Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical geographic modeling of switchgrass yields in the United States

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial grass native to the United States that has been studied as a sustainable source of biomass fuel. Although many field‐scale studies have examined the potential of this grass as a bioenergy crop, these studies have not been integrated. In this study, we present an empirical model for switchgrass yield and use this model to predict yield for the conterminous United States. We added environmental covariates to assembled yield data from field trials based on geographic location. We developed empirical models based on these data. The resulting empirical models, which account for spatial autocorrelation in the field data, provide the ability to estimate yield from factors associated with climate, soils, and management for both lowland and upland varieties of switchgrass. Yields of both ecotypes showed quadratic responses to temperature, increased with precipitation and minimum winter temperature, and decreased with stand age. Only the upland ecotype showed a positive response to our index of soil wetness and only the lowland ecotype showed a positive response to fertilizer. We view this empirical modeling effort, not as an alternative to mechanistic plant‐growth modeling, but rather as a first step in the process of functional validation that will compare patterns produced by the models with those found in data. For the upland variety, the correlation between measured yields and yields predicted by empirical models was 0.62 for the training subset and 0.58 for the test subset. For the lowland variety, the correlation was 0.46 for the training subset and 0.19 for the test subset. Because considerable variation in yield remains unexplained, it will be important in the future to characterize spatial and local sources of uncertainty associated with empirical yield estimates.
Parâmetros genéticos para diferentes relações de peso ao nascer e à desmama em vacas da raça Nelore

The objective of this study was to estimate heritability and repeatability for different measures of cows' productive efficiency and determine the best way to calculate the weight ratios, in order to use as selection criteria in Nelore herds. Data of Nelore animals from Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte-Sertaozinho, Instituto de Zootecnia were analyzed. The animals are selected for higher yearling weight (NeS and NeT herds, considered as a single herd in this paper) and, for mean yearling weight (NeC) within contemporary group, since 1980. The traits used in this study were: 1) RPN = ratio of birth weight of the calf / cow weight at calving; 2) RPN2 = ratio of birth weight of the calf / metabolic cow weight at calving; 3) RPD = ratio of weaning weight of the calf / cow weight at weaning and, 4) RPD2 = ratio of weaning weight of calf / metabolic cow weaning weight. For estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters, were considered two files: cows with calves (CB) or with and without calves (SB). The RPN and RPN2 were calculated only on CB file, and RPD and RPD2 were calculated in both files (CB and SB). Genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. Estimates of heritability for traits RPN; RPN2; RPD_CB; RPD2_CB; RPD_SB and RPD2_SB were: 0.17±0.02, 0.16±0.02, 0.22±0.04, 0.19±0.03, 0.20±0.01 and 0.16±0.01, respectively. The repeatability estimates ranged from 0.22 to 0.68. The use of weight ratios as selection criteria should promote, at long-term, improvements in production efficiency. In some breeding programs, weight ratios have been considered only as information for disposal of cows, but could be included in selection indices, especially if it is calculated considering the metabolic weight of cow at weaning from both cows, that weaned a calf as those that failed to wean.
Media Interaction

In order to analyse "person-to-person" involvement in mass media content between an audience member and a "media personality," the concept of media interaction, which implies that the audience member experiences "interaction" with, and in many cases identifies with persons in the media content, was defined, operationalized and used in an empirical study. Guiding the empirical analysis was a model of individual mass media use which brings together: (1) those social/psychological structures that affect need fulfillment possibilities, relating these to (2) mass media exposure, and (3) media interaction, and ending with (4) some consequences of the latter. The results shown how media interaction can be related to certain characteristics of the audience member's individual and social situation as well as to certain patterns regarding consumption of various types of media fare. The results also indicate that media interaction may possibly lead to increased dependency on the mass media as well as to tendencies to use the media, as opposed to other sources of "company," at times of loneliness.
Designation of the Neotype Strain of Bacteroides hypermegas Harrison and Hansen

When Harrison and Hansen first described and named Bacteroides hypermegas in 1963, they did not designate a type strain for the species. All of the original isolates have been lost, but a strain with characteristics that agree closely with those reported by Harrison and Hansen has been deposited as a reference strain in the ATCC and the NCTC. This strain, ATCC 25560 (= NCTC 10570), is here described and is designated the neotype strain of Bacteriodes hypermegas Harrison and Hansen.
Changes in Inhibin Secretion during Development of the Female Duck Embryo

Abstract Concentrations of immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin in circulation, amniotic fluid and the ovary of embryos and newly-hatched ducks from Day 21 of incubation to one day of age were determined. The antiserum used was against bovine 31-kDa inhibin and was validated for RIA of inhibin using samples from female embryos. Plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were also determined by chicken RIA systems. Plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin were maintained at constant levels from day 21 to day 25, abruptly increased on day 26. After the increase, plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin quickly declined from day 27 to the day of hatch (day 28). Plasma concentrations of FSH were high on day 21, followed by an abrupt decline on day 22, gradually increased until day 24, and then decreased again on day 25. The maximal rise of plasma FSH was observed on day 27, and then rapidly decreased until the day after the hatch. No inverse relationship was observed between plasma concnetrations of ir-inhibin and FSH. Amniotic fluid concentrations of ir-inhibin were relatively low and remained constant between Day 21 and Day 25. Embryonic ovaries contained very low amounts of ir-inhibin. Ovarian inhibin levels were stabilized in early time points, temporally decreased on day 25, and abruptly increased on day 26. These results suggest that inhibin does not involved in the regulation of FSH secretion in the female duck embryo and the ovary of duck embryo is not the main source of circulating ir-inhibin.
The effects of elevated testosterone on plumage hue in male House Finches

The majority of studies examining the role of hormones in the proximate mechanisms of plumage coloration in birds have focused on intersexual differences (plumage dichromatism) and on structural- or melanin-based plumage coloration. The relationship between hormones and carotenoid-based plumage color, and in particular intrasexual plumage color variation, has received little attention. We manipulated testosterone levels of both captive and wild male House Finches to determine whether testosterone influences the expression of male plumage color in this species. We found that in captive male House Finches elevated testosterone delayed molt and resulted in drabber, less red plumage, even when birds were supplemented with dietary carotenoids. Elevated testosterone also resulted in drab plumage color in wild males, and appeared to delay molt in wild birds as well. Wild males implanted with testosterone showed wide variation in expression of plumage coloration. Those implanted early in the year molted plumage similar in color to their pre-treatment plumage, but those implanted later molted substantially duller plumage, possibly because delayed molt resulting from elevated testosterone caused these males to molt when carotenoid pigments were not available in sufficient amounts. These observations have the potential to explain previously reported relationships between plumage color and behavior in male House Finches, and highlight the importance of considering the proximate mechanisms of plumage coloration in avian sexual selection.
Liparis cheniana (Malaxideae: Orchidaceae), a New Species from Xizang, China

Liparis cheniana X.H. Jin sp. nova (Orchidaceae), is described and illustrated from southwestern Xizang (Tibet), China. It is restricted to the alpine region of the Gaoligongshan Mountains at an elevation of about 3700 m. Liparis cheniana is similar to L. rostrata in having two calli at the base of the column, but differs from it by having a lanceolate and acuminate lip with a ridge ranging from the base to the tip.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE LIFE-CYCLE OF ANAX JUNIUS (ODONATA: AESHNIDAE) IN CANADA

Abstract The effect of temperature on the rate of development of Anax junius Drury was studied. Monthly larval samples were carried out for 2 years and laboratory experiments were conducted at constant temperatures. Field studies, at a eutrophic pond near Toronto, showed that in Canada populations of A. junius are not only maintained by migrants each year but also by residents. Two distinct populations were found, a summer (non-resident) population which developed from oviposition to emergence in approximately 3 months, from June to September, and an overwintering (resident) population which overwintered as half-grown larvae and developed in approximately 11 months from mid-July of one calendar year to the end of June of the next year. The former population was larger and comprised approximately 48% males and the latter was smaller and comprised approximately 41% males. A threshold temperature of development of 8.7° ± 0.1 °C was determined in the laboratory for the development of final-instar larvae of the summer population. The rate of development of final-instar larvae, reared at constant temperature, was similar to that of the entire summer aquatic stages which developed in fluctuating temperature. An average of 1332 degree-days ± 1% was required for development from the onset of oviposition to the onset of emergence of the summer population; whereas 20.5% more degree-days were required for the development of the overwintering population, employing the threshold temperature of 8.7 °C as determined for the summer population.It is recommended that correlation between degree-day totals and duration of larval development be used in further studies as a means for understanding the migration pattern and also the climatic limit of distribution for A. junius.
Diversification of body shape in Sebastes rockfishes of the north‐east Pacific

Body shape variation is integrally related to many aspects of fish ecology, including locomotion and foraging, and can indicate the functional diversity of fish assemblages. Few studies have thoroughly characterized body shape in a diverse marine fish clade, or investigated both temporal and spatial patterns of variation in body shape disparity. Here, I use digital photographs to measure geometric body shape in 66 species of north-east Pacific rockfish (Sebastes spp.), including a correction for error introduced by arching of specimens. Different components of interspecific shape variation show associations with fish size, depth habitat, trophic niche and phylogenetic relationships. Overall, the accumulation of body shape disparity appears to have been near-constant over time, and shows little variation across the latitudinal range of rockfish.
Sexual size dimorphism in the two spot ladybird beetle Adalia bipunctata: developmental mechanism and its consequences for mating

Abstract 1. The literature on ladybirds indicates that males are consistently smaller than females but take the same length of time to complete their development. Rearing Adalia bipunctata at 20 and 25 °C confirmed that protandry cannot account for sexual size dimorphism in this species, nor can a difference in egg size.
OpenButterfly: Multimodal Rehabilitation Analysis of Immersive Virtual Reality for Physical Therapy

Upper limb injury often requires repetitive and long-term physical rehabilitation which can result in low adherence due to the repetitive and internally motivated nature of the exercises. Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) systems enhanced with games can address these challenges. These systems provide a platform for adaptable sensing and analytical tools to track progress, personalize therapy, and increase long term engagement. This paper explores such a system, through an iVR-based experience for upper-extremity rehabilitation called “OpenButterfly,” where users follow movements to protect a virtual butterfly. OpenButterfly enables a dynamically controllable environment for individual exercise by utilizing motion capture, a biomechanical model of torque and angular momentum, and a biometric pipeline for brainwave, heartrate, and skin conductance analysis. We examine this experience for five adult users with varying degrees of injury over the course of eight weeks. Our results suggest that experiences like OpenButterfly provide strong platforms for long-term physical therapy engagement, analysis, and recovery. Lastly, this paper concludes with considerations for future research into adaptive iVR physio-rehabilitation.
Measurement of intracellular and extracellular free calcium in apple fruit cells using calcium-selective microelectrodes

Abstract. Intracellular and extracellular free calcium was measured in cortical cells from apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh cv. Cox's Orange Pippin) using calcium-selective microelectrodes. It was difficult to position microelectrodes in the cytoplasm, and thus most intracellular measurements reflected vacuolar concentrations of about 0.6mol m−3 free calcium. Extracellular free calcium was measured in wells (0.2mm3) that had been cut through the epidermis of the fruit, then filled with osmoticum. Concentrations of free calcium in the sampling well varied between 0.02 and 1.3 mol m−3, and were related to the calcium content of the tissue. Functioning of the plasma membrane, and perhaps the supply of calcium for intracellular needs during fruit ripening and storage, may require mol m−3 concentrations of extracellular free calcium. Thus, it is suggested that low levels of extracellular free calcium in calcium-deficient fruit may be partly responsible for development of deficiency disorders.
AFLP analyses on genetic diversity and structure of Eupatorium adenophorum populations in China

Eupatorium adenophorum (crofton weed) is one of the most widespread invasive species in China. Its genetic diversity and population structure in China were analysed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Three primer pairs were selected for the analysis and 490 bands were produced from 62 E. adenophorum populations selected from five major geographic areas. A total of 328 of the bands showed polymorphism [percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB)=59.4%]. Diversity levels of populations were relatively high (mean expected heterozygosity=0.154, mean Shannon index=0.241). At the regional level, the AMOVA indicated that about 70.25% of variation in the data set was from genotypic variations within populations, whereas 8.04% of the variation was due to regional differences, and the remaining 21.71% to differences among populations within the provincial regions. Cluster analysis based on the unweighted pair-group method using the method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) grouped the majority of E. adenophorum populations into four main clusters, which correspond to their geographic regions. It is concluded that E. adenophorum spread mainly by wind or water and its genetic diversity level in newly invaded areas was lower than that in formerly colonized areas.
The Spiral of Cynicism Reconsidered

Public debate about and scholarly enquiry into the relationship between news media and political attitudes tend to highlight negative aspects. Research has shown that strategic news coverage focusing on politicians’ motives and style rather than content and policies fuels political cynicism. This has been dubbed the ‘spiral of cynicism’. This study, drawing on two-wave panel surveys and content analyses of news media in two countries, challenges this perspective. The negative effects of news on cynicism are contingent upon the level of strategy reporting in the news. Moreover, political sophistication is positively related to cynicism, suggesting that cynicism is perhaps little more than an indication of an ‘interested and critical citizenry’. Finally, when the assumption that cynicism is detrimental to political participation is evaluated, there is in fact little empirical evidence to support a link between cynicism and voter turnout.
Frequency response of the cardiac chronotropic action of the vagus in the rabbit

AbstractDynamics of the chronotropic action of the efferent vagus on the heart has been studied in rabbits anesthetized by urethan. The analysis has been carried out in the manner used in the examination of technical control systems. The system of the efferent vagus and cardiac pacemaker was considered as a control element the input variable being the frequency of stimuli applied to the nerve and the output being the heart rate. A special stimulator was used enabling the sinusoidal modulation of the frequency of rectangular stimulating pulses. The sinusoidal modulating signal had constant amplitude but variable frequency. The frequency-modulated stimulation elicited oscillatory variations of the heart rate whose amplitude and phase shift against the driving signal could be precisely estimated. The relation of the amplitude and phase of these oscillations to their frequency was determined and the resulting values plotted in the form of a frequency-response characteristic and a Nyquist diagram both being th.
Norovirus et huîtres : de la terre à la mer !

Les coquillages, eleves en zone littorale, peuvent etre soumis a de nombreuses sources de contamination. Malgre la diversite des micro-organismes presents dans les feces humains, les norovirus, agents majeurs de gastro-enterites, sont les pathogenes les plus frequemment incrimines dans les epidemies liees a la consommation de coquillages contamines, des huitres dans la plupart des cas. Ces observations s’expliquent par plusieurs facteurs tels qu’un rejet important de ces virus pendant la periode hivernale, leur resistance elevee dans l’environnement, les capacites de filtration des mollusques bivalves et la presence de ligands specifiques dans les tissus digestifs des huitres. Les evenements impliques dans la contamination de ces coquillages sont divers : deversement d’eaux usees accidentel, pluies importantes ou rejets directs de virus. Occasionnellement, le non-respect de la reglementation peut entrainer la mise sur le marche de coquillages contamines. L’analyse de l’ensemble de ces facteurs permettra, a terme, d’ameliorer la qualite microbiologique des coquillages et, ainsi, de proteger le consommateur.
A New Zero Voltage Switching Three Level Bidirectional Converter

In this paper a new bidirectional three level converter with soft switching operation and high efficiency is proposed. In the proposed converter by means of using two resonant LC elements soft switching operation for all the semiconductor elements are obtained. Also three level structure of the proposed converter caused lower voltage stress for all of the switches. Soft switching conditions is provided without auxiliary switch, which implementation of control circuit is simple. To justify the analysis, a prototype converter is designed, simulated and finally practically implemented. Simulation and experimental results have shown that the proposed converter operates under zero voltage switching condition and with these results the proposed converter has achieved the efficiency of 98%.
Larvicidal Efficacy of Extracts of Selected Plants against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus)

Background: Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is considered to be a primary vector of viral diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. Plant compounds having insecticidal properties are a preferable option for the control of these vectors because they are less harmful to non-target organism and are easily biodegradable. The present study is designed to test the larvicidal efficacy of six plants found locally in NE India against Aedes aegypti. Methods: The larvicidal efficacy of ethanol extracts of whole plant of Alternanthera philoxeroides and Ipomoea aquatica, fronds of Amphineuron opulentum and Sphaerostephanos unitus; leaves of Ziziphus jujuba and the stem bark of Zanthoxylum nitidum were tested against the fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The mortality was observed after 24 and 48 hours of treatment. Data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations. Results: Most of the plants showed moderate to high level of toxicity. The ethanol extract of Zanthoxylum nitidum stem bark was found to be the most effective with an LC50 value of 6.10 ppm after 24 hours of exposure followed by that of Ziziphus jujuba with an LC50 value of 79.98 ppm. Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amphineuron opulentum and Sphaerostephanos unitus showed moderate efficacy whereas Ipomoea aquatic showed very low larval toxicity against the mosquito. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest Zanthoxylum nitidum, Ziziphus jujuba and Amphineuron opulentum as potential candidate for the control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Object Detection in an Image using Deep Learning

— The object detection supported deep learning is a vital application in deep learning technology, that is characterised by its robust capability of feature learning and have illusation compared with the object detection methods. The paper first makes an introduction of the methods in object detection, and expounds the methods of deep learning in object detection. Then it introduces the emergence of the object detection methods based on deep learning and elaborates the most typical methods nowadays in the object detection via deep learning. In the statement of the methods, the paper focuses on the framework design and the working principle of the models and analyses the model performance in the real-time and the accuracy of detection. Eventually, it discusses the challenges in the object detection based on deep learning and offers some solutions for reference