.3 dB re 1 μPa in the same frequency band (100–1,500 Hz). No behavioral response to the UAV was observed. This provides support for UAVs as a noninvasive tool to study baleen whale behavior and ecophysiology.
MeV irradiation of tungsten nanowires: structural modifications

In this work we use the Two Temperature Model coupled to Molecular Dynamics (TTM-MD) to study swift heavy ion irradiation of W finite nanowires. Au projectiles are considered with energies ranging from 20 to 50 MeV, which correspond to electronic stopping values less than 20 keV nm−1 in the regime where electronic stopping is larger than nuclear stopping. Nanowires with diameters much smaller than the electron mean free path are considered for two different sizes with an aspect ratio ∼3.7 between length and diameter. Nanowires display radiation-induced surface roughening, sputtering yields and the formation of point defects and di-vacancies. For the smallest size, a hole stays opened in the central part of the wire for S e > 12.6 keV nm−1. W nanofoams, considered as collections of connected nanowires like those simulated here, are expected to behave similarly under irradiation displaying radiation resistance for the electronic stopping range that has been considered. In fact, nanowires larger than tens of nm would be needed for defect accumulation and lack of radiation resistance.
Development and application of a fish-based Sensitivity-weighted Index of Biotic Integrity (SIBI) for use in the assessment of biotic integrity in the Klip River, Gauteng, South Africa

Biotic indices using fish assemblage characteristics have been applied with great success in river assessments around the world. Internationally the most commonly applied fish index is the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), whilst in South Africa the most commonly applied index is the Fish Assemblage Integrity Index (FAII). The Sensitivity-weighted Index of Biotic Integrity (SIBI) was developed as an alternative multimetric fish index, incorporating important principles from both the IBI and FAII. This study indicated that the SIBI was a valuable index which used fish as indicators of biotic integrity in the Klip River. The SIBI was also suited to the analysis of site-specific data and the investigation of specific impacts. It is envisaged that the SIBI concept could be applied to other aquatic systems and could possibly be used as an alternative fish index for South African rivers, especially when investigations necessitate site-specific evaluations. The application of the SIBI and IBI in this study also emphasised the FAII's potential underestimation of biotic integrity. The results obtained from the use of the SIBI indicated that the biotic integrity of the Klip River System is currently moderately to critically modified from its natural condition.
Cell- and Ligand-specific Regulation of Promoters Containing Activator Protein-1 and Sp1 Sites by Estrogen Receptors α and β*

Estrogen plays a critical role in development and maintenance of female reproductive and mammary tissues, but is also involved in maintenance of cardiovascular, skeletal, and neural function. Although it is widely accepted that the estrogen-occupied receptor mediates its effects by interacting with estrogen response elements (EREs) residing in target genes, a number of estrogen-responsive genes contain no identifiable ERE. To understand how estrogen-responsive genes lacking EREs but containing activator protein 1 (AP-1) and Sp1 sites respond to hormone treatment, we have identified four discrete regions of the human progesterone receptor gene that contain AP-1 or Sp1 sites and examined their abilities to modulate transcription in the presence of 17β-estradiol, ICI 182,780, tamoxifen, raloxifene, genistein, or daidzein. Transient cotransfection assays demonstrated that ERα was a more potent activator of transcription than ERβ in bone, uterine, and mammary cells. The Sp1-containing promoters were substantially more potent transcriptional enhancers than the AP-1-containing promoters, but a 1.5-kb region of the human progesterone receptor gene containing both AP-1 and Sp1 sites was the most hormone-responsive promoter tested. The ability of ligands to modulate transcription of AP-1- or Sp1-containing promoters was dependent on cell context, but the expression of AP-1 or Sp1 proteins was not necessarily related to transcriptional response. Taken together, these studies have helped to delineate the roles of ERα and ERβ in modulating transcription of genes containing AP-1 and Sp1 sites and define the effects of widely used, pharmacologic agents in target cells with distinct cellular environments.
Polyphosphates as inhibitors of surface mould growth on hard cheese during ripening

A novel treatment using polyphosphates to protect cheeses against superficial mould growth was assayed. The treatments were: control commercial paint with natamycin (I), commercial paint based on polyvinyl–water (II), immersion in a saturated solution of polyphosphate (III), immersion and commercial paint (IV), commercial paint of polyphosphate solutions (V) and immersion and commercial paint of a saturated solution of polyphosphates (VI). The cheeses were ripened for 6 months. Superficial mould growth was inhibited in groups IV and VI when compared to cheeses from the control group (I). Statistical sensory analysis made between cheeses from groups IV and I (control) showed no significant differences.
A compact, dual-polarized patch antenna with improved Tx–Rx isolation for 2.4 GHz single frequency full-duplex applications

Abstract A compact dual-polarized monostatic antenna (single radiator for transmit and receive modes) is presented with differential receive mode operation to achieve excellent interport isolation for 2.4 GHz single frequency full-duplex or in-band full-duplex applications. The presented antenna comprises three ports radiating element (patch) and a simple 3 dB/180o ring hybrid coupler has been utilized for differentially excited receive mode operation. The 3 dB/180o ring hybrid coupler acts as a self-interference cancellation (SIC) circuit for effective suppression of RF leakage from the transmit port to provide very high interport decoupling between transmit and receive ports. A compact antenna structure has been realized by using two-layered printed circuit board through vias interconnections of both receive ports of the antenna with inputs of SIC circuit. The validation model of proposed antenna offers more than 95 dB peak interport isolation. Moreover, the experimentally measured interport isolation is better than 70 dB throughout the antenna's 10 dB return-loss impedance bandwidth (BW) of 50 MHz (2.38–2.43 GHz). Furthermore, the recorded isolation is more than 80 dB in 20 MHz BW. The implemented antenna has good radiation characteristics including nice gain and low cross-polarization levels as endorsed by measurements. Same antenna structure with microstrip-T feeds can provide DC isolated ports with same interport RF isolation performance for active antenna applications. Such antenna with DC interport isolation will avoid the requirements of additional series capacitors on transmit and receive ports of antenna.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-nociceptive drug

The present investigation was designed to study the chemical composition of Algerian peppermint essential oil (PEO) as well as the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and anti-nociceptive properties. Twenty-three compounds were identified in the PEO with the main chemical component as menthol (53.29%). Also, PEO showed a high content of oxygenated monoterpene compounds (92.75%). Topical application of PEO at doses of 200 and 20 µL/kg significantly reduced the acute ear edema in 38.09% and 36.50, respectively. Histological observation confirmed that PEO inhibited the skin inflammatory response. In-vivo wound healing activity of the cream prepared from PEO (0.5% w/w) was assessed by circular excision wound model followed by histological examination. The topical administration of PEO cream showed a significant decrease of unhealed wound area rate between the 6th (1.67±0.14 mm2) and the 9th (0.49±0.22 mm2) days of treatment when compared with the vehicle (2.32±0.77 mm2; p<0.05) and Madecassol® 0.1% creams (2.23±0.35 mm2; p<0.05). The PEO reduced nociceptive behavior at all doses tested in the acetic acid-induced nociception test (p<0.05). These findings support the anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and analgesic properties of PEO. We suggest that PEO is a promising candidate for use in skin care products with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5281/zenodo.3831042
Modelagem e estimação de parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos para pesos do nascimento à seleção (378 dias) de machos Nelore

Genetic parameters for weights (17, 942 records), obtained in intervals of 60 days, from the birth to selection (378 days of age), of 2,582 males of the Nellore breed was estimated in univariate analyses by the Maximum Restricted Likelihood method. The models of analysis models included the fixed effects of contemporary groups, month of birth, mother age and age when the weights were collected as covariate. Three models differing in random effects were tested: the model 1 (M1) was adjusted for the direct and maternal addictive genetic effects and maternal permanent environment; in model 2 (M2) the maternal genetic effect was excluded; and the model 3 (M3) was only adjusted for the direct addictive genetic effect. The test of likelihood (LRT) detected significant differences, for all the ages, of M2 and M1 in relation to the simple model (M3), evidencing the importance of the maternal effects. Except for the birth weight (0.40), low values (0.05 to 0.12) of h2 were found for M1 and M2 until 8 months of age and, after this period, reasonable increase could be observed, reaching 0.28 until 13 months of age. The estimates of the total variance fraction, due to the effect of maternal permanent environment, were high and practically became unaffected between the models 1 and 2. Maternal effects, not necessarily decomposed (in genetic addictive and permanent environment), affected the Nellore males growth. Models that contemplate maternal effects, besides the genetic addictive direct effects, are more realistic to describe the trajectory of the variances in the initial phases of growth of Nelore male calves.
Studies on Hexactinellid Sponges. III. The Taxonomic Status of Hexactinellida Within the Porifera

Recent findings on the structure and physiology of the enigmatic hexactinellid sponges challenge the conventional definition and classification scheme of the Porifera. The gradual acceptance of the choanocyte element as a diagnostic morphological character of the phylum must be revised in the light of the syncytial (acellular) and enucleate condition of the hexactinellid flagellated chambers. The contrasts between the hexactinellids and all other sponges are reviewed and considered sufficient to require recognition of a primary subdivision at the subphylum level. The major differences include, respectively, syncytial (or symplastic) as against cellular organization, acellular as against cellular (pinacocytic) epithelia, thin as against abundant mesohyle matrix, absence as against presence of contractility, and presence as against absence of a relatively rapid conduction system. The new findings support Reid's 1958 allocation of classes in his subdivision of the phylum, but the names that he employed, Nuda and Gelatinosa, are considered inappropriate for present use because of the hypothetical basis of their origin and of the lack of descriptive value of the names in the present context (R. E. H. Reid, Palaeontogr. Soc. [Monogr.] 111, 1-46 (1958)). Two new subphyla are proposed and defined, the Symplasma to include the single class Hexactinellida, and the Cellularia to include all other extant sponges of the classes Calcarea, Demospongiae and Sclerospongiae.
Research on the Location Choice of Chinese Commercial Banks’ Internationalization under the Belt and Road Initiative

Financial globalization and internationalization nowadays may stimulate the outward direct investment of the financial sectors. In the internationalization process, China, as an emerging market, is developing rapidly in economic terms; Chinese banks conduct different cross-border activities to enter into the world market. This paper chooses Chinese state-owned banks as representative cases and analyses the location choice in countries along the Belt and Road.