Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of leaf cellulose content in determining host plant preferences of three defoliating insects present in the Andean‐Patagonian forest

Phytophagous insects choose their feeding resources according to their own requirements in addition to properties of the host plants, such as biomechanical defences. The feeding preferences of the native folivorous insects of the Andean-Patagonian forest (Argentina) have rarely been studied. These environments present a wide diversity and abundance of insects associated with trees of the Nothofagus and Lophozonia (Nothofagaceae) genera, which represent the main tree species of the forests of the southern hemisphere. In particular, Lophozonia alpina and Lophozonia obliqua are of great interest because they have a wide distribution, a high capacity for hybridization and exhibit great phenotypic plasticity. This versatility causes substantial variation in the biomechanical properties of leaves, affecting the feeding preferences of insects. The purpose of this work was to study the food selection behaviour of three leaf-chewing insects (Polydrusus nothofagii, Polydrusus roseaus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Perzelia arda (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)) associated with L. alpina and L. obliqua as host plants. Based on their choices, our aim was to determine a preference scale for each insect species and the variables on which these preferences were based. Therefore, we selected trees of L. alpina and L. obliqua, measured several properties such as cellulose content and recorded which leaves were eaten. As a result, we determined that the three species of insects feed on both host plants but prefer the leaves of L. obliqua, with cellulose content being the main determining factor for their decisions. However, in the case of P. arda, there was a positive relationship between cellulose and host plant preference, whereas there was an opposite relationship for the weevils. We conclude that during feeding selection, there are some properties of the leaves that have a more important role than others and that the same property does not exert the same behavioural response in all folivorous insects.
Impact of Returns Policies and Group-Buying On Channel Coordination

This dissertation investigates the role of two marketing practices—returns policies and groupbuying services—in improving channel coordination. The first study (presented in Chapter Two) focuses on the interaction between two types of returns policies—returns of unwanted products from consumers to retailers and returns of unsold inventory from retailers to manufacturers. Even without the right to return unsold inventory to the manufacturer, the retailers may accept returns from consumers; by doing so, they benefit from a less pricesensitive market demand, an ability to screen for high-valuation consumers, and a competitive advantage (offering a returns policy makes a retailer more attractive to consumers). From the manufacturer’s perspective, accepting returns may induce the retailers to order more stock, set lower prices, generate more sales, and therefore, improves the performance of the channel. However, under some conditions (e.g., when the marginal cost of stock-outs is relatively high), this study shows that this effect disappears and the manufacturer does not accept returns from the retailer in equilibrium. The second study (presented in Chapter Three) investigates the rationale for using group-buying services vis-a-vis the traditional posted-pricing mechanism. It focuses on the behavior of consumers and explores the role of heterogeneity in their valuation for the product and cost of purchasing via group-buying in the functioning of group-buying services as a price-discrimination device. Finally, the role of group-buying services in improving channel coordination under asymmetric information is studied in Chapter Four. This analysis shows that the availability of group-buying services provides an opportunity for the manufacturer to reduce the informational rents of the retailer arising from its private information about the market condition. Interestingly, the manufacturer can avoid paying these rents and regains the first-best profitability when asymmetry in information exists regarding the relative sizes of consumer segments. In other settings (e.g., when asymmetric information exists regarding consumers’ price sensitivity),
Effect of Season on Pregnancy Rates, Milk Progesterone, and Milk Melatonin Profiles in Water Buffalo Reared in Canada

EFFECT OF SEASON ON PREGNANCY RATES AND MILK PROGESTERONE AND MELATONIN PROFILES IN WATER BUFFALO REARED IN CANADA Anuja Dharap Advisor: University of Guelph, 2016 Dr. W.A. King Having recently been introduced to Canada, water buffalo products have a growing market demand. While water buffaloes are seasonal breeders in some environments, the impact of season on estrus patterns in Canada is unknown. Pregnancy rates for buffaloes artificially inseminated in different seasons following synchronization or natural estrus were calculated. Milk samples were used to determine variation in progesterone and melatonin during summer (long days) and winter (short days). Milk was collected from randomly selected buffaloes and hormones were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Spring and summer pregnancy rates were lower than in fall and winter. Spring and summer samples showed low progesterone concentrations with abrupt rise and fall. Fall and winter samples showed high progesterone with prolonged peaks and 20-22-day estrous cycles. No significant trend was observed in melatonin levels. Results indicate breeding seasons in Canada are fall and winter while low breeding seasons are spring and summer.
Microbial biodegradation of butachlor pollution (obsolete pesticide Machete 60% EC)

Accumulation of obsolete pesticides in the environment is a global problem. The scale of the problem in different countries varies depending on economic situation and social awareness. Only limited data are available on the microbial biodegradation of butachlor. Biodegradation of butachlor by different microorganisms was investigated. Six bacterial strains were isolated from an agricultural soil and found to be actively utilized butachlor, as a sole source of carbon and energy. Based on their morphological and biochemical categorization, the six bacterial and fungal isolates were identified as Psedomonas alcaligens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma viride, Rhizobium huakuii and Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Results show that the Trichoderma viride andPsedomonas alcaligens quickly degraded butachlor and reached nearly 98 and 75% in a medium containing 50 mg/kg of butachlor after 15 and 21 days, respectively. Our results can conclude that these two organisms can be usedto degrade the obsolete butachlor formulation. Key words: Obsolete pesticides, herbicide, butachlor, biodegradation
Sampling, Isolating and Identifying Microplastics Ingested by Fish and Invertebrates *

Microplastic debris (<5 mm) is a prolific environmental pollutant, found worldwide in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Interactions between biota and microplastics are prevalent, and there is growing evidence that microplastics can incite significant health effects in exposed organisms. To date, the methods used to quantify such interactions have varied greatly between studies. Here, we critically review methods for sampling, isolating and identifying microplastics ingested by environmentally and laboratory exposed fish and invertebrates. We aim to draw attention to the strengths and weaknesses of the suite of published microplastic extraction and enumeration techniques. Firstly, we highlight the risk of microplastic losses and accumulation during biotic sampling and storage, and suggest protocols for mitigating contamination in the field and laboratory. We evaluate a suite of methods for extracting microplastics ingested by biota, including dissection, depuration, digestion and density separation. Lastly, we consider the applicability of visual identification and chemical analyses in categorising microplastics. We discuss the urgent need for the standardisation of protocols to promote consistency in data collection and analysis. Harmonized methods will allow for more accurate assessment of the impacts and risks microplastics pose to biota and increase comparability between studies.
Small mammal dynamics in adjacent landscapes with varying predator communities

Martinsson, В. , Department of Wildlife Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimso Wildlife Research Station, S-730 91 Riddarhyttan, Sweden Hansson, L. , Department of Wildlife Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7002, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden Angelstam, P., Department of Wildlife Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimso Wildlife Research Station, S-730 91 Riddarhyttan, Sweden
Heart and Sole: The Functional Role of Fast-Skeletal Myosin Binding Protein-C in Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle

There are many avenues of research to pursue in the relative short-term to elucidate more about the MyBP-C family of proteins. Even within the research specific to cMyBP-C, much has yet to be determined. It is very exciting to think about the numerous and intriguing avenues of research that can be conducted in the near
Linking ecology with social development for tropical aquatic conservation

1. Tropical aquatic ecosystems are species rich, with high numbers of endemics. Increasing pressure from human activities, including demands for food and energy, growing human population, and economic aspirations, highlights the need for a more concerted effort towards aquatic conservation. 2. Understanding of tropical aquatic ecosystems has developed largely from a northern temperate perspective that might not be always appropriate. Applying classic models of how water bodies function can hinder effective conservation strategies. This is coupled with very incomplete knowledge of species distributions and their ecology. 3. Better understanding of tropical aquatic ecology to guide conservation needs a research agenda that connects more strongly with the social-ecological realities of tropical ecosystems. 4. Although approaches to conservation may be contested, a fundamental challenge to protection of aquatic habitats is a lack of capacity at the individual and institutional level. Without this, the development of improved techniques and approaches for tropical aquatic conservation will fail to reverse current trends of degradation. Research outputs on tropical aquatic ecosystems remain dominated by institutions based outside the tropics. 5. Building awareness and practice to conserve the aquatic ecosystems of the tropics can be supported through extending the dialogue across sectors and by connecting tiers of governance. An ecosystem services framework that identifies the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems provides a powerful tool, often linked with estimates of economic value. However, this can neglect important regulating services or distract from more fundamental existence value. 6. The preservation of tropical aquatic diversity will only be achieved if recognized as important at all levels, from local to global. Targeted external support can build awareness and capacity, but conserving aquatic ecosystems requires local commitment. Developing community monitoring that provides straightforward information on ecosystem health presents opportunities to connect citizens with the ecosystems that, ultimately, they depend on. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Band recoveries reveal alternative migration strategies in American Robins

Abstract Migration strategies may change in response to climate change with consequences for conservation efforts. We used 80 years (1934−2014) of band recovery data (N = 1,057) to describe spatial and temporal patterns in the migration behavior of American Robins. The distribution of recoveries suggests strong continental scale connectivity with distinct separation between eastern and western North America, with a more moderate degree of connectivity within these regions. We also found little evidence of differential migration between males and females. Despite previous studies that suggest the winter distribution of robins has shifted northward, our analysis shows no obvious change in migration distance over time. Surprisingly, we found that a significant proportion of across season band recoveries occurred locally (20%), in close proximity to the original banding locations. It’s well known that large numbers of robins linger in northern breeding grounds well into the winter of some years, but the proximity of these birds to breeding areas was previously unknown. We found little evidence that the winter latitude of migrants or local recoveries shifted over time. However, there was a trend for increased frequency of local recoveries in recent decades, providing an alternative hypothesis for the northward shift in winter distribution.
Tempo of evolution in a Neogene bryozoan: rates of morphologic change within and across species boundaries

Inadequacies in stratigraphic resolution or completeness can make true rates of morphologic change through geologic time impossible to estimate precisely. However, relative rates may be sufficient to test whether the tempo of change within species can account for morphologic differences across species boundaries, and hence to distinguish between gradual and punctuated patterns of evolution. The conditions under which these patterns can be distinguished statistically are explored by simulating varying degrees of within-species rate variability relative to across-species morphologic difference. The statistical methods are then applied to multiple-character morphologic data from closely spaced sequential populations of the Neogene bryozoan Metrarabdotos, using discriminant analysis to compare overall morphologies. In nine comparisons of ancestor-descendant species pairs, all show within-species rates of morphologic change that do not vary significantly from zero, hence accounting for none of the across-species difference. In all cases the ratio of within-species fluctuation to across-species difference is low enough to allow the punctuated pattern to be distinguished with virtual certainty. In at least seven of the cases, ancestor species persisted after giving rise to descendants, in conformity with the punctuated equilibrium mode of evolution.
Growth Potential of the Easter Lily Bulb

Removing 33% or 100% of the Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb. ‘Nellie White’) mother scales when flower buds were 1.3 cm in length, in conjunction with flower bud removal at the 3-cm stage, increased daughter bulb dry weight by 21% and 45%, respectively, when plants were harvested after 13 weeks. Size of the remaining mother scales in partially de-scaled plants was estimated to be 30% larger than their counterparts in intact bulbs. Growth of the Easter lily bulb is likely limited by source carbon supply.
Microbial composition of four kinds of tea with different degree of oxidation

In this study, four representative kinds of tea have been studied: Tie guan yin, Light oolong tea, Dark oolong and Pu-erh (oxidation degree from low to high). The microbial contents of four kinds of tea were analyzed under normal condition (without brewing) and after brewing. Fully oxidized Pu-erh tea is the only tea that has undergone the fermentation process and has the highest bacterial counts as well as the most diverse bacterial composition, whereas Dark oolong rarely showed any microbial content. Most of the identified bacteria belonging to the family Bacillaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Paenibacillacea are soil-dwelling (naturally occur in soil) bacteria or a part of skin flora. The microbial analysis of four kinds of tea brewed at 90 °C indicated that no survived microorganisms could be detected in the brewed tea except for Pu-erh. Moreover, a potential probiotic Bacillus coagulans was found as the major bacteria in the brewed Pu-erh tea. Some of Bacillus coagulans isolates were brewed directly with hot water. The result showed that Bacillus coagulans could not survive at 90 °C without the protection of Pu-erh tea leafs. These isolates were also analyzed using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) method. The result showed that most of them are different strains. (Less)
Importância do DNA em Investigações Forenses: Análise de DNA Mitocondrial

The DNA can be used as a tool in any criminal investigation, it is a vestige capable to connect people and objects to the crime scene with a high degree of reliability, as well as being extremely important for human identification and identification of human remains. Although the discovery of DNA was not recent, and its use even in the forensic area is already happening a few years, we can see that research in this field have not ceased, and there are endless possibilities for improving techniques and methods used today. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be a good alternative for DNA typing when the nuclear DNA is available in small amounts, degraded or contaminated and the possibility of conducting tests with this DNA is smaller. Due to the higher number of copies of mtDNA per cell, and the fact that this DNA is circular, and this within an organelle with double cell membrane, mtDNA has some protection on the degree of degradation. In addition, mtDNA is able to connect people to their maternal lineage, since it has only maternal inheritance. With the review we could see that there is a great tendency to analyze and sequence the entire mitochondrial genome, and not only the non-coding regions as before, thus it has arisen several methodologies able to perform this analysis, but has not been established a gold methodology for the analysis in question. We can also notice that has been expended efforts to find and analyze the heteroplasmias present in the mtDNA due to its ability to help in identification. Although mtDNA analysis is not yet used on a large scale in forensic routine laboratories, this is a subject that has been widely studied by the scientific community and this endorsement on the subject of knowledge is always beneficial and can help implement new methods, the cheapening of the use of these tests and the creation of kits that can be widely used.
Apoptosis and Other Alternate Mechanisms of Cell Death

The normal cell has its own homeostatic mechanism. A slight deviation in this mechanism leads firstly to an adaptive response in the form of hypertrophy, atrophy etc. But sometimes when adaptive response exceeds a limit also culminates to cell injury which ultimately leads to cell death. Irreversible form of cell injury leads to cell death in the form of necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy and by other alternative ways of necroptosis, anoikis, entosis and cornification. Necrosis and apoptosis are main mechanisms of cell death in mammalian cells. Necrosis is accidental, uncontrolled and un-programmed cell death which leads to cellular swelling, pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, disruption of cell membrane and inflammation. Apoptosis is a programmed and energy dependent pathophysiological phenomenon leading to cellular shrinkage but no cell membrane rupture and no inflammatory response. Apoptosis can be mediated by extrinsic, intrinsic and perforin/granzyme pathways, leading to activation of execution caspases and finally protein cleavage, cross linking and DNA-fragmentation. Extrinsic pathway involve ligand (FasL, TNFα) and receptors (FasR, TNFR) interaction which bind to adapter proteins Fas Associated Death Domain (FADD) and TNFα Receptor Associated Death Domain (TRADD) with activation of initiator caspases-8. Intrinsic pathway involves cytochrome c release along with pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibits anti-apoptotic proteins, leads to cytochrome c interaction with Apaf-1, thus activation of pro-caspase-9. Overall, cell death have clarified many aspects of this fundamental process and brought to the attention of scientists its role in a large number of different diseases. The present review describes apoptosis and other alternate mechanisms of cell death with biomedical and veterinary perspectives.
Adaptación automática del operador de pooling aprendiendo pesos de medias ponderadas ordenadas en redes neuronales convolucionales

Resumen—Las Redes Neuronales Convolucionales (RNCs) han logrado ser los modelos de mayor precisión en varias tareas de visión por computador. Tienen estructuras cada vez más complejas en las que se deben seleccionar un buen número de parámetros, como el número de capas, los filtros por capa o las capas de re-muestreo conocidas como pooling. En la capa de pooling las activaciones de los pı́xeles vecinos se agregan de forma local; el máximo y la media ponderada son las funciones de agregación comúnmente utilizadas. En este trabajo presentamos una nueva forma de agregar a través de medias ordenadas ponderadas, de tal forma que los pesos de las medias se aprenden durante el entrenamiento de la red. De esta forma el operador de pooling se selecciona automáticamente durante el entrenamiento de la red. Por lo tanto, la RNC tiene unos hiper-parámetros menos que no debemos seleccionar. En los resultados experimentales mostramos que la precisión y la capacidad de generalizar de las redes que utilizan este tipo de operador es similar a las redes con operadores de pooling fijados.
Rôles of glutamine and nucleotides in combination in growth, immune responses and FMD antibody titres of weaned pigs

This study examined the effects of glutamine and nucleotides on growth, intestinal villous height and immune responses of weaned pigs. Eighty weaned pigs (Landrace ✕ Yorkshire ✕ Duroc) were randomly assigned to five treatments, including a control diet and a 2 (glutamine 1·0 and 1·5%) by 2 (nucleotides 500 and 1000 p.p.m.) factorial design. There were no differences among the five treatments in weight gain from weeks 0 to 4 and 0 to 8 of the experiment. However, the food intake of treatment 3 (glutamine 1·0% and nucleotides 1000 p. p. m. ) for weeks 4 to 8 was higher (P
The interaction of aqueous solutions of chlorine with malic acid, tartaric acid, and various fruit juices. A source of mutagens

Etude des interactions chimiques a differents pH et analyse, par chromatographie gazeuse et spectrometrie de masse, des molecules formees. On trouve surtout les propanones chlorees, de l'hydrate de chloral, dans les cas des acides organiques et des jus d'agrumes, et egalement du dichloroacetonitrile dans le cas des jus d'agrumes
Explaining the distribution, structure and species composition of snow-patch vegetation in Tasmania, Australia

The term ‘snow patch’ indicates an area in an alpine zone with distinct vegetation because snow persists there longer than in the surrounding areas. Snow patches are a well known rare and threatened ecosystem on mainland Australia, but little is known of their distribution and vegetation in Tasmania. We describe, and determine the environmental relationships of, snow patches and their vegetation in Tasmania. There are 119 snow patches in Tasmania, covering 86 ha in toto, 43 of which have some fjaeldmark vegetation and the rest of which have a complete vegetation cover. Snow patches are confined to the taller, more continental mountains where they occur on north-east- to east-facing slopes, with the surrounding alpine vegetation usually being free of persistent snow. Their considerable floristic and structural variability relates to substrate and climate. Within Tasmania, several species are largely restricted to snow patches. The high degree of Tasmanian endemism in the snow-patch vegetation makes it distinct from the snow-patch vegetation of mainland Australia. The Tasmanian snow patches are also distinct in their environmental conditions. In Tasmania, snow does not usually persist over the winter outside the 119 snow patches. There are five floristic communities in these patches, all being distinct from those in mainland Australian snow patches. The Tasmanian snow patches merit listing as a threatened ecosystem on the basis of their distinctiveness and restricted extent.