DataCat: The Research Data Catalogue (University of Liverpool)
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Organic Materials Repurposing: a Data Set for Theoretical Predictions of New Applications for Existing Compounds
No full textWe present a data set of 48182 organic semiconductors, constituted of molecules that were prepared with a documented synthetic pathway and are stable in solid state. We based our search on the Cambridge Structural Database, from which we selected semiconductors with a computational funnel procedure. For each entry we provide a set of electronic properties relevant for organic materials research, and the electronic wavefunction for further calculations and/or analyses. This data set is unbiased because it was not built from a set of materials designed for organic electronics, and thus it provides an excellent starting point in the search of new applications for known materials, with a great potential for novel physical insight. The dataset contains molecules used as benchmarks in many fields of organic materials research, allowing to test the reliability of computational screenings for the desired application, “rediscovering” well-known molecules. This is demonstrated by a series of different applications in the field of organic materials, confirming the potential for the repurposing of known organic molecules
Drosophila erecta
No full textA photography collection (lateral, ventral, and dorsal images) of Drosophila erecta. Part of a collection of photographs at Drosophoto.co
Resource quality determines the evolution of resistance and its genetic basis
No full textParasites impose strong selection on their hosts, but the level of any evolved resistance may be constrained by the availability of resources. However, studies identifying the genomic basis of such resource-mediated selection are rare, particularly in non-model organisms. Here, we investigated the role of nutrition in the evolution of resistance to a DNA virus (PiGV), and any associated trade-offs in a lepidopteran pest species (Plodia interpunctella). Through selection experiments and whole genome re-sequencing we identify genetic markers of resistance that vary between the nutritional environments during selection. We do not find consistent evolution of resistance in the presence of virus but rather see substantial variation among replicate populations. Resistance in a low nutrition environment is negatively correlated with growth rate, consistent with an established trade-off between immunity and development, but this relationship is highly context dependent. Whole genome resequencing of the host shows that resistance mechanisms are likely to be highly polygenic and although the underlying genetic architecture may differ between high and low nutrition environments, similar mechanisms are commonly used. As a whole, our results emphasise the importance of the resource environment on influencing the evolution of resistance
Evolutionary versatility of the avian neck
No full textBird necks display unparalleled levels of morphological diversity compared to other vertebrates, yet it is unclear what factors have structured this variation. Using 3D geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics we show that the avian cervical column is a hierarchical morpho-functional appendage, with varying magnitudes of ecologically-driven morphological variation at different scales of organisation. Contrary to expectations given the widely-varying ecological functions of necks in different species, we find that regional modularity of the avian neck is highly conserved, with an overall structural blueprint that is significantly altered only by the most mechanically demanding ecological functions. Nevertheless, the morphologies of vertebrae within subregions of the neck show more prominent signals of adaptation to ecological pressures. We also find that both neck length allometry and the nature of neck elongation in birds are different to other vertebrates. In contrast to mammals, neck length scales isometrically with head mass and, contrary to previous work, we show that neck elongation in birds is achieved predominantly by increasing vertebral lengths rather than counts. Birds therefore possess a cervical spine that may be unique in its versatility amongst extant vertebrates, one that, since the origin of flight, has adapted to function as a surrogate forelimb in varied ecological niches
Benefits and costs of hosting facultative symbionts in plant-sucking insects: a meta-analysis
No full textThis dataset contains data from a meta-analysis on the benefits and costs of hosting secondar symbionts in plant-sucking insects, as described in the paper: "Zytynska, S.E., Tighiouart, K. & Frago, E. (2021) Benefits and costs of hosting facultative symbionts in plant-sucking insects: A meta-analysis. Molecular Ecology https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15897
Many animals have evolved associations with symbiotic microbes that benefit the host through increased growth, lifespan, and survival. Some interactions are obligate (essential for survival) while others are facultative (beneficial but not essential). Not all individuals host all facultative symbionts in a population, and thus there is likely a trade-off between the cost of hosting these symbionts and the benefits they confer to the host. Plant-sucking insects have been one of the most important models to test these costs and benefits experimentally. This research is now moving beyond the description of symbiont effects towards understanding the mechanisms of action, and their role in the wider ecological community. We present a quantitative and systematic analysis of the published evidence exploring this question. We found that whitefly and true bugs experience benefits through increased growth and fecundity, whereas aphids experience costs to their fecundity but benefits through increased resistance to natural enemies. We also report the lack of data in some plant-sucking groups, and explore variation in effect strengths and directions across aphid host, symbiont and plant species thus highlighting the importance of considering the context dependency of these interactions
Who let the dogs out? Exploring the spatial ecology of free-roaming domestic dogs in western Kenya
No full textThe spatial ecology of free-roaming dogs determines their role in the transmission of zoonoses. This study describes the geographic range of, and identifies sites frequently visited by free-roaming domestic dogs in western Kenya.
Eight sites in Busia county, western Kenya, were selected. At each site, ten dog-keeping households were recruited, a questionnaire was administered, and a GPS logger was fixed around the neck of one dog in each household. Loggers were programmed to capture the dog’s position every minute, for five consecutive days. Individual summaries of GPS recordings were produced and the daily distance travelled was calculated. 50% and 95% utilization distribution isopleths were produced, and the area within these isopleths were extracted to estimate the size of the core and extended Home Ranges (HRs), respectively. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the movement parameters. The centroid points of the 10, 50, and 90% isopleths were reproduced and the corresponding sites identified on the ground.
Seventy-three dogs were included in the final analyses. The median daily distance travelled was 13.5km, while the median core and extended HRs were 0.4 and 9.3 ha, respectively. Older dogs had a larger extended HR and travelled more daily, while the effect of sex on dog movement depended on their neutering status. Dogs spent most of their time at their household; other frequently visited sites included other household compounds, fields, and rubbish dumps. One of the centroids corresponded to a field located across the international Kenya-Uganda border, emphasising the fluidity across the border in this ecosystem. Multiple dogs visited the same location, highlighting the heterogeneous contact networks between dogs, and between dogs and people.
The field data presented are of value both in understanding domestic dog ecology and resource utilisation, and in contextualizing infectious and parasitic disease transmission models
Local Authority Finance: Income - Social Care services (FIN_07_37)
No full textSummary
This indicator describes the income generated from the provision of Social Care services by every Local Authority in England since 2007. After 2011, Social Care services are being individually reported as Adult and Children Social Care services. In order to keep comparisons possible, both types of services were aggregated to calculate figures for all Social Care services. Social Care services income is calculated from any sales, fees and charges, as well as other types of income that are associated with delivering such services.
Technical description
The indicator was compiled from annual revenue outturn estimates of Local Authority (LA) revenue expenditure and financing. The Social Care services income is calculated from the sum of a) sales, fees and charges and b) other types of income generated by these services, and thus does not include central government funding, capital gains or council tax. Income values are expressed in thousands (£) and presented on the basis of financial years, i.e. from April 1st to March 31st. Since some services are provided in Upper Tier and others in Lower Tier LAs, individual income figures from Upper Tier LAs were distributed to Lower Tier LAs based on annual population ratios (indicator FIN_07_37L), and Lower Tier LA income was distributed to Upper Tier LAs by aggregating (indicator FIN_07_37U). Income values from historic LA geography have been referenced to the 2018 LA geography. This includes changes in name/codes, merges, or splits of old LAs to new LAs based on population ratios for that year. The services income generated is expressed as the total amount as well as per capita, for direct comparisons. However, annual figures were not adjusted for inflation
Housing Indicators: Local Authority Affordable Housing Supply - Intermediate Affordable Housing Completions (HS_14_05)
No full textSummary
The Intermediate Affordable Housing Completions present information on the amount of total completions of additional Intermediate Affordable Housing units provided by each Local Authority in England annually since 1991.
Technical description
The Intermediate Affordable Housing Completions is an estimate, calculated by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, of the total amount of affordable housing units that are added each year per Local Authority (LA). Intermediate affordable housing is the sum of intermediate rent (including London Living Rent), affordable home ownership and shared ownership. The information is presented either as starts-on-site or completions; for this indicator, only completions were considered. Completions here includes homes where the cost is met by a private developer. In some years, some figures could not be broken down below national level, so the sum of the local authority figures may not equal the total for England figure. Values are presented on the basis of financial years, i.e. from April 1st to March 31st. Intermediate Affordable Housing figures were calculated for both Lower Tier Local Authorities (HS_14_05L) and Upper Tier Local Authorities (HS_14_05U). Figures from historic LA geography have been referenced to the 2018 LA geography. This includes changes in name/codes, merges, or splits of old LAs to new LAs
Local Authority Finance: Income - Education services (FIN_07_35)
No full textSummary
This indicator describes the income generated from the provision of Education services by every Local Authority in England since 2007. Education services income is calculated from any sales, fees and charges, as well as other types of income that are associated with delivering such services.
Technical description
The indicator was compiled from annual revenue outturn estimates of Local Authority (LA) revenue expenditure and financing. The Education services income is calculated from the sum of a) sales, fees and charges and b) other types of income generated by these services, and thus does not include central government funding, capital gains or council tax. Income values are expressed in thousands (£) and presented on the basis of financial years, i.e. from April 1st to March 31st. Since some services are provided in Upper Tier and others in Lower Tier LAs, individual income figures from Upper Tier LAs were distributed to Lower Tier LAs based on annual population ratios (indicator FIN_07_35L), and Lower Tier LA income was distributed to Upper Tier LAs by aggregating (indicator FIN_07_35U). This includes changes in name/codes, merges, or splits of old LAs to new LAs based on population ratios for that year. The services income generated is expressed as the total amount as well as per capita, for direct comparisons. However, annual figures were not adjusted for inflation
Local Authority Finance: Gross Current Expenditure - Housing services (GFRA only) (FIN_07_25)
No full textSummary
This indicator describes the annual gross service expenditure for Housing services (GFRA only) provided by every Local Authority in England since 2007. The gross expenditure describes the total spending by Local Authorities associated with delivering these services.
Technical description
The indicator was compiled from annual revenue outturn estimates of Local Authority (LA) revenue expenditure and financing. The Housing services (GFRA only) expenditure includes employee costs and running expenses for these services. Expenditure values are given on the basis of financial years, i.e. from April 1st to March 31st. Values are expressed in thousands (£). Since some services are provided in Upper Tier and others in Lower Tier LAs, individual spending figures from Upper Tier LAs were distributed to Lower Tier LAs based on annual population ratios (indicator FIN_07_25L), and Lower Tier LA spending was distributed to Upper Tier LAs by aggregating (indicator FIN_07_25U). Expenditure values from historic LA geography have been referenced to the 2018 LA geography. This includes changes in name/codes, merges, or splits of old LAs to new LAs based on population ratios for that year. The service expenditure is expressed as the total amount as well as per capita, for direct comparisons. However, expenditure figures were not adjusted for inflation
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