Rich Component Research Articles

Patterns and drivers of understory macroalgal assemblage structure within subtidal kelp forests

Kelp species are found along ~ 25% of the world’s coastlines, where they provide myriad of ecological goods and services. However, compared with many other terrestrial and marine vegetated ecosystems, kelp forests have been critically understudied in many regions, leading to pressing knowledge gaps that hinder management and conservation efforts. We conducted a large-scale survey of understorey macroalgae within subtidal kelp forests dominated by Laminaria hyperborea at 12 sites, nested within 4 regions in the United Kingdom (UK). Regions spanned ~ 9° in latitude and encompassed a gradient in average sea surface temperature of ~ 2.5 °C. We employed a combination of traditional hand-harvesting of quadrat samples and a novel 3D photogrammetry technique to quantify crustose coralline algae. The structure of understorey macroalgal assemblages was highly variable but showed clear partitioning at the spatial scales of both regions and sites. At the regional-scale, we observed a general increase in richness, diversity and biomass from north to south, most likely due to biogeographical context, ocean climate and the structure and composition of overlying kelp canopies. Site level variation was most likely driven by concurrent variability in wave exposure and kelp canopy structure. Our study shows that understorey macroalgal assemblages represent a rich and abundant component of kelp forests in the northeast Atlantic, with high biodiversity value that warrant conservation measures. As these kelp forest ecosystems are structured by multiple physical and biological processes, current and predicted environmental change will likely alter the diversity and composition of understorey macroalgal assemblages.

Microbial community dynamics in phyto-thermotherapy baths viewed through next generation sequencing and metabolomics approach

Phyto-thermotherapy is a treatment consisting in immersing oneself in baths of self-heating alpine grass, to benefit of the heat and rich aromatic components released by the process. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial and fungal diversity of three phyto-thermal baths (PTB) performed in three different months, and to compare the data with the profile of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the process. All the data collected showed that PTBs were structured in two stages: the first three days were characterised by an exponential rise of the temperature, a fast bacterial development, higher microbial diversity and higher concentrations of plant aliphatic hydrocarbons. The second stage was characterised by a stable high temperature, shrinkage of the microbial diversity with a predominance of few bacterial and fungi species and higher concentrations of volatiles of microbial origin. Erwinia was the dominant microbial species during the first stage and probably responsible of the self-heating process. In conclusion, PTBs has shown both similarities with common self-heating processes and important peculiarities such as the absence of pathogenic bacteria and the dominance of plant terpenoids with health characteristics among the VOCs confirming the evidence of beneficial effects in particular in the first three days.

Simulation Study on Solenoid Valve of Hydraulic Control Unit

In the research and development and improvement of the wet double-clutch automatic transmission, the hydraulic control unit has always been the focus of attention in the industry, and the working characteristics of the solenoid valve will directly affect the control effect of the hydraulic control unit, which in turn affects the quality of the vehicle’s shifting action. [1]This article is based on a hydraulic control unit, using its rich component library on the AMESim software platform, according to the working principle of the solenoid valve, the simulation model of various types of solenoid valves in the hydraulic control unit is established, and the exploration design module is used to the various parameters in the valve that are not easy to obtain directly are identified based on genetic algorithm, and the parameters in the model are optimized; then the S function is generated through the interface in AMESim, and each solenoid valve is simulated with the help of the numerical calculation ability of Matlab to obtain The simulation results of the solenoid valve working process are presented.[2, 3].

Spatial and Temporal Ecological Uniqueness of Andean Diatom Communities Are Correlated With Climate, Geodiversity and Long-Term Limnological Change

National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) from the US NSF DBI-1639145 National Geographic Society 8672-09 Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) CONICYT FONDECYT LIFE14/IPE/FI/023 project FRESHABIT LIFE IP LIFE14/IPE/FI/023 National Science Foundation (NSF) EAR-1338694

Beyond dichotomies in reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a framework of particular importance to psychology, neuroscience and machine learning. Interactions between these fields, as promoted through the common hub of RL, has facilitated paradigm shifts that relate multiple levels of analysis in a singular framework (for example, relating dopamine function to a computationally defined RL signal). Recently, more sophisticated RL algorithms have been proposed to better account for human learning, and in particular its oft-documented reliance on two separable systems: a model-based (MB) system and a model-free (MF) system. However, along with many benefits, this dichotomous lens can distort questions, and may contribute to an unnecessarily narrow perspective on learning and decision-making. Here, we outline some of the consequences that come from overconfidently mapping algorithms, such as MB versus MF RL, with putative cognitive processes. We argue that the field is well positioned to move beyond simplistic dichotomies, and we propose a means of refocusing research questions towards the rich and complex components that comprise learning and decision-making.

Intracranial Metaplastic Meningioma : Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of 11 Cases.

ObjectiveMetaplastic meningioma is an extremely rare subtype of World Health Organization (WHO) grade I meningioma. It has distinctive histological subtypes according to its own mesenchymal components. Owing to its scarcity, clinical or radiological features of a metaplastic meningioma are poorly described. MethodsBetween 2004 and 2018, we analyzed total 1814 cases surgically proven meningioma for 15 years. Among them, metaplastic meningioma was diagnosed in 11 cases. Magnetic resonance images were taken for all patients, and computed tomography scan was taken for 10 patients. ResultsWHO grade I meningiomas were 1376 cases (75.9%), 354 cases (19.5%) in WHO grade II, and 84 cases (4.6%) in WHO grade III meningiomas. Metaplastic meningioma was 11 cases as 0.8% of WHO grade I meningioma and 0.6% of entire meningiomas for 15 years. Among the entire 11 metaplastic meningiomas, five tumors (45%) were diagnosed as a lipomatous subtype with rich fat components, four (36%) as an osseous subtype with extensive bone formation and two (18%) as a xanthomatous subtype. There was no cartilaginous subtype metaplastic meningioma in our study. Lipomatous and osseous metaplastic meningioma have peculiar radiological characteristics according to mesenchymal components. ConclusionWe investigated a rare metaplastic meningioma subtype based on our 15-year surgical experience with meningiomas. Further investigation will be necessary for the clear clarification of tumor nature of this rare tumor.

Scale-dependent impact of land management on above- and belowground biodiversity.

Land management is known to have consequences for biodiversity; however, our synthetic understanding of its effects is limited due to highly variable results across studies, which vary in the focal taxa and spatial grain considered, as well as the response variables reported. Such synthetic knowledge is necessary for management of agroecosystems for high diversity and function.To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the importance of scale‐dependent effects of land management (LM) (pastures vs. meadows), on plant and soil microbe diversity (fungi and bacteria) across 5 study sites in Central Germany. Analyses included diversity partitioning of species richness and related biodiversity components (i.e., density of individuals, species‐abundance distribution, and spatial aggregation) at two spatial grains (α‐ and γ‐scale, 1 m2 and 16 km2, respectively).Our results show scale‐dependent patterns in response to LM to be the norm rather than the exception and highlight the importance of measuring species richness and its underlying components at multiple spatial grains.Our outcomes provide new insight to the complexity of scale‐dependent responses within and across taxonomic groups. They suggest that, despite close associations between taxa, LM responses are not easily extrapolated across multiple spatial grains and taxa. Responses of biodiversity to LM are often driven by changes to evenness and spatial aggregation, rather than by changes in individual density. High‐site specificity of LM effects might be due to a variety of context‐specific factors, such as historic land management, identity of grazers, and grazing regime. Synthesis and applications: Our results suggest that links between taxa are not necessarily strong enough to allow for generalization of biodiversity patterns. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple taxa and spatial grains when investigating LM responses, while promoting management practices that do the same and are tailored to local and regional conditions.

Effects of brown seaweeds on postprandial glucose, insulin and appetite in humans – A randomized, 3-way, blinded, cross-over meal study

Seaweed including brown seaweeds with rich bioactive components may be efficacious for a glycaemic management strategy and appetite control. We investigated the effects of two brown edible seaweeds, Laminaria digitata (LD) and Undaria pinnatifida (UP), on postprandial glucose metabolism and appetite following a starch load in a human meal study. Twenty healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, 3-way, blinded cross-over trial. The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT00123456. At each test day, the subjects received one of three meals comprising 30g of starch with 5g of LD or UP or an energy-adjusted control meal containing pea protein. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations were measured. Subjective appetite sensations were scored using visual analogue scales (VAS). Linear mixed model (LMM) analysis showed a lower blood glucose, insulin and C-peptide response following the intake of LD and UP, after correction for body weight. Participants weighing≤63kg had a reduced glucose response compared to control meal between 40 and 90min both following LD and UP meals. Furthermore, LMM analysis for C-peptide showed a significantly lower response after intake of LD. Compared to the control meal, GLP-1 response was higher after the LD meal, both before and after the body weight adjustment. The VAS scores showed a decreased appetite sensation after intake of the seaweeds. Ad-libitum food intake was not different three hours after the seaweed meals compared to control. Concomitant ingestion of brown seaweeds may help improving postprandial glycaemic and appetite control in healthy and normal weight adults, depending on the dose per body weight. Clinicaltrials.gov (ID# NCT02608372).

Two-Slope Path Loss Model for Curved-Tunnel Environment With Concept of Break Point

The curvature of tunnels introduces an extra loss in the wave propagation. A simulation and measurement study are performed on the straight and the curved tunnels to investigate the extra loss in the curved tunnels in comparison with the straight tunnels at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This study suggests the existence of two wave propagation mechanisms in the curved tunnel; <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">enhanced waveguiding mechanism</i> induced by rich multipath components from the curved tunnels and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">degraded waveguiding mechanism</i> due to the blockage from the curved tunnel walls. For efficient radio planning, a new propagation model with curvature dependent break point is proposed. The proposed break point indicates the end of the <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">enhanced waveguiding mechanism</i> and the beginning of the <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">degraded waveguiding mechanism</i> . A two-slope radio wave propagation model is then proposed for radio communications inside curved tunnels by using the determined break point, with performance evaluation.

Исследование биологии и пищевой ценности Ulva rigida C. Ag., как перспективного объекта марикультуры

The haplodiplobion life cycle with sporic meiosis and isomorphic alternation&#x0D; of generations, the ability for vegetative reproduction, the rapid growth of&#x0D; thallus, a large amount of produced cells, and high specific production make&#x0D; Ulva rigida C. Ag. attractive for marine aquaculture. The paper is devoted to&#x0D; study biological features of Ulva growth and nutritional value under artificial&#x0D; conditions. It is shown how environmental factors affect the germination and&#x0D; formation of new plants. Preliminary data on nutritional value allow us to&#x0D; consider Ulva to low-calorie foods with a rich carbohydrate component. The&#x0D; mineral composition and a high concentration of iodine indicate the feasible&#x0D; usage of Ulva as a functional food ingredient.

Arthropod diversity in two Historic Gardens in the Azores, Portugal.

The aim of our study was to characterise and compare the richness and composition of endemic, native (non-endemic) and introduced arthropod assemblages of two Azorean Historic Gardens with contrasting plant species composition. We hypothesised that Faial Botanic Garden would hold higher arthropod diversity and abundance of native and endemic arthropod species due to its larger native plant community. Species were collected using several arthropod standardised techniques between April 2017 and June 2018. We used the alpha diversity metrics (Hill series) and the partitioning of total beta diversity (βtotal) into its replacement (βrepl) and richness (βrich) components, to analyse the adult and total arthropod community. The orders Araneae, Coleoptera and Hemiptera were also studied separately. Our results show that the number of exotic arthropod species exceeds the number of native and/or the endemic species in both gardens, but the arthropod community of Faial Botanic Garden exhibited a higher density of endemic and native species. Despite some minor exceptions, the geographic origins of plant communities largely influenced the arthropod species sampled in each garden. This study improves our knowledge about urban arthropod diversity in the Azores and shows how well-designed urban garden management and planning contribute to the conservation of native and endemic Azorean species.

DataV: Data Visualization on large high-resolution displays

In recent years, the technology and applications of visualizations on large high-resolution displays (LHDs) have received widespread attention because of its perceptual benefits and improved productivity. However, existing work on LHD visualization lacks both comprehensive guidance for design requirements and tools developed for its specific usage scenarios. In this paper, we present the scenarios, design, and implementation of DataV, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) visual deployment tool that enables rapid construction and cross-platform publishing of interactive visualization on LHDs. Our framework can support rich components for the high-performance rendering of multi-source heterogeneous data. DataV provides a full-fledged toolchain to help the user efficiently specify layout and interactions. We present its accessibility and impressive visual effects with examples and comparison with Tableau, Power BI, VisComposer, and iVisDesigner. We also report the performance of using DataV for 3D map rendering by comparing it with deck.gl.

Species richness and beta diversity patterns of multiple taxa along an elevational gradient in pastured grasslands in the European Alps

To understand how diversity is distributed in space is a fundamental aim for optimizing future species and community conservation. We examined in parallel species richness and beta diversity components of nine taxonomic groups along a finite space, represented by pastured grasslands along an elevational gradient. Beta diversity, which is assumed to bridge local alpha diversity to regional gamma diversity was partitioned into the two components turnover and nestedness and analyzed at two levels: from the lowest elevation to all other elevations, and between neighboring elevations. Species richness of vascular plants, butterflies, beetles, spiders and earthworms showed a hump-shaped relationship with increasing elevation, while it decreased linearly for grasshoppers and ants, but increased for lichens and bryophytes. For most of the groups, turnover increased with increasing elevational distance along the gradient while nestedness decreased. With regard to step-wise beta diversity, rates of turnover or nestedness did not change notably between neighboring steps for the majority of groups. Our results support the assumption that species communities occupying the same habitat significantly change along elevation, however transition seems to happen continuously and is not detectable between neighboring steps. Our findings, rather than delineating levels of major diversity losses, indicate that conservation actions targeting at a preventive protection for species and their environment in mountainous regions require the consideration of entire spatial settings.

Investigating the Quality of Commercial Beef Cattle Feeds and Feed Ingredients Used in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of commercial beef cattle feed and feed ingredients which are available in Bangladesh. For this purpose, chemical analysis and in vitro digestibility (IVD) were estimated for nine commercial feeds and different feed ingredients which were collected from different regions. Chemical analysis of samples was carried out in triplicate for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. Metabolizable energy (ME) was calculated mathematically for feed samples by using standard formula. The analysis revealed the difference between the manufacturer’s claim and actual analyzed value. In commercial feeds DM content ranged from 90-92%. While CP content of commercial feeds was either lower or higher than the written value of feed industries. In Provita feed CP content (20.72%) was higher and Care feed had much lower CP content (7.54%) than written value. In vitro digestibility of DM in feed ingredients varied from 18.27 in straw to 75.77% in soybean meal. The fiber component (NDF and ADF) was negatively correlated with IVDMD and CP was positively correlated with IVDMD because fiber rich components were less digestible than the non-fibrous component (protein). Analysis of commercial feed samples revealed that the values claimed by the manufacturers are quite different from the actual analyzed values. This is a matter of concern and needs to be checked through better quality control measures by systematic feed analysis and ensure that manufacturers declare the true composition of the marketed feeds.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 18(1): 197-208 (2020)

An overview on red algae bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications.

Objectives To review red algae bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications. Content Seaweed sources are becoming attractive to be used in health and therapeutics. Among these red algae is the largest group containing bioactive compounds utilized in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food industry, manure and various supplements in food formula. Various significant bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (aginate, agar, and carrageenan), lipids and polyphenols, steroids, glycosides, flavanoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, antheraquinones and cardiac glycosides have been reported in red algae. The red algae have rich nutritional components Different polysaccharides of red algae possess the antiviral potential namely agarans, carrageenan, alginate, fucan, laminaran and naviculan. Sulfated polysaccharides and carraginans of red algae are rich source of soluble fibers which can account for antitumor activities depending upon chemistry of various secondary metabolites and metabolism of cell line. Flavons-3-ols containing catechins from many red algae block the telomerase activity in colon cancer cells. Contraceptive agents were tested from red algae as a source for post-coital. Lectin of red algae showed pro-healing properties and anti-ulcerogenic activities. Carragenates from red algae also conferred a positive influence on diabetes. Red algae depicted a reducing effect on plasma lipids and obesity. Porphyran from red alga can act as anti-hyperlipidemic agent also reduces the apolipoprotein B100 via suppression of lipid synthesis in human liver. Summary The polyphenolic extracts of Laurencia undulate, Melanothamnus afaqhusainii and Solieria robusta extract show anti-inflammatory effects against multiple genera of devastating fungi. Antioxidants such as phlorotannins, ascorbic acids, tocopherols, carotenoids from red algae showed toxicity on some cancer cells without side effects. Red algae Laurencia nipponica was found insecticidal against mosquito larvae. Red algae fibers are very important in laxative and purgative activities. Gracilaria tenuistipitat resisted in agricultural lands polluted with cadmium and copper. Outlook In the recent decades biotechnological applications of red algae has been increased. Polysaccharides derived from red algae are important tool for formulation of drugs delivery system via nanotechnology.

Biogenic polyamines and genital gonococcal infection: facts and hypotheses

Genital gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with significant gender differences in its clinical course. Laboratory verification of the diagnosis is associated with great difficulties in the cultivation and identification of the pathogen. Moreover, the diagnosis of female gonorrhea is a serious problem due to mild symptoms of the disease. Currently, a promising trend in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of reproductive organs is biochemical analysis of vaginal and sperm fluids, which have a rich component composition. Biogenic polyamines can be synthesized by both pro- and eukaryotic cells. These polycations are present in semen and vaginal fluid and can have a significant effect on various cell structures and functions. In this regard, the qualitative and quantitative composition, the level and ratio of these components and their changes can have a diagnostic value for infections of the genital tract. The aim of the review was to analyze current information on the role of biogenic polyamines in the physiological and biochemical potential of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and their participation in the development of genital gonococcal infection, taking into account the influence of sexual differences and a number of related factors. Special attention was paid to the origin and possible functional role of polyamines in the genital tract of men and women. As a result, taking into account the spectrum, origin and ratio of polyamines in the corresponding fluids, we formulated a hypothesis: the manifestation of the process in case of infection in men is largely determined by the reactivity of eukaryotic cells, but not the metabolic activity of the microbiota of the reproductive tract. At the same time, the development of “female” gonorrhea is primarily determined by the state of the microbiocenosis of the cervical vaginal biotope.

Перспективы развития туризма в Удмуртской Республике

The research objective was to define the relationship between industrial, business, and ethnocultural tourism using the case of the Udmurt Republic. Diversification of tourism industry is a relevant vector of institutional economic development in traditional resource-mining and industrial regions. The main hypothesis is that industrial and agricultural specialization can be developed in Udmurtia as part of the regional economy diversification. The most effective platform for promoting brands and segments of the tourism industry is congress and exhibition activity. The research also featured the current state of industrial tourism strategy development and the effect of cultural brands on the image of the region. Business tourism sector remains underdeveloped in the Udmurt Republic, but its development can be catalyzed by the rich ethnocultural component. The authors used systematic approach to identify the main potential areas of cultural and economic activity of the Udmurt republic. Industrial tourism, as well as congress and exhibition activity, can trigger the economic growth of regional gross product. A wider range of tourist products is bound to improve the quality of local tourism and increase the service sector in the regional economic structure.

The Protective Effects of 2'-Fucosyllactose against E. Coli O157 Infection Are Mediated by the Regulation of Gut Microbiota and the Inhibition of Pathogen Adhesion.

As the richest component in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) can reduce the colonization of harmful microbiota in vivo, thus lowering the risk of infection; however, the mechanism for this is still unclear. In this study, a model of Escherichia coli O157 infection in healthy adult mice was established to explore the effect of 2’-FL intervention on E. coli O157 colonization and its protective effects on mice. The results showed that 2’-FL intake reduced E. coli O157 colonization in mice intestine by more than 90% (p < 0.001), and it also reduced intestinal inflammation, increased the content of fecal short-chain fatty acids, and enhanced intestinal barrier function. These beneficial effects were attributed to the increased expression of mucins such as MUC2 (increased by more than 20%, p < 0.001), and inhibition of E. coli O157 cell adhesion (about 30% reduction, p < 0.001), and were associated with the modulation of gut microbiota composition. 2’-FL significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia, a potential probiotic, which may represent the fundamental means by which 2’-FL enhances the expression of mucin and reduces the colonization of harmful bacteria. The current study may support the use of 2’-FL in the prevention of foodborne pathogen infections in human.

Reviewing The Effect of Business Intelligence on Decision Support Process: An Application on The Finance Sector

Nowadays, data warehouse (DWH) and the business intelligence enterprise solutions frequently used by companies blend the services of reporting, analysis and data mining by rich visual components and provide easy to interpret and meaningful information for decision makers. This study aims to summarize the bank profit loss and Balance in the corporate data warehouse model using the bottom up methodology at enterprise level. Building a data mart using the bottom up methodology allows; high flexibility and user friendliness, because it is based on the individual business department (finance) information needs. The other reason this methodology which was preferred, is that the fundamental concept of dimensional modelling, is the star schema and it also supported by data modelling architecture of Oracle OBIEE 11g .One of the main pillars of a bank's pricing policy is to control the profit and loss of branches. At the end of application of this concept’s study, Corporate memory became more mature and dependency on people was removed in terms of reporting. In addition communication and sharing of information within the finance department increased, personal Productivity increased and cost advantage was ensured and the widespread use of structural data, the users' confidence on business intelligence solutions increased by new data mart.

Decrease in β‐diversity, but not in α‐diversity, of ants in intensively managed coffee plantations

Abstract Local land‐use intensity and surrounding landscape complexity affect the diversity of local species. Ants are an important biocontrol agent of the coffee berry borer (CBB), the main coffee pest worldwide. Although intensification of coffee production and deforestation in the surrounding landscape may reduce ant diversity, α‐ and β‐diversity patterns of ants in coffee landscapes remain poorly understood. Ants foraging in coffee bushes were sampled, using tuna baits along an agricultural intensification gradient (forest, shaded coffee and sun coffee) in a Neotropical coffee landscape. We evaluated the differences in α and β components of ant richness, community differentiation and habitat specificity of ant communities, in response to land‐use type and the percentage of surrounding forest. We found that ant β‐diversity and community differentiation among plots were significantly reduced with coffee management intensity. The amount of forest border adjacent to coffee plantations did not affect α‐ or β‐diversity. Yet, ant habitat specificity in the forest increased with plots having greater amounts of forest border, although in sun coffee plantations, the opposite was found: plots with greater forest border decreased habitat specificity. We found that conserving forest at landscape scales enhanced β‐diversity, community differentiation and habitat specificity of ants in the forest. Loss of forest cover at landscape scales (i.e. predominance of sun coffee) may lead to biotic homogenisation of ant communities. In conclusion, landscape‐wide ant richness is important in terms of biological CBB control by conservation.