Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a Latin American and Caribbean international census of marine microbes (LACar - ICoMM): overview and discussion on some current research directions

The International Census of Marine Microbes (ICoMM), together with the South American and Caribbean Steering Committees of the Census of Marine Life program (CoML), supported the initiative of launching a regional ICoMM node (LACar ICoMM). This network aims at promoting discussions among sci- entists currently involved in marine microbial studies carried out at both the South American and the Caribbean regions, in order to evaluate the research capabilities and to identify complementary strengths and/or possibili- ties for enhanced collaboration, that would improve the knowledge on marine microbes and their biodiversity in both regions. We present an overview and discussion on some of the directions of current research on marine microbes in these regions. Concerning the marine phytoplankton studies, the best known taxonomic groups are diatoms and dinoflagellates. In Mexican marine waters, the number of taxa recorded to date is of about 1400. Studies dealing with bacterial, phytoplankton and/or cyanobacterial dynamics are carried out in the Caribbean coastal and oceanic marine systems, underscoring the importance of various environmental states, modulated by geographic and seasonal patterns as well as by the expression of large South American rivers. One of the main issues of this type of survey is the determination of wet and dry seasonal patterns of bacterial dynamics, in seascapes off Puerto Rico, with moderate to absent river inputs. Phytoplankton and bacterioplankton dynamics are also studied in F. Guiana coastal and shelf systems under direct Amazon influence, well known for their important fisheries resources, as well as in other South American marine systems influenced by important fresh water inputs or under upwelling conditions. Bacterial and/or picoeukaryotes diversity are assessed in particular
18 Europe and western Asia: genetics and population history

This chapter examines the genetic history of Europe during the past 20,000 years, looking especially at postglacial recolonization and at the much-debated issue of the origins of the Neolithic populations of the continent. The authors also discuss the different ways geneticists can approach population history, and comment on the importance of natural selection for genes that determine skin pigmentation and enhance the ability to digest the milk sugar lactose. Keywords: genetics; Holocene; farming; human biology, Europe
Identification and bioactive properties of endophytic fungi isolated from phyllodes of Acacia species

Endophytes are microorganisms that exist within the tissues of living plants. Generally the relationship between the plant and its endophytes is symbiotic whereby the endophytes colonise the internal tissues of the plant without any adverse effects on the host. In the past two decades, there has been growing interest in endophytes and their origins, their biodiversity, endophyte-host interactions, their role in ecology and the characterisation of their secondary metabolites. However, the sheer diversity of plant-endophyte relationships means that only a handful of plants, mainly grass species, have been completely studied in relation to their endophytic biology. The genus Acacia comprises over 1300 species of which nearly 1000 are found in Australia. Acacia species are used widely as food (e.g. seeds are ground into flour and the gum is edible) and the wood has been traditionally made into clubs, spears, boomerangs and shields. Various species are used as narcotics and painkillers, to treat headaches, cold and fevers, as antiseptics and bactericides and to treat skin disorders by the indigenous people of Australia. While there is some information available about the medicinal properties of Acacia, there is no information about the endophytic microorganisms of these plants. With increased need for new bioactive compounds with medical, industrial or biotechnological applications, we have investigated the bioactive properties of fungal endophytes of Acacia species. Specifically, we have isolated endophytic fungi from the phyllodes of Acacia baileyana, Acacia podalyriifolia and Acacia floribunda. These were classified as Aureobasidium, Chaetomium and Sordariomycetes through genetic analysis of ribosomal RNA genes. The bioactivity of the fungal endophytes was examined and a number of isolates exhibited antibacterial and antifungal properties. Other isolates also exhibited amylase activity and were thus able to hydrolyse starch. This study showed that fungal endophytes are readily isolated from the phyllodes of Acacia species and that these exhibit promising bioactive properties. Thus, endophytes from Australian native plants may be a useful source of novel bioactive compounds.
The Measurement of Teacher’s Beliefs About Ability: Development of the Beliefs About Learning and Teaching Questionnaire

The purpose of this article is to present the scale items, the statistical characteristics, and evidence of validity of the previously unpublished Beliefs about Learning and Teaching Questionnaire that examines elementary teachers’ epistemological beliefs and their beliefs about learning and teaching in inclusive classrooms. In this study, 186 teachers completed the questionnaire. Reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of . 81. A factor analysis yielded four factors, including teachers’ beliefs about ability and their preferences for teacher-controlled and student-centred instruction. To examine the relationship between teachers’ beliefs about ability and their beliefs about disability and their responsibilities in working with students with disabilities, 36 teachers completed both the revised questionnaire and a semi-structured interview focused on beliefs and practices, the Pathognomonic-Interventionist Interview. The results suggest that teachers have varying beliefs about their roles and responsibilities in working with students with disabilities, and they provide evidence that these beliefs are related to their more widely held epistemological beliefs about ability. These range from a belief that ability is fixed and is unlikely to be influenced by learning and instruction, to a belief that ability is fluid and malleable, that it is increased by learning and therefore is responsive to instruction.
The Vegetation of Robinson Crusoe Island (Isla Masatierra), Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile

Robinson Crusoe Island of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, as is the case with many oceanic islands, has experienced strong human disturbances through exploitation of resources and introduction of alien biota. To understand these impacts and for purposes of diversity and resource management, an accu­ rate assessment of the composition and structure of plant communities was made. We analyzed the vegetation with 106 releves (vegetation records) and subsequent Twinspan ordination and produced a detailed colored map at 1: 30,000. The resultant map units are (1) endemic upper montane forest, (2) endemic lower montane forest, (3) Ugni molinae shrubland, (4) Rubus ulmifolius­ Aristotelia chilensis shrubland, (5) fern assemblages, (6) Libertia chilensis assem­ blage, (7) Acaena argentea assemblage, (8) native grassland, (9) weed assemblages, (10) tall ruderals, and (11) cultivated Eucalyptus, Cupressus, and Pinus. Mosaic patterns consisting of several communities are recognized as mixed units: (12) combined upper and lower montane endemic forest with aliens, (13) scattered native vegetation among rocks at higher elevations, (14) scattered grassland and weeds among rocks at lower elevations, and (15) grassland with Acaena argentea. Two categories are included that are not vegetation units: (16) rocks and eroded areas, and (17) settlement and airfield. Endemic forests at lower elevations and in drier zones of the island are under strong pressure from three woody species, Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius, and Ugni molinae. The latter invades native forests by ascending dry slopes and ridges. It successfully outcompetes endemic taxa, including its congener Ugni selkirkii. The aggressive herb Acaena argentea severely threatens to overtake native grassland.
The Genus Galadi: Three New Bandicoots (Marsupialia, Peramelemorphia) from Riversleigh's Miocene Deposits, Northwestern Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACT We describe three new bandicoot species of the genus Galadi from the Miocene of Riversleigh World Heritage Area in northern Australia. The first species, which is represented by a complete dentary and several isolated upper molars, is restricted to Riversleigh's Faunal Zone B. It is the largest bandicoot as yet known from Riversleigh. The second species is represented by 19 specimens, including a partial skull and several maxillae and dentaries, from Riversleigh's Faunal Zone C. Several features distinguishing this species from the similarly sized type species G. speciosus are of interest, notably the presence of larger maxillopalatine fenestrae and additional maxillary fenestrae, incomplete centrocrista on all upper molars, a more complete posterior cingulum on upper molars, and higher degree of dental wear, which together suggest a more omnivorous diet. The third species is represented by a single maxillary, which exhibits a quite different combination of dental features compared with other Galadi species. All Galadi species appear to be restricted to Riversleigh's Faunal Zones B and C, which are interpreted to be early and middle Miocene in age, respectively, with rainforest habitats persisting throughout. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline. com/UJVP
Life-history Aspects of Caspian Shemaya Alburnus chalcoides in Two South Caspian Rivers (Siahroud and Gorganroud)

Specimens of A. chalcoides caught in Siahroud (central of south Caspian Basin) and Gorganroud (east of south Caspian Basin) during spawning season from February to August 2007 were examined for life history attributes. The fish had a 5-year life cycle in the rivers and grew allometrically, being negative allometric for males of the Siahroud and positive for both males and females of Gorganroud and for females of Siahroud. The von Bertalanffy growth functions were Lt=370.08(1-e -0.15(t+0.70) ) for males and Lt=432.52(1-e -0.11(t+1.21) ) for females in the Siahroud and Lt=371.79(1-e -0.14(t+0.96) ) for males and Lt=436.10(1-e 0.11(t+1.34) ) for females in the Gorganroud. Overall sex ratio was unbalanced in favor of females in the rivers. The GSI indicated that reproduction of Caspian shemaya occurred between April-July in the Siahroud and March-June in the Gorganroud, peaking in May in both rivers. The absolute fecundity ranged between 1,674–38,340 eggs with a mean of 8,426.25 eggs in the Siahroud and between 623–17,263 eggs with a mean of 4,214.70 eggs in the Gorganroud, while relative fecundity ranged from 23.28 to 598.86 eggs/g with an average of 211.68 eggs/g of body weight in the Siahroud and from 12.11 to 696.38 eggs/g with an average of 111.60 eggs/g of body weight in the Gorganroud. Mean egg diameter in the Siahroud was 1.40±0.14mm and 1.27±0.27mm in the Gorganroud. Comparisons of the results imply that many aspects of life history of Caspian shemaya are different markedly among the rivers. The differences were thought to have emanated from differences in habitat characteristics.
Our experience of 20 cases of mucocele

Mucocele is one of the most common benign soft tissue tumor present in the oral cavity. They are of two types - one is extravasation and second one is retention type but the majority are extravasation type [1 2] . There clinical presentation in respect to site ,size ,appearance, aetiology and symotoms are improatant to differentiate these benign lesion from other premalignant benign lesion of oral cavity there surgical excision and histopathological confirmation are necessary OBJECTIVES To study the aetiology and clinical presentation of mucucele. To study surgical management and histopathological findings of mucocele MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is hospital based prospective study carried out from march 2014 to march 2016. This study include 20 cases of mucocele presented to our ENT opd. Detail history and examination of ear nose throat of all the patients done investigated and operation done histopathological diagnosis were made . All patient were followed up over period for recurrence . RESULTS: This study includes 20 cases in which 13( 65%) are males 7 (35%) are female mean age of study is 16.6 year. Male to female ratio 1.8:1 peak age of occurance is 2nd decade of life 9( 45%)cases CONCLUSION: We conclude that there was male predominance and they were more affected in 2nd decade. We must understand the importance of histopathology examination mucocele to rule out other oral benign and premalignant malignant oral lesion . Thus, clinical knowledge of oral lesions is necessary for the correct diagnosis and for the indication of appropriate treatment.
Athens Institute for Education and Research ATINER ATINER ' s Conference Paper Series PSY 2015-1525

The aim of this study is to define the relationship between Pre-Performance Routine (PPR), accuracy of athletic performance and self-control. The research sample consisted of 240 high school students randomly assigned one of three groups: a motorcognitive preparedness group (MMPPR); a motor preparedness group (MPPR); and a control group who participated in six instructional sessions. The first and the second experimental groups were shown videos of how elite athletes prepare themselves for a golf putt, a tennis serve, a volleyball serve and a basketball free throw. Members of the control group were told to concentrate on the technique used in golf putts, tennis serves, volleyball serves and basketball free throws. Thereafter the participants performed golf putts, tennis serves, volleyball serves and basketball free throws and the accuracy of these actions were measured. In addition, the participants were required to respond to a self-control questionnaire before and after the intervention. Overall research findings concluded that members of the MMPPR group were more accurate in their athletic performance than members of the MPPR group who in turn attained a higher level of accuracy in their athletic performance than members of the control group.
The effect of unilateral ovariectomy on early embryonic survival and embryo development in rabbits

Unilateral ovariectomy can be used to study uterine capacity in rabbits because an overcrowding of the functional uterine horn is produced. Due to the uterus duplex, the rabbit is the ideal model for such studies. However, this technique may affect embryo survival. The aim of this work is to study the effect of unilateral ovariectomy on early embryo survival and development in rabbit. A total of 101 unilateral ovariectomised females and 52 intact females were compared after slaughter at 30 h post-mating. Early embryo survival was estimated as the ratio between number of embryo recovered and ovulation rate. No differences were found between intact and unilaterally ovariectomised females in this trait. Unilateral ovariectomy did not change embryo development, measured as the number of embryo cells. Variability of embryo development was not affected either. At 30 h post-mating, the majority of embryos (86.2%) were 4-cell stage. Embryo quality was evaluated according to morphological criteria. No difference in embryo quality between intact and unilaterally ovariectomised females was found. Therefore, unilateral ovariectomy performed before puberty in rabbit does not modify early embryo survival and development.
Food web interactions along seagrass-coral reef boundaries: effects of piscivore reductions on cross-habitat energy exchange

Although early studies qualitatively documented the importance of cross-habitat energy transfers from seagrasses to coral reefs, such exchanges have yet to be quantified. Empirical evidence suggests that grazing by reef-associated herbivores along the coral reef-seagrass interface can be intense (e.g. conspicuous presence of bare-sand 'halos' surrounding coral reefs). This evidence must be interpreted with caution, however, as most of it comes from areas that have experienced sus- tained, intense overfishing. To quantify the impacts of piscivore removal on cross-habitat energy exchange at the coral reef-seagrass interface, we compared grazing intensity along fished and no- take reefs in the upper and lower Florida Keys. Using visual census techniques and direct measures of seagrass grazing, we documented the impacts of piscivore density on herbivory along the seagrass-coral reef interface. Grazing rates were greater than observed seagrass (Thalassia testudi- num) production near reefs in the upper Keys, but less than 48% of production in the lower Keys. Analyses showed that these large differences were not related to regional differences in either herbi- vore density or species composition. Seagrass biomass was also lower near reefs in the upper Keys, where estimates of grazing were highest. Piscivores were dominated by transient predators (jacks and barracudas) whose densities varied with region and distance from reef, but not with protection from fishing. A nonsignificant negative correlation between great barracuda density and leaf losses from tethered shoots, coupled with the greater abundances of larger grazers near reefs, suggests that pre- dation risk, rather than direct reductions in density, may limit grazers to intense feeding on seagrasses adjacent to reefs in the upper Keys. The large-scale variation in grazing intensity illustrates the need for more detailed quantifications of energy exchanges along the seagrass-coral reef boundary.
Micro- and macro-mechanical behaviour of DEM crushable materials

This paper provides a micro-mechanical commentary on the macroscopic behaviour observed in DEM simulations of the compression of individual crushable grains, and of triaxial tests on assemblies of both crushable and uncrushable grains. A fragmentation ratio is defined to describe the bond breakage processes, and the significance of other micro-mechanical parameters such as sliding contacts ratio, average coordination number, deviator fabric, and internal energies per unit volume is discussed. Three different modes of grain damage were observed: asperity breakage, internal shear cracking, and internal tensile cracking leading to fast fracture. Energy balances both for the compression of a single grain, and for triaxial tests on assemblies of grains, showed that the loss of elastic energy due to bond breakage was a negligible fraction of the significantly enhanced dissipation encountered with crushable materials. This extra dissipation was associated with frictional sliding triggered by the creation of new degrees of freedom among the breaking fragments. Different modes of grain breakage were found to be representative of different regions of soil states of stress defined with respect to the virgin compression line. The secondary role of elastic grain deformability, increasing coordination number but reducing dilatancy, has also been demonstrated.
FAST AND ROBUST SEGMENTATION AND CLASSIFICATION FOR CHANGE DETECTION IN URBAN POINT CLOUDS

Abstract. Change detection is an important issue in city monitoring to analyse street furniture, road works, car parking, etc. For example, parking surveys are needed but are currently a laborious task involving sending operators in the streets to identify the changes in car locations. In this paper, we propose a method that performs a fast and robust segmentation and classification of urban point clouds, that can be used for change detection. We apply this method to detect the cars, as a particular object class, in order to perform parking surveys automatically. A recently proposed method already addresses the need for fast segmentation and classification of urban point clouds, using elevation images. The interest to work on images is that processing is much faster, proven and robust. However there may be a loss of information in complex 3D cases: for example when objects are one above the other, typically a car under a tree or a pedestrian under a balcony. In this paper we propose a method that retain the three-dimensional information while preserving fast computation times and improving segmentation and classification accuracy. It is based on fast region-growing using an octree, for the segmentation, and specific descriptors with Random-Forest for the classification. Experiments have been performed on large urban point clouds acquired by Mobile Laser Scanning. They show that the method is as fast as the state of the art, and that it gives more robust results in the complex 3D cases.
Fish consumption prior to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationships between maternal fish consumption and pregnancy outcomes in a large, population-based sample of women in the USA. Design We collected average fish consumption prior to pregnancy using a modified version of the semi-quantitative Willett FFQ. We estimated adjusted OR (aOR) and 95 % CI for associations between different levels of fish consumption and preterm birth (<37 weeks), early preterm birth (<32 and <35 weeks) and small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA; <10th percentile). Setting The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). Subjects Control mother–infant pairs with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2011 (n 10 919). Results No significant associations were observed between fish consumption and preterm birth or early preterm birth (aOR = 0·7–1·0 and 0·7–0·9, respectively). The odds of having an SGA infant were elevated (aOR = 2·1; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·4) among women with daily fish consumption compared with women consuming fish less than once per month. No associations were observed between other levels of fish consumption and SGA (aOR = 0·8–1·0). Conclusions High intake of fish was associated with twofold higher odds of having an SGA infant, while moderate fish consumption prior to pregnancy was not associated with preterm or SGA. Our study, like many other studies in this area, lacked information regarding preparation methods and the specific types of fish consumed. Future studies should incorporate information on nutrient and contaminant contents, preparation methods and biomarkers to assess these relationships.