Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stocking rate and cow-calf production on sand sagebrush rangeland

Stocking rate is generally considered to be the most important management factor in sustainable grazing of Great Plains grasslands over management periods of 10 to 20 years or longer. Most studies to determine optimum stocking rates have compared only 2 or 3 discrete stocking rates. Our objective was to determine cow, calf, and economic performance on sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia Torr.) rangeland as a continuous function of stocking rate. Replicated stocking rates of 0.11, 0.15, and 0.22 head ha-1 were studied over an 8-year period. Cow weight declined as stocking rate increased in drought years but was not affected by stocking rate in wetter years. Weaning percentage was not affected by stocking rate but variation within treatment groups was high. Calf birth weight and weaning weight both declined as stocking rate increased. Comparing 0.11 and 0.22 head ha-1, calf production cow-1 declined from 206 to 144 kg cow-1 as stocking rate increased but calf production ha-1 increased from 22.6 to 31.7 kg calf ha-1. Net returns were maximized at $7.87 ha-1 year-1 at a stocking rate of 0.172 head ha-1, well within the range of experimental treatments. Net returns were within 5% of maximum between stocking rates of 0.156 and 0.183 head ha-1. The variability of all responses increased as stocking rate increased. Simulation indicated that improved livestock prices and increased animal productivity shifted the economic optimum stocking rate to higher levels, which would put more pressure on the conservation ethic of land managers. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v55i6_gillen
Effect of Different Processing Conditions on Amino Acid Digestibility of Feather Meal Determined by Chicken Assay

Abstract An investigation was made of the effect of different processing conditions on feather meal (FM) by amino acid digestibility (AAD) determinations. Three processing times (30, 50, and 70 min) and three methods of treatments (without additions, .4% added NaOH, and .4% added proteolytic enzyme) were involved. The AAD of the test FM was measured by quantitative excreta collection over a period of 36 hr. All the test chicks were precision fed with 12 g of FM (dry matter), given in 2 doses with a 3-hr interval between feeds. Correction was made for metabolic plus endogenous excretions by using an N-free diet to distinguish apparent from true digestibility of amino acids (AA). The apparent and true digestibility of all individual AA were influenced by the processing conditions. There was a (linear-negative) time effect on the digestibility of all AA of the FM, with the exception of leucine. Significant differences in digestibility coefficients due to the method of treatment were found for cystine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, serine, and alanine. These AA values were lower in the chemically-treated FM. Comparison between the three methods of FM treatment revealed higher values for the enzymatically-treated samples and lower values for the chemically-treated ones, compared with samples treated without additions. Digestibility values for individual AA varied substantially. The values ranged in apparent digestibility values from 22.5% for lysine to 82.4% for isoleucinie and, in true digestibility values, from 36.3% for aspartic acid to 86.5% for isoleucine. The limiting essential AA, lysine, histidine, and methionine, in increasing order, were particularly low in digestibility. The unnatural AA lanthionine, present in all test FM, was not totally recovered in excreta and was found to be inversely proportional to its AAD. The results lead to the general conclusion that FM amino acids are affected in their biological digestibility by different processing conditions, time being the most significant one. Thus, FM protein should be used in poultry diets on the basis of the digested AA because of the large variations in digestibility between the individual AA.
A quantitative analysis of the interactions between climatic response and intraspecific competition in European beech

On selectionne souvent, dans les etudes dendroclimatologiques, les arbres qui subissent peu de competition pour eviter que la croissance soit affectee par la competition. Mais les arbres croissent generalement en peuplements denses et, lorsqu'on etudie leur reaction au climat, on devrait tenir compte des relations intraspecifiques parce que la competition peut affecter la disponibilite des ressources et la sensibilite aux variations climatiques. Afin d'analyser les interactions entre le climat et la competition, des carottes furent prelevees sur 74 arbres dans une foret pure et equienne de hetre europeen (Fagus sylvatica L.). Un modele ou la croissance est dependante de la distance a ete utilise pour quantifier la competition a l'origine de la variabilite de la croissance dans des series de largeurs de cernes, fournissant ainsi une interpretation statistique de l'evolution de la croissance et une indication de la competition, tandis que les residus ont ete consideres comme une perturbation climatique. Le ratio entre les accroissements observes et predits en surface terriere pour la periode de 1974 a 1993 a ete utilise comme indice de croissance. Les equations de correlation calculees entre les indices de croissance et les donnees climatiques mensuelles montrent que le comportement de l'accroissement en surface terriere du au climat varie selon la competition. Les coefficients de correlation entre les indices de croissance et la temperature changent de positif a negatif a mesure que la competition augmente tandis qu'on observe le contraire pour la precipitation. De la meme facon, la correlation avec les deficits annuels en eau devient negative tandis que la correlation avec les surplus en eau devient positive. L'analyse quantitative des interactions entre le climat et la competition pourrait permettre d'etablir un lien entre l'amenagement et la reaction des arbres a un changement climatique.
Influence of Global Navigation Satellite System errors in positioning inventory plots for tree-height distribution studies

Validation of predictive models in remote sensing requires a good coregistration of field and sensor data sets. However, previous research has demonstrated that Global Navigation Satellite System survey techniques often produce large positioning errors when applied to areas under forest canopies. In this article, we present a repeatable methodology for analyzing the effect of such errors when validating models that predict tree-height distributions from LiDAR data sets. The method is based on conditional probability theory applied to error positioning and includes an error assessment of the surveying technique. A technical criterion for selecting the plot radius that avoids significant effects of positioning errors was proposed. We demonstrated that for a plot radius greater than 10 m, the effects of positioning errors introduced by a phase-differential device were insignificant when studying forest tree-height distributions. Resume ´ : La validation des modeles de prediction en matiere de teledetection necessite une bonne correspondance entre les donnees terrain et les donnees des capteurs. Toutefois, des recherches anterieures ont demontreque les techniques d'in- ventaire par la systeme mondial de navigation par satellite produisent souvent d'importantes erreurs de positionnement lorsqu'elles sont appliquees a des zones situees sous le couvert forestier. Dans cet article, nous presentons une methode re- productible pour analyser l'effet de telles erreurs lors de la validation des modeles de prediction de la distribution de la hauteur des arbres apartir de donnees lidar. La methode est basee sur la theorie des probabilites conditionnelles appliquee al'erreur de positionnement et comprend une evaluation de l'erreur de la technique d'inventaire. Nous proposons un cri- tere technique pour choisir le rayon des placettes de maniere a eviter que l'erreur de positionnement ait des effets signifi- catifs. Nous avons demontreque, pour une placette dont le rayon est superieur a ` 10 m, les effets des erreurs de positionnement produites par un appareil a phase differentielle ne sont pas significatifs lorsqu'on etudie la distribution de la hauteur des arbres. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Zooplankton community structure in the North Sea and northeast Atlantic development and test of a biological model

A simulation model was used to examine whether predatory interactions may regulate the size structure of marine zooplankton communities, as observed in many freshwater systems. Results of the model were consistent with the freshwater studies, such that large increases or decreases in planktivorous fish led to the dominance of small or large zooplankters, respectively. However, model predictions were not consistent with the recent decline in the northeastern Atlantic of most major elements of the pelagic zooplankton community along with North Sea herring and mackerel stocks. The overall decline of the pelagic community throughout this region indicates that zooplankton abundance may be regulated by physical forcing, and that these populations may be food- rather than predator-limited. Realistic ecological simulations of marine pelagic systems may require more complex two-layer models allowing for the effects of vertical migration, and with day–night differences in food availability and selectivity.
Assessing contamination levels of amprolium and tylosin using the embryo toxicity assay and three biomarkers

This study was conducted to examine the adverse biological effects of two veterinary pharmaceuticals (Amprolium and tylosin) on aquatic organisms. The zebrafish embryo toxicity assays were performed in combination with three biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and heat shock protein 70(Hsp70). The LPO extent was expressed by malondialdehyde (MDA) in this paper. Logit Loglinear analysis was used to study the effect of exposure concentration and time on survival rate and percent hatched in embryo toxicity tests. The data on SOD, MDA and Hsp70 were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test. The results showed that both pharmaceuticals had no effect on Hsp70 levels in zebrafish. Amprolium and tylosin had significant effect on the survival rate, the percent hatched, SOD and MDA in the range of the experimental concentrations. Furthermore, there was a sharp increase, followed by a decrease in the survival rate, as the exposure concentrations of amprolium or tylosin increased; while SOD and MDA indicated a sharp decrease followed by an increase in survival rates. These results indicated that both pharmaceuticals can be useful to the embryos at low concentrations, while causing acute toxicity at high concentrations. However, two pharmaceuticals cause an acute toxicity effect at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than detected in the aquatic environments. Both do not result in acute toxicity to zebrafish, but it is recommended that the proper strategy and approach be found to perform chronic low-dose exposure studies.
Evaluation of Loss of Load Expected in an Integrated Energy System

The main objective of work presented in this paper is about the prediction of power availability in advance from Energy Sources. The wind is a highly variable energy source and behaves quite different than conventional energy sources. The participation of wind energy with conventional sources of generation is increasing rapidly and it is treated as integrated energy system. In the case of wind energy, velocity predictions are important to assess the power generation in future. The prediction of wind velocity in this paper is further helpful to estimate the reliability analysis of the system. The reliability analysis is done by evaluating the Loss of Load Expected (LOLE). The reliability analysis of complete system with incorporation of wind power along with conventional plants is achieved through prediction of wind power. Hence the loss of load expected to happen in future is helpful to take decisions. The wind velocity predictions are validated with the actual data collected from MOSDAC (Metrological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre). Keywords— Reliability, Loss of Load Expected (LOLE), Wind Power, Integrated Energy System, Normal Distribution, Probability density function.
Consequences of suppressing natural vegetation in drainage areas for freshwater ecosystem conservation: considerations on the new "Brazilian forest code"

The input of particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM and DOM, respectively) from terrestrial ecosystem drainage basins is an important energy and nutrient source in limnic food chains. Studies indicated that semi-deciduous seasonal forests located in drainage areas in Brazil have the potential to produce 7.5 - 10.3 Mg ha−1/year of POM. The global increase in vegetation destruction, such as forests, threatens this allochthonous resource and can have significant impacts on river and lake communities and food chains. Therefore, it is critical that exploitation and occupation protocols are updated to protect the transition areas between terrestrial and limnic ecosystems. This review highlights the existing knowledge of these ecosystem interactions and proposes responsible sustainable methods for converting the vegetation in drainage basins. This was based on Brazilian ecosystem data and the new "Brazilian Forest Code. " This study also considers the importance of including flood tracks in permanently protected areas to improve Brazilian legislation and protect hydric resources.
Factors Influencing Density of Age-0 Brown Trout and Brook Trout in the Au Sable River, Michigan

Abstract The density of juvenile trout is influenced by many factors, including water temperature, discharge, substrate composition, and the presence of aquatic vegetation. The objective of this study was to determine habitat conditions that influence densities of age-0 brown trout Salmo trutta and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in the Au Sable River, Michigan. Electrofishing was conducted with a 250-V DC tote barge at 12 sites throughout the Au Sable River watershed from June through August of 2000 and 2001. Densities of age-0 brown trout and brook trout varied significantly among sites located on the main stem as well as in tributaries. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate annual interactions between age-0 trout densities and habitat variables. Simple and forward stepwise linear regressions were used to model brown trout and brook trout densities in relation to habitat variables. Percent gravel substrate and percent emergent vegetation accounted for 62% of the variance in age-0 brown trout den.
Mental health and suicidal behaviors in adolescents from a Portuguese island

Background: Adolescent suicidal behaviors are a public health priority. Objectives: Suicidal behavior is an understudied field in the Azores, and the few existing research studies with Portuguese adolescents only include young people from Mainland Portugal. This study aims at analyzing the adolescent student population from this island region so as to describe the current situation and plan community intervention projects in this area to meet the identified needs. Methodology: This is a non-experimental, quantitative and descriptive-correlational study with the purpose of describing phenomena and finding associations between variables. Results: The results showed that 17.9% of the 484 sampled adolescents reported self-harm behaviors, with 12.7% reporting self-cutting and 5.2% medication overdose or ingestion of toxic substances. Around 15.5% of the adolescents reported suicidal ideation. Additionally, they showed high levels of depressive symptoms (19.9%), ranging from moderate (12%) to severe (7.9%). Conclusion: Adolescents had more self-harm behaviors, more severe depressive symptoms, a lower self-concept and fewer coping strategies than similar populations in mainland Portugal.
Parafilm Sachet for Measuring Honeydew Excretion by Nilaparvata lugens on Rice

A parafilm sachet is described for the collection and quantitative determination of honeydew excreted by a planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), feeding on rice. The quantity of honeydew per insect per 24 h was used as a parameter in comparing the insect’s feeding activity on suscepttble and resistant rice varieties. The technique proved to be useful for determining the level of resistance of rice varieties to three N. lugens biotypes and is applicable to other sucking insects that feed on rice and other crop plants.
Effects of phosphorus limitation on the epidemiology of a chytrid phytoplankton parasite

SUMMARY 1. The effect of phosphorus limitation of the diatom Asterionella formosa Hass. on growth, survival and epidemic development of its fungal parasite Rhizophydium planktonicum Canter emend. was estimated, using measurements of production and infectivity of the zoospores of the chytrid grown on host cultures with different phosphorus-limited growth rates. 2. Phosphorus-limited host cells were less susceptible to infection with zoospores of the parasite than non-limited host cells. 3. The sporangia on phosphorus-limited algae produced substantially less zoospores, but the development time of these sporangia was only slightly reduced. 4. As a result of these effects, Rhizophydium will reach lower growth rates at a given host density, and survival of the parasite will require higher host densities when Asterionella is phosphorus-limited. 5. The zoospore production remained high enough to enable the parasite to grow faster than the alga at sufficiently high host densities, both at limiting and non-limiting phosphorus levels. 6. In spite of the reduced growth rate of the parasite, phosphorus limitation of Asterionella was found to facilitate the development of a Rhizophydium epidemic. This was a consequence of the reduced algal growth rate at phosphorus limitation, which makes the host population more easily outgrown by the parasite. 7. Phosphorus limitation of the host could reduce the threshold host density required for the development of an epidemic by a factor of 2.5.
An operational, spatially constrained harvest scheduling model

A Monte Carlo integer programming algorithm was developed to generate short-term (25-year), spatially feasible timber harvest plans for a New Brunswick Crown license. Solutions for the short-term plan are considered feasible if they meet spatial and temporal harvest-flow and adjacency constraints. The solution search procedure integrates a randomly generated harvesting sequence and checks of harvest-flow and adjacency constraints. The model was used to determine the annual allowable cut under three constraint formulations. The three formulations represented increasing levels of adjacency constraints, from no constraints to levels similar to current provincial requirements. The annual allowable cut under the most strict constraint formulation was reduced by 9% from the unconstrained formulation, for a given mapping strategy of a long-term harvest schedule. These applications of the model indicate that it is suitable for spatially constrained harvest scheduling on Crown licenses in New Brunswick.
Biological determinants of extinction risk: why are smaller species less vulnerable?

It is becoming increasingly clear that species of smaller body size tend to be less vulnerable to contemporary extinction threats than larger species, but few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying this pattern. In this paper, data for the Australian terrestrial mammal fauna are used to ask whether higher reproductive output or smaller home ranges can explain the reduced extinction risk of smaller species. Extinct and endangered species do indeed have smaller litters and larger home ranges for their body size than expected under a null model. In multiple regressions, however, only litter size is a significant predictor of extinction risk once body size and phylogeny are controlled for. Larger litters contribute to fast population growth, and are probably part of the reason that smaller species are less extinction‐prone. The effect of litter size varies between the mesic coastal regions and the arid interior of Australia, indicating that the environment a species inhabits mediates the effect of biology on extinction risk. These results suggest that predicting extinction risk from biological traits is likely to be a complex task which must consider explicitly interactions between biology and environment.
Rehabilitation of Biological Resources: Coral Reefs and Giant Clam Populations Need to Be Enhanced for a Sustainable Marginal Sea in the Western Pacific

This short article arose from a presentation at the workshop on “Implementing the DOC (Declaration of Conduct) and Cooperation Mechanisms in the South China Sea” held on 14–15 August 2014 in Haikou, Hainan, China. While the emphasis is on the environmental and biological concerns besetting the region, some aspects of legal considerations will be dealt with. For the general reader who is not well informed about the issues in and around the South China Sea, a recent readable book by Robert D. Kaplan titled “Asia’s Cauldron” presents one writer’s roundup of the issues and problems in broad strokes. A second recent book is Bill Hayton’s “The South China Sea—The Struggle for Power in Asia,” which provides a readable historical account of the developments that have led to the present situation. The interested reader can then go into more detailed research on the various facets of the history, present challenges, and possible future scenarios for this exciting marginal sea where much commerce takes place or transits, as described briefly in Kaplan. Both books have extensive notes and bibliographies for further reading. From the scientific and conservation perspectives, sporadic articles have been written on diverse issues from different authors. Closer to the author’s own experience, two references are Gomez and McManus, the latter
Taxonomic and functional analysis of metagenomes

Over the years, metagenomics has demonstrated to play an essential role on the study of the microorganisms that live in microbial communities, particularly those who inhabit the human body. Several bioinformatic tools and pipelines have been developed, but usually they only address one question: ”Who is there? ” or ”What are they doing? ”. This work aimed to develop a computational framework to answer the two questions simultaneously, that is, perform a taxonomic and functional analysis of microbial communities. Merlin, a previously developed software designed for the construction of genome-scale metabolic models for single organisms, was extended to deal with metagenomics data. It has an userfriendly and intuitive interface, not requiring command-line knowledge and further libraries dependencies or installation, as many other tools. The extended version of Merlin can predict the taxonomic composition of an environmental sample based on the results of homology searches, where the proportions of phyla and genera present are discriminated. Regarding the metabolic analysis, it allows to identify which enzymes are present and calculate their abundance, as well as to find out which metabolic pathways are effectively present. The performance of the tool was evaluated with samples from the Human Microbiome Project, particularly from the saliva. The taxonomic membership predicted in Merlin was in agreement with other tools, despite some differences in the proportions. The functional characterization showed a conserved pool of pathways through different samples, although Merlin sometimes presented less pathways than expected because the routine is highly dependent on the enzymes annotation. Overall, the results showed the same pattern as reported before: while the pathways needed for microbial life remain relatively stable, the community composition varies extensively among individuals. In the end, Merlin demonstrated to be a reliable standalone alternative to web services for those scientists that have concerns about sharing data.