Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eukoenenia (Palpigradi: Eukoeneniidae) in Brazilian caves with the first troglobiotic palpigrade from South America

Abstract Reports of Palpigradi from South American caves are rare, and no troglobiotic species have yet been described. This apparent deficiency, however, reflects merely a lack of reporting. Ten years of biospeleological surveys of 603 caves in 16 of the 26 Brazilian states, in bedrocks including limestone, quartzite, iron ore, granite, and gneiss, have led to the capture of 494 palpigrades, and specimens with troglomorphic characteristics have been found in Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Espirito Santo. Palpigrades have been found to be relatively more common in iron ore caves, and troglomorphic species apparently occupy cave habitats different from those occupied by edaphomorphic species. The description of the first troglobite species from South America is presented here. Eukoenenia maquinensis, new species, collected in the Maquiné Cave Minas Gerais, Brazil, has six blades in the lateral organs, seven pairs of setae on the propeltidium, six setae on the basitarsus IV (a single proximal sternal seta) and a singular chaetotaxy of opisthosomal sternites.
A Lagrangian Analysis of the Atmospheric Branch of the Global Water Cycle. Part II: Moisture Transports between Earth's Ocean Basins and River Catchments

Abstract A diagnostic Lagrangian method to trace the budgets of freshwater fluxes, first described in Part I of this article, is used here to establish source–sink relationships of moisture between earth’s ocean basins and river catchments. Using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART, driven with meteorological analyses, 1.1 million particles, representing the mass of the atmosphere, were tracked over a period of 4 yr. Via diagnosis of the changes of specific humidity along the trajectories, budgets of evaporation minus precipitation (E − P) were determined. For validation purposes, E − P budgets were calculated for 39 river catchments and compared with climatological streamflow data for these rivers. Good agreement (explained variance 87%) was found between the two quantities. The E − P budgets were then tracked forward from all of earth’s ocean basins and backward from the 39 major river catchments for a period of 10 days. As much previous work was done for the Mississippi basin, this basin .
Evaluation of floristic diversity in urban areas as a basis for habitat management

ABSTRACT Questions: How can floristic diversity be evaluated in conservation plans to identify sites of highest interest for biodiversity? What are the mechanisms influencing the distribution of species in human-dominated environments? What are the best criteria to identify sites where active urban management is most likely to enhance floristic diversity? Location: The Hauts-de-Seine district bordering Paris, France. Methods: We described the floristic diversity in one of the most urbanized French districts through the inventory of ca. 1000 sites located in 23 habitats. We built a new index of floristic interest (IFI), integrating information on richness, indigeneity, typicality and rarity of species, to identify sites and habitats of highest interest for conservation. Finally, we explored the relationship between site IFI and land use patterns (LUP). Results: We observed a total of 626 vascular plant species. Habitats with highest IFI were typically situated in semi-natural environments or environments with moderate human impact. We also showed that neighbouring (urban) structures had a significant influence on the floristic interest of sites: for example, the presence of collective dwellings around a site had a strong negative impact on IFI. Conclusions: Our approach can be used to optimize management in urban zones; we illustrate such possibilities by defining a ‘Site Potential Value’, which was then compared with the observed IFI, to identify areas (e.g. river banks) where better management could improve the district's biodiversity. Nomenclature: Kerguélen (2003).
Quantifying potential earthquake and tsunami hazard in the Lesser Antilles subduction zone of the Caribbean region

S U M M A R Y In this study, we quantify the seismic and tsunami hazard in the Lesser Antilles subduction zone, focusing on the plate interface offshore of Guadeloupe. We compare potential strain accumulated via GPS-derived plate motions to strain release due to earthquakes that have occurred over the past 110 yr, and compute the resulting moment deficit. Our results suggest that enough strain is currently stored in the seismogenic zone of the Lesser Antilles subduction arc in the region of Guadeloupe to cause a large and damaging earthquake of magnitude Mw ∼ 8.2 ± 0.4. We model several scenario earthquakes over this magnitude range, using a variety of earthquake magnitudes and rupture areas, and utilizing the USGS ShakeMap and PAGER software packages. Strong ground shaking during the earthquake will likely cause loss of life and damage estimated to be in the range of several tens to several hundreds of fatalities and hundreds of millions to potentially billions of U.S. dollars of damage. In addition, such an event could produce a significant tsunami. Modelled tsunamis resulting from these scenario earthquakes predict meter-scale wave amplitudes even for events at the lower end of our magnitude range (M 7.8), and heights of over 3 m in several locations with our favoured scenario (M 8.0, partially locked interface from 15–45 km depth). In all scenarios, only short lead-times (on the order of tens of minutes) would be possible in the Caribbean before the arrival of damaging waves.
Hunting and Plant Community Dynamics in Tropical Forests: A Synthesis and Future Directions

This synthesis builds on the preceding articles of this Special Section and has three goals. We first review the nascent literature that addresses indirect effects of hunting for tropical forest plant communities. Next, we highlight the potential indirect effects of hunting for other groups of organisms. Our final goal is to consider what could be done to ameliorate the demographic threats to harvest‐sensitive game species caused by unsustainable hunting. Three conclusions are possible at this time concerning the impact of hunting for tropical forest plant communities: (1) Hunting tends to reduce seed movement for animal‐dispersed species with very large diaspores; (2) Hunting reduces seed predation by granivorous vertebrates for species with large seeds; and (3) Hunting alters the species composition of the seedling and sapling layers. The cascading effects of hunting are already known to affect bruchid beetles and dung beetles and are likely to affect other, nongame taxa. To ameliorate these problems, several lines of research should be further explored to facilitate the development of game management plans including: (1) alternative use of sources of animal protein; (2) income supplementation for local people from sources other than wild meat; (3) outreach and extension activities for communities; (4) recognition and facilitation of the shifting of attitudes towards hunting; (5) implementation of community‐based wildlife management programs in regulated‐use areas such as extractive reserves; and (6) landscape‐scale conservation planning that maximizes the source‐sink dynamics of harvested and unharvested game populations and enforces game regulations in strictly protected areas.
A research on determination of hay yields and silage qualities of some vetch+cereal mixtures.

The hay yields and silage qualities of the mixtures of common vetch and hungarian vetch with rye, barley, wheat, oat and triticale were investigated under Isparta conditions, during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 growing seasons. The highest hay yield (9.08 tons ha -1 ) and crude protein yield (1.11 tons ha -1 ) were obtained from hungarian vetch+rye mixture. The least NDF and ADF contents (50.11% and 31.92%, respectively) were achieved in common vetch+oat mixtures. Silages from the mixtures of common vetch, barley and oat, and hungarian vetch, barley, oat and wheat were rated very good, and all other vetch and cereal silages were rated good according to fleig scores. All silage combinations, with the exception of common vetch and rye silage, were rated very good based on physical analysis.
Teachers’ beliefs and their intention to use interactive simulations in their classrooms

In this pilot study, we sought to examine the influence of the beliefs of Grade 10 to 12 physical science teachers on their intended and actual usage of interactive simulations (Physics Education Technology, or PhET) in their classrooms. A combination of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Technology Acceptance Model and the Innovation Diffusion Theory was used to examine the influence of teachers’ attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on their intention to use simulations in their classrooms. Using regression and factor analyses, it was found that beliefs about the perceived usefulness and the pedagogical compatibility of PhET have a signif icant effect on teachers’ attitude towards the use of the simulations in their classrooms. The expectations of the teachers’ colleagues contribute to the subjective norm of these teachers. The regression and partial correlation result also highlights the importance of teachers’ general technology proficiency. Although we were not able to confirm a direct link between attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and the teachers’ behaviour intention we show the influence of behaviour intention on the actual use of the simulations with an accuracy of 70.83%.
Mineralogy of mine waste at the Vermont Asbestos Group mine, Belvidere Mountain, Vermont

Abstract Samples from the surfaces of waste piles at the Vermont Asbestos Group mine in northern Vermont were studied to determine their mineralogy, particularly the presence and morphology of amphiboles. Analyses included powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and Raman spectroscopy. Minerals identified by XRD were serpentine-group minerals, magnetite, chlorite, quartz, olivine, pyroxene, and brucite; locally, mica and carbonates were also present. Raman spectroscopy distinguished antigorite and chrysotile, which could not be differentiated using XRD. Long-count, short-range XRD scans of the (110) amphibole peak showed trace amounts of amphibole in most samples. Examination of amphiboles in tailings by optical microscopy, SEM, and EPMA revealed non-fibrous amphiboles compositionally classified as edenite, magnesiohornblende, magnesiokatophorite, and pargasite. No fibrous amphibole was found in the tailings, although fibrous tremolite was identified in a sample of host rock. Knowledge of the mineralogy at the site may lead to better understanding of potential implications for human health and aid in designing a remediation plan.
Structural and morphogenical characteristics of black oats and Italian ryegrass on pasture submitted to two grazing intensities

Morphogenical and structural characteristics of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on pastures managed under two grazing intensities were quantified by using marked tiller technique. The expected intensities of disappearance of forage mass initial value were 35% (low) and 65% (high). Experimental animals were sheep and interval among grazing was determined through 300 degree-day thermal sum. The experimental design was completely randomized with two grazing intensities and two replicates. Leaf blades of oats and ryegrass were removed at an average proportion of 57.5% of their initial length for both grazing intensities. Among the morphogenical characteristics of oats, only elongation rate of defoliate leaf differed between grazing intensities, with values of 0.059 and 0.081 cm/degree-day for low and high intensities, respectively. Grazing intensities did not alter structural characteristics of oats mixed with ryegrass and red clover. High grazing intensity enables maintenance of a higher number of ryegrass expanding leaves (1.7 leaves/tiller), thus it is suggested for management of pastures with oats mixed with Italian ryegrass and red-clover on intermittent grazing.
INTENSITY AND DENSITY OF PYIGIDIOPSIS SUMMA AND GENETA, AND THEIR EFFECT ON SOME OF THE SERUM CONSTITUENTS OF TILAPIA SP.

Parasitic infections of Tilapia sp. from the agricultural drainage in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia were examined. The identification of the parasites, the histopathological, and the histochemical analysis of the infected fish organs were investigated in series of studies. The present work estimated the intensity and the density of the encysted metacercariae of the Pyigidiopsis summa and geneta in random samples of different fish organs. The study also investigated the effect of these parasites on the serum glucose, total protein, and the activity of the LDH enzyme. The results indicated that all fish in the examined samples (100%) were infected with the encysted metacercariae of the Heterophyd sp. The highest intensity of the metacercariae was found in the liver (43.30%), and its mean density was 17.31±35.68 cyst/cm2. The intensity of the metacercaria in the intestine was 33.37%, and its mean density was 13.34±15.77 cyst/cm2. The lowest intensity and density of the parasite was in the skin, 23.33%, and 9.33±8.87 cyst /cm2 respectively* The biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the serum glucose, and the activity of the LDH enzyme of the infected fish. However, total protein did not vary much between the infected fish and the uninfected control.
DESIGNING LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR TEACHING & ASSESSING THE CDIO SKILL HYPOTHESIS TESTING

The Diploma in Chemical Engineering (DCHE) in Singapore Polytechnic adopted CDIO as the organizing education framework for a major curriculum redesign initiative in 2007. Subsequently, various CDIO skills have been incorporated in specific core modules in the diploma’s three-year curriculum. This paper explains one such integration effort, specifically for hypothesis testing, a key CDIO skill in Section 2.2: Experimentation, Investigation and Knowledge Discovery. From our gap analysis, we find that this skill is most suitably embedded into the bio-processing related modules. To provide a good understanding of the context of this work, this paper firstly outlines the expanded role of chemical engineers in the area of bio-processing and how the course structure and curriculum has been revised to align with these needs. We emphasize the significance of student competence in being able to formulate, state and test hypothesis in bio-processing work. We explain the need to provide authentic learning experiences to students to facilitate the learning of both the technical subject and soft skills in a fully integrated manner. Specifically the paper documents the work done to integrate hypothesis testing into a Year 2 core module entitled Bioanalytics . Other CDIO skills (e.g. teamwork, communication) are also integrated where appropriate. We explained important learning points from previous practices in the module, which clearly communicated to us that we need to do more if we want our students to master this important skill. This paper also describe the re-designing of learning tasks based on real-world scenarios that provide for an authentic learning experience and aligns with the intended learning outcomes. We then present the survey of our students’ learning experience in this new approach. The results are highly encouraging as they show that the students feel they are well prepared with regards to hypothesis writing and testing. In conclusion, several challenges faced when executing the change initiative and key learning points from the first author’s self-reflection, who is relatively new to the teaching profession, are shared together with ideas for further improvement of the coverage of “Experimentation, Investigation and Knowledge Discovery” in the DCHE curriculum.
The Effect of Different Organic Fertilizers and Different Localities on Crop Yield in Conditions of Organic Farming

ANTOSOVSKY JIRI, RYANT PAVEL, PRUDIL MARTIN, GRUBER MILAN, HAMMEROVÁ ANNA. 2018. The Effect of Different Organic Fertilizers and Different Localities on Crop Yield in Conditions of Organic Farming. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 66(4): 843 – 851. Nitrogen fertilization of plants during the vegetation is very problematic in terms of organic farming. The balanced crop rotation and versatile nutrition are essential for maintaining good yields and high‐quality products. The application of organic fertilizers and incorporation of green manure crops are one of the best options for achieving optimal results in organic farming. The goal of this long‐term research was to examine the effect of several different organic fertilizers and divergent experimental stations on crop yield in conditions of organic farming. a total of 6 variants of fertilization were evaluated in this experiment: 1. unfertilized, 2. green manure (GM), 3. GM + renewable external sources, 4. GM + renewable external sources + biostimulants, 5. GM + farm fertilizers, 6. GM + farm fertilizers + biostimulants. The winter wheat was sown at the start of the experiment in autumn of 2014. Therefore, green manure was not cultivated in the first experimental year. The results from the first year of this experiment showed, that the variant with renewable external resource (digestate) provided the highest yield. The average yield of wheat grain on this variant was about 7.12 t / ha, which is increased by 0.74 t / ha in comparison with unfertilized control variant. The potatoes were used as a model crop in second year of the experiment. The highest yield of potatoes coming from the second experimental year was observed on the combination of green manure + renewable external sources (compost and digestate) + biostimulants. The average yield of potatoes on this variant was about 34.08 t / ha. The yield of potatoes observed on the unfertilized variant was lower by 9.35 t / ha. The content of nitrogen in organic fertilizers (compost and digestate) was higher in comparison with other organic fertilizers used in the experiment, which probably caused these results. The winter wheat spelt was used as a model crop in the third year of the experiment. The application of organic fertilizers was completely omitted in this year. The highest average yield of spelt (5.5 t / ha) was observed on the variant called green manure + farm fertilizers. The average yield achieved on the unfertilized variant was lower by 0.7 t / ha. The result from this three experimental years point out the similarity between farming with and without animal husbandry in organic farming. The statistical differences between experimental stations were observed in experimental years.
Regional and global climate for the mid-Pliocene using CCSM 4 and PlioMIP 2 boundary conditions

The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 2 (PlioMIP2) is an international collaboration to simulate the climate of the mid-Pliocene interglacial, marine isotope stage KM5c (3.205 Mya), using a wide selection of climate models with the objective of understanding the nature of the warming that is known to have occurred during the broader mid-Pliocene warm period. PlioMIP2 builds upon the successes of PlioMIP by shifting focus onto a specific interglacial and by using a revised set of geographic and orbital boundary conditions. In this paper, we 5 present the details of the mid-Pliocene simulations that we have performed with the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4), and the ‘enhanced’ variant of the PlioMIP2 boundary conditions, and discuss the simulated climatology through comparisons to our control simulations, and to proxy reconstructions of the climate of the midPliocene. With the new boundary conditions, the CCSM4 model simulates a mid-Pliocene which is more than twice as warm as that with the boundary conditions used for PlioMIP Phase 1. The warming is more enhanced near 10 the high-latitudes which is where most of the changes to the boundary conditions have been made. The elevated warming in the high-latitudes leads to a better match of the simulated climatology to proxy based reconstructions than what was possible with the previous version of the boundary conditions.
Monodromy and topological classification of germs of holomorphic foliations

We give a complete topological classification of germs of holomorphic foliations in the plane under rather generic conditions. The key point is the introduction of a new topological invariant called monodromy representation. This monodromy contains all the relevant dynamical information, in particular the projective holonomy representation whose topological invariance was conjectured in the eighties by Cerveau and Sad and proved here under mild hypotheses.
Relationship between Parental Encouragement and Process Skills in Social Studies

The present study aims to find out the extend of relationship between parental encouragement and process skills of secondary school students. Representative sample of 1000 secondary school students were taken. The tools used were parental encouragement scale by Aruna and Bindhu (2011) and test of process skills in social studies by Aruna and Bindhu (2011). The data was gathered from 3 districts of Kerala state who belonging to standard IX. The stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data. The data were collected from three category based on gender locality and type of management of school. Due representation was given for each category. Result show that parental encouragement is positively related to process skills of adolescent students. The study also reveals that there is local and management difference exists for parental encouragement and process skills in social studies.
Thegrowth of the bivalve Abra segmentum (Recluz, 1843) in two Mediterranean lagoons

1 - The growth of Abra segmentum was studied for nearly one year in two Mediterranean lagoons with different degrees of communication with the sea. 2 - Tsopeli, situated in Amvrakikos Gulf (Ionian Sea), is a brackish-water lagoon, with restricted water circulation, relatively isolated from the open sea. Vivari is situated in Argolikos Gulf (Aegean Sea), and has better communication with the sea. Both lagoons are shallow with muddy bottom and both are used for the extensive culture of fish. 3 - Differences in the populations of A. segmentum were found regarding intensity of recruitment and growth in the two lagoons: recruitment was higher and survival lower in Vivari, while growth was better in Tsopeli. 4 - Length frequency histograms showed that larger body-size classes prevailed in Tsopeli, as opposed to Vivari where smaller individuals dominated. Mean individual size of A. segmentum was higher in Tsopeli throughout the year. 5 - Predation may be important in structuring the populations, however, comparison with findings in the literature suggest that the degree of communication with the sea is a more important factor controlling growth of A. segmentum.