Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATION OF MANGROVE FOREST ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS USING MULTISPECTRAL BANDS, VEGETATION INDICES AND BIOPHYSICAL VARIABLES DERIVED FROM OPTICAL SATELLITE IMAGERIES: RAPIDEYE, PLANETSCOPE AND SENTINEL-2

Abstract. Aboveground biomass estimation (AGB) is essential in determining the environmental and economic values of mangrove forests. Biomass prediction models can be developed through integration of remote sensing, field data and statistical models. This study aims to assess and compare the biomass predictor potential of multispectral bands, vegetation indices and biophysical variables that can be derived from three optical satellite systems: the Sentinel-2 with 10 m, 20 m and 60 m resolution; RapidEye with 5m resolution and PlanetScope with 3m ground resolution. Field data for biomass were collected from a Rhizophoraceae-dominated mangrove forest in Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines where 30 test plots (1.2 ha) and 5 validation plots (0.2 ha) were established. Prior to the generation of indices, images from the three satellite systems were pre-processed using atmospheric correction tools in SNAP (Sentinel-2), ENVI (RapidEye) and python (PlanetScope). The major predictor bands tested are Blue, Green and Red, which are present in the three systems; and Red-edge band from Sentinel-2 and Rapideye. The tested vegetation index predictors are Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Green-NDVI (GNDVI), Simple Ratio (SR), and Red-edge Simple Ratio (SRre). The study generated prediction models through conventional linear regression and multivariate regression. Higher coefficient of determination (r2) values were obtained using multispectral band predictors for Sentinel-2 (r2 = 0.89) and Planetscope (r2 = 0.80); and vegetation indices for RapidEye (r2 = 0.92). Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) models performed better than the linear regression models with r2 ranging from 0.62 to 0.92. Based on the r2 and root-mean-square errors (RMSE’s), the best biomass prediction model per satellite were chosen and maps were generated. The accuracy of predicted biomass maps were high for both Sentinel-2 (r2 = 0.92) and RapidEye data (r2 = 0.91).
Inferred gas hydrate and permafrost stability history models linked to climate change in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Arctic Canada

Atmospheric methane from episodic gas hydrate (GH) destabilization, the "clathrate gun" hypothesis, is proposed to affect past climates, possibly since the Phanerozoic began or earlier. In the terrestrial Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin (BMB), GHs occur commonly below thick ice-bearing permafrost (IBP), but they are rare within it. Two end-member GH models, where gas is either trapped conventionally (Case 1) or where it is trapped dynamically by GH formation (Case 2), were simulated using profile (1-D) models and a 14 Myr ground surface temperature (GST) history based on marine isotopic data, adjusted to the study setting, constrained by deep heat flow, sedimentary succession conductivity, and observed IBP and Type I GH contacts in Mallik wells. Models consider latent heat effects throughout the IBP and GH intervals. Case 1 GHs formed at ~0.9 km depth only ~1 Myr ago by in situ transformation of conventionally trapped natural gas. Case 2 GHs begin to form at ~290–300 m ~6 Myr ago in the absence of lithological migration barriers. During glacial intervals Case 2 GH layers expand both downward and upward as the permafrost grows downward through and intercalated with GHs. The distinctive model results suggest that most BMB GHs resemble Case 1 models, based on the observed distinct and separate occurrences of GHs and IBP and the lack of observed GH intercalations in IBP. Case 2 GHs formed >255 m, below a persistent ice-filled permafrost layer that is as effective a seal to upward methane migration as are Case 1 lithological seals. All models respond to GST variations, but in a delayed and muted manner such that GH layers continue to grow even as the GST begins to increase. The models show that the GH stability zone history is buffered strongly by IBP during the interglacials. Thick IBP and GHs could have persisted since ~1.0 Myr ago and ~4.0 Myr ago for Cases 1 and 2, respectively. Offshore BMB IBP and GHs formed terrestrially during Pleistocene sea level low stands. Where IBP is sufficiently thick, both IBP and GHs persist even where inundated by a Holocene sea level rise and both are also expected to persist into the next glacial even if atmospheric CO 2 doubles. We do not address the "clathrate gun" hypothesis directly, but our models show that sub-IBP GHs respond to, rather than cause GST changes, due to both how GST changes propagates with depth and latent heat effects. Models show that many thick GH accumulations are prevented from contributing methane to the atmosphere, because they are almost certainly trapped below either ice-filled IBP or lithological barriers. Where permafrost is sufficiently thick, combinations of geological structure, thermal processes and material properties make sub-IBP GHs unlikely sources for significant atmospheric methane fluxes. Our sub-IBP GH model histories suggest that similar models applied to other GH settings could improve the understanding of GHs and their potential to affect climate.
2 GENERATION LHC IR QUADRUPOLES BASED ON NB3SN

The second generation LHC high-luminosity IR will require new high-performance quadrupole magnets capable of providing high gradients in largest apertures and operating at higher radiation and heat loads. Several large-aperture Nb3Sn quadrupoles based on different coil designs have been studied. The results for quadrupoles based on shell-type coils have been reported elsewhere. This paper presents the results of the design studies of Nb3Sn quadrupoles based on racetrack coils and compares them to the shell-type designs.
Rufous-and-white wrens Thryophilus rufalbus do not exhibit a dear enemy effects towards conspecific or heterospecific competitors

Many territorial animals exhibit reduced aggression towards neighbours. Known as "the dear enemy effect", this phenomenon has been documented among conspecific animals across a wide range of animal taxa. In theory, the dear enemy ef- fect can also exist between individuals of different species, particularly when those species compete for shared resources. To date, a heterospecific dear enemy effects has only been documented in ants. In this study, we test for both a conspecific and heterospe- cific dear enemy effect in neotropical rufous-and-white wrens Thryophilus rufalbus. This species competes for resources with banded wrens Thryophilus pleurostictus, a closely related sympatric congener. We used acoustic playback to simulate ruf- ous-and-white wren and banded wren neighbours and non-neighbours at the edges of rufous-and-white wren territories. Ruf- ous-and-white wrens responded more strongly to signals from their own species, demonstrating that resident males discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific rivals. They did not, however, exhibit a conspecific dear enemy effect. Further, they did not exhibit a heterospecific dear enemy effect. This could be due to neighbours and non-neighbours posing similar levels of threat in this system, to the possibility that playback from the edges of the subjects' large territories did not simulate a threatening signal, or to other factors. Our study provides the first test of a heterospecific dear enemy effect in vertebrates, and presents a valuable experimental approach for testing for a heterospecific dear enemy effect in other animals (Current Zoology 61 (1): 23-33, 2015). Keywords Conspecific aggression, Dear enemy effect, Heterospecific aggression, Intra-specific interactions, Inter-specific interactions, Resource competition
The Impact of Financial Deepening on Economic Growth: Evidence from Nigeria

This paper examined the impact of financial deepening on economic growth in Nigeria. Adopting the supply-leading hypothesis using variables such as broad money velocity, money stock diversification, economic volatility, market capitalization and market liquidity as proxies for financial deepening and gross domestic product growth rate for economic growth, we found that broad money velocity and market liquidity promote economic growth in Nigeria while money stock diversification, economic volatility and market capitalization did not within the period studied (1992-2008). Government policy should therefore be geared towards strategically increasing money supply and promoting efficient capital market that will enhance overall economic efficiency, create and expand liquidity, mobilize savings, enhance capital accumulation, transfer resources from traditional sectors to growth inducing sectors (such as manufacturing and industry, agriculture and the services sectors) and also promote competent entrepreneurial response in various sectors of the economy. Keywords: Financial Deepening, Economic Growth, Supply-leading Hypothesis
South American leafhoppers of the tribe Typhlocybini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae).

The fauna of Typhlocybini (sensu stricto, excluding Empoascini) endemic to South America is reviewed and comprises seven closely related genera, five described herein as new, and 55 species, 52 here described as new. The genera and species are described and keys and illustrations are provided to aid in their identification. Columbonirvana Linnavuori comprises 17 species, 16 new. Eualebra Baker comprises 19 species, 17 new. Euzyginella gen. nov., comprises four new species. Neozyginella gen. nov., comprises six new species. Pseudhadina gen. nov., comprises one new species. Pseudozyginella gen. nov., comprises three new species. Tahurella gen. nov., comprises five new species. One new synonym is recognized: Eualebra smithii Baker, 1899 equals Dikraneura (Hyloidea) reticulata Osborn, 1928, syn. nov. One previously described species placed in Eualebra belongs in tribe Dikraneurini; thus, a new combination is proposed: Alconeura (Hyloidea) rubra (Van Duzee), comb. nov. Most of the specimens available for this study were from Malaise trap and canopy fogging samples obtained at very few localities in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, suggesting that further sampling in South America, particularly in the Amazonian rainforest and eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, will reveal large numbers of additional species.
The Effects of Shopping Orientations, Consumer Innovativeness, Purchase Experience, and Gender on Intention to Shop for Fashion Products Online

Nowadays, many fashion retailers or marketers use the power of internet to promote and sell their products. This research examines the effects of consumers’ shopping orientations (brand/fashion consciousness, shopping enjoyment, price consciousness, convenience/time consciousness, shopping confidence, in-home shopping tendency), consumer innovativeness, online purchase experience for fashion products, and gender on consumers’ intention to shop for fashion products online. Data were collected through online surveys from the population of internet users in Indonesia, aged between 15 and 30 years old (generation Y), who had bought or browsed fashion products through the internet (N=210). This research is a quantitative research which uses purposive sampling and multiple regression analysis. Results show that the effects of several shopping orientations (shopping enjoyment, price consciousness, in-home shopping tendency), consumer innovativeness, online purchase experience for fashion products, and gender, are significant on consumers’ intention to shop for fashion products online. Furthermore, gender is marginally significant related to consumers’ intention to shop for fashion products online. Surprisingly, women tend to have lower intentions to shop for fashion products online compared to men.
Modeling the set-up and management of a spin-out: Evidence from a case study

In this paper we explore a special case of venturing, namely the spinout approach. More in particular, this paper has sought to model the spin-out process by combining scholarly literature with an empirical analysis of the spinout process of Royal Dutch Shell. Through literature review we have identified multiple factors relevant for spinout success, which are captured in a practical assessment model. In doing so, we have provided managers with a phased approach showing the critical steps that have to be taken in the decision, set-up and management phases of a spinout. The added value of the introduced assessment model is that it treats a spinout as an ongoing process of enacting set-ups, rather than a static event.
Growth and grazing responses of the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuminata as functions of light intensity and prey concentration

Dinophysis acuminata, a photosynthetic marine dinoflagellate, possesses plastids of cryptophyte origin and causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Recent work has shown D. acumi- nata to be a mixotroph that grows well when feeding on the photosynthetic ciliate Myrionecta rubra. Using established cultures, we examined the effects of light intensity and prey (M. rubra) concentra- tion on growth and ingestion rates of D. acuminata. Growth rates increased with increasing prey concentration under continuous illumination of 60 μE m -2 s -1 , with maximum mixotrophic growth (0.91 d -1 ) almost 5 times higher than growth in the absence of prey (0.19 d -1 ). The maximum inges- tion rate of D. acuminata was 1296 pg C Dinophysis -1 d -1 (3.2 M. rubra cells Dinophysis -1 d -1 ) for data fitted to a Michaelis-Menten equation. Growth rate also increased with increasing light intensity, an effect even stronger when prey was supplied. Increased growth with increasing irradiance was accompanied by a corresponding increase in ingestion. While D. acuminata continued to grow in semi-continuous food-replete cultures at high (200 μE m -2 s -1 ) and low (10 μE m -2 s -1 ) light intensity, it failed to grow in darkness, despite the presence of prey. Our results suggest that D. acuminata is an obligate mixotroph that requires both light and prey for long-term survival. Results indicate that Dinophysis species are typically prey-limited in the field.
Broccoli Cultivar Performance under Organic and Conventional Management Systems and Implications for Crop Improvement

To determine if present commercial broccoli cultivars meet the diverse needs of organic management systems, such as adaptation to low N input, mechanical weed management, and no chemical pesticide use, and to propose the selection environments for crop improve- ment for organic production, we compared hor- ticultural trait performance of 23 broccoli cul- tivars (G) under two management (M) systems (organic and conventional) in two regions of the United States (Oregon and Maine), includ- ing spring and fall trials. In our trials, location and season had the largest effect on broccoli head weight, with Oregon outperforming Maine, and fall trials outperforming spring plantings. M main effects and G × M interactions were often small, but G × M × E (location and sea- son) were large. Cultivars with both greater head weight and stability under conventional condi- tions generally had high head weight and stabil- ity under organic growing conditions, although there were exceptions in cultivar rank between management systems. Larger genotypic vari- ances and somewhat increased error variances observed in organic compared with conven- tional management systems led to repeatability for head weight and other horticultural traits that were similar or even higher in organic compared with conventional conditions. The ratio of cor- related response (predicting performance under organic conditions when evaluated in conven- tional conditions) to direct response (predicted performance in organic when evaluated under organic conditions) for all traits was close to but less than 1.0 with the exception of bead unifor- mity. This would imply that in most cases, direct selection in an organic environment could result in a more rapid genetic gain than indirect selec- tion in a conventional environment.
Polar observations of electron density distribution in the EarthÂ's magnetosphere. 1. Statistical results

Abstract. Forty-five months of continuous spacecraft potential measurements from the Polar satellite are used to study the average electron density in the magnetosphere and its dependence on geomagnetic activity and season. These measurements offer a straightforward, passive method for monitoring the total electron density in the magnetosphere, with high time resolution and a density range that covers many orders of magnitude. Within its polar orbit with geocentric perigee and apogee of 1.8 and 9.0 RE, respectively, Polar encounters a number of key plasma regions of the magnetosphere, such as the polar cap, cusp, plasmapause, and auroral zone that are clearly identified in the statistical averages presented here. The polar cap density behaves quite systematically with season. At low distance (~2 RE), the density is an order of magnitude higher in summer than in winter; at high distance (>4 RE), the variation is somewhat smaller. Along a magnetic field line the density declines between these two altitudes by a factor of 10–20 in winter and by a factor of 200–1000 in summer. A likely explanation for the large gradient in the summer is a high density of heavy ions that are gravitationally bound in the low-altitude polar cap. The geomagnetic effects are also significant in the polar cap, with the average density being an order of magnitude larger for high Kp; for an individual case, the polar cap density may increase even more dramatically. The plasma density in the cusp is controlled primarily by the solar wind variables, but nevertheless, they can be characterized to some extent in terms of the Kp index. We also investigate the local time variation of the average density at the geosynchronous distance that appears to be in accordance with previous geostationary observations. The average density decreases with increasing Kp at all MLT sectors, except at 14–17 MLT, where the average density remains constant. At all MLT sectors the range of the density varies by more than 3 orders of magnitude, since the geostationary orbit may cut through different plasma regions, such as the plasma sheet, trough, and plasmasphere. Key words. Magnetospheric physics (magnetospheric configuration and dynamics; plasmasphere; polar cap phenomena)
Interrogating Factors Associated with Littering along Road Servitudes on Zimbabwean Highways.

Littering along highways in Zimbabwe is abysmal. Legislation to curb littering has been put in place under the watchdog of Environmental Management Agency through Environmental Management Act Ch 20:27 section 83 and Statutory Instrument 6 0f 2007. Besides legislation, packaging for many products is clearly labeled ‘place litter in bins’, but many do not regard this instruction. Clean- ups and anti-littering campaigns have proved to be an avalanche of charades for the public fail to justify their existence. Moreover, these could face a stillbirth if there is no concomitant behavior change amongst local communities. The study sought to investigate the causes of littering along road servitudes on highways, examine the strategies that have been put in place to curb littering and assess challenges faced in implementing the strategies employed. From the study it was evident that littering continues to take place due to socio-cultural consumption style of Mac-donaldization (fast foods). Apart from public conveyances flouting environmental regulations, illegal vendors and transport route operators have increased despite the economy’s resuscitation. Their reluctance in providing bins is a warrant for wanton littering by the public from moving vehicles. To further worsen the predicament road authorities (Department of Roads, District Development Fund (DDF), urban and rural district councils are not well financed to maintain the roads by ZINARA (Zimbabwe National Roads Authority) under Ministry of Transport and Communication because of limited funds. Even when they cushion the councils the funds are swallowed by salaries and wages which are always in perennial deficits.
Effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A case study of two villages

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of Nguni cattle project in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A survey was conducted on 73 Nguni cattle project beneficiaries in Ncera and Kwezana communities of the Nkonkobe local Municipality. These communities were selected from a list of communities that benefited from the Nguni cattle project. Interviews were conducted at the community halls where the beneficiaries gathered. The questionnaire included the socio-demographic characteristics, questions on the quality of extension services offered and communication strategies adopted by extension officers to communicate with the beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project. The results revealed that the majority (62.2 % Ncera and 75% Kwezana) of the beneficiaries were males between the ages of 60-79 years old. An association between gender and extension services was also observed. Lack of extension support services was the main challenge faced by farmers. It was concluded that extension services were not effectively addressing the needs of beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project. However, there must be an effective way of monitoring and evaluating extension services delivery which will improve current and future extension service delivery to farmers so as to ensure provision of appropriate information and services enabling farmers to obtain good understanding of projects being initiated. _______________________________________________________________________________________
The Relationship among Exports, Imports and Economic Growth in Turkey

This paper studies the nexus between exports, imports, and economic growth in Turkey. Annual data for the periods between 1960 and 2015 was tested by practicing Johansen co-integration analysis of Vector Auto Regression Model and the Granger-Causality tests. According to the result of the analysis, there is no relationship between exports, imports and economic growth in Turkey. On the other hand, we found that there is a strong evidence of bidirectional causality from imports to economic growth and from exports to economic growth.