Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE KAROO VOLCANIC ROCKS AND RELATED INTRUSIONS IN SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL MOZAMBIQUE

Volcanic rocks and related hypabyssal intrusions of the Mesozoic Karoo large igneous province are wide-spread in southern and central Mozambique and form mesa-like ridges or wide, fertile valleys, depending on the nature and composition of the volcanic flows. The 600 km long, north-south oriented Lebombo mountain range along the border of Mozambique and South Africa is mostly composed of a bimodal association of rhyolitic ash-flow tuffs and ignimbrites and basaltic to andesitic lava flows, while the north-east trending 250 km long Nuanetsi-Sabi volcanic flexure north of the Limpopo river comprises mainly basaltic lava flows with only a few rhyolitic interbeds. Farther to the north, around the Lupata trough, the area covered by the Karoo volcanic rocks is rather limited, whereas in the Tete Province basaltic lavas and more felsic varieties form prominent flat-top mountains and a large dome structure. Mafic and felsic hypabyssal rocks of the Rukore and Gorongosa bimodal intrusive suites form prominent mountains and dyke swarms in central Mozambique. Geochemically, the volcanic rocks are predominantly subalkaline. The mafic lavas associated with the Lebombo monocline and the Nuanetsi-Sabi volcanic flexure are tholeiitic and quite similar to the low-Ti and high-Ti lavas of the Sabie River Formation in South Africa. The mafic lavas from the Lupata trough and in the Tete Province have low-Ti characteristics, but they also include rocks with mildly alkaline affinities. The felsic rocks are subalkaline, peraluminous, and high-K type volcanic rocks with high Fe/Mg ratio and Zr, Nb, Ce, and Y values typical of A-type magmas. The felsic rocks of the Umbelúzi Formation are mainly dacites, whereas the stratigraphically younger felsic rocks of the Movene Formation and the felsic rocks in central Mozambique are mainly rhyolitic. The alkaline volcanic and intrusive rocks in the Pessene area, south Mozambique, may represent the youngest phase of Karoo magmatism in the Lebombo monocline.
Interactive comment on “Light availability modulates the effects of warming in a marine N2 fixer” by Xiangqi Yi et al

Line 13: Consider telling the reader which phenotypes from the get go. Line 16: ‘range of 23-31’ could be misleading, just state the three temperatures Line 16/17: ‘when the acclimation . [. ]. to growth temperature was evaluated by short-term Line 22: “cells growing under low light levels while distributed deep in the euphotic zone or under cloudy weather conditions might be more susceptible to ocean warming”: I would be careful about that, the study refers to response of acclimated cells at different conditions, not to acute or immediate responses (at least for the growth response), especially when we consider that these cells can actively migrate along the water column. Line 23: Point out explicitly that this is true for ocean warming occurring on the timescales of a few generations, or, as in your assays, short term responses within the same generation in mere hours. Mention scenarios when this is applicable upfront (mixing, heat waves.) Introduction Line 29: might not be all that ‘obvious’ to all readers. Consider elaborating. Line 39: The 1960s are not a century ago yet, plus the literature cited after this statement is pretty recent? Specifically: Is there a reference for the 1960 discovery of diazotrophy in Trichodesmium? Line 41/42: ‘In the IPCC. [. ]’ consider rephrasing to ‘The IPCC scenario [. ] predicts. [. ]’ Line 43: I am not sure Collins et al 2013 is the correct reference here, as it is focused on the long term implications of global climate change, not so much the ocean physics Line 44: ‘consequences’ on what? Consider elaborating. Line 50-52: different responses to warming more due to relation between traits and environment, than only “because of the spatial heterogeneity of present temperatures and projected warming”. Clarify it is also a matter of local adaptation. Line 68: clearly state that Trichodesmium is ACTIVELY able to migrate vertically.
Validation of Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model based FertiliserPrescription Equations for Pearl millet (var. CO 10) onInceptisol

The present investigation was undertaken to validate the Inductive cumTargeted yield model based Fertiliser Prescription Equations (FPEs)developed under Soil Test Crop Response based Integrated Plant NutritionSystem (STCR-IPNS) for desired yield target of pearl millet (var CO 10) ona mixed black calcareous soil (Periyanaickenpalayam soil series - VerticUstropept). The field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2019 at TNAUFarm, Coimbatore, and was laid out in a randomized block design with tentreatments that were replicated thrice. The results emanated from the fieldexperiment brought forth the fact that the various growth and yield attributesof pearl millet were significantly influenced by STCR treatments as comparedto blanket treatments. There was a +10% variation in achievement of yieldtargets proving the validity of the fertiliser prescription equations developedfor desired yield target of pearl millet (var CO 10) on a mixed black calcareoussoil. Using the data on grain yield and quantity of nutrients applied, thevarious parameters viz., per cent achievement, response ratio and benefit:cost ratio were computed. Among the treatments, STCR-IPNS-3.5 t ha-1has demonstrated its supremacy by registering higher grain yield of 3455kg ha-1 with a relatively higher response ratio of 12.57 kg kg-1 and BCR of1.94. STCR - IPNS-3.5 t ha-1 has recorded a yield increase of 43.1, 21.2 and74.6 per cent over blanket (100% RDF), blanket plus FYM 12.5 t ha-1,andfarmer’s practice respectively and the increase in response ratio was 4.28,1.18 and 5.27 kg kg-1 respectively. Therefore, for achieving higher grainyield, nutrient uptake, response ratio, and BCR in pearl millet (var CO 10)on a mixed black calcareous soil (Periyanaickenpalayam soil series - VerticUstropept), STCR-IPNS based fertiliser prescriptions can be followed.
Fresh meat baits are currently the only available effective option to detect low- density Vespula germanica populations in South Africa

The eusocial wasp Vespula germanica is a problematic invasive species in the Southern Hemisphere regions. Especially in New Zealand, Tasmania and Argentina, population densities can be very high and result in large negative impacts. In these regions, the development of baits is used not only to monitor population sizes but also to poison wasps when they return with treated baits to their nests. In contrast, this wasp has been present in South Africa since 1974 but is still confined to a small geographical area. Therefore, detection of the presence of V. germanica with a low level of false negatives is important. The foundation of such a monitoring strategy is a reliable bait or lure that can be placed, in a standard way, in different environments to detect wasp presence. In this study, we tested two baits and two lures at eight localities in 2013 and two baits and four lures at nine localities in 2014. Trap catches confirm low population densities of the target species even in the core of its distribution in South Africa with on average between 3 and 11 wasps (median of 0) caught per trap. Confirming classical bait preference studies, meat baits, specifically lean smoked ham and lean beef mince, trapped significantly more foragers in both sampling years than the unbaited control treatments. However, all catches using synthetic lures with various compounds known to be attractive to Vespula species were almost always indistinguishable from control treatments. Consequently, more research is required in optimising baiting ofV. germanica in South Africa, where it occurs at relatively low densities and worker activity peaks when seasonal conditions are unfavourable (hot and dry). Low population densities could explain why synthetic lures that are effective in other invaded continents were not effective in South Africa.
Application of Femtosecond lasers in confocal and scanning tunnelling microscopy

This thesis reports the use of a Ti:sapphire ultrafast laser with a confocal microscope to precisely induce DNA damage in the nuclei of live cells by multi-photon absorption, the development and comparison of foci counting algorithms for the quantitative assessment of radiation damage and work towards the development of an ultrafast Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM) technique, employing a Ti:sapphire pulsed laser, called Shaken Pulse Pair eXcitation (SPPX) STM. Measurements of the laser intensity, pulse duration and point spread function are used to estimate the peak intensity at the focus of the confocal microscope. A UV absorption in DNA is excited by the simultaneous absorption of three IR photons (3P). This process leads to the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers (CPDs) in the DNA chain. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), involved in the repair of these lesions is tagged with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to visualise the repair process. Damage is detected at peak intensities as low as 23±3 GW/cm2 which is lower than previous studies. PCNA localises at the DNA damage sites with an exponential localisation. Three foci counting algorithms were implemented: a simple intensity threshold algorithm; a Compact Hough transform and Radial Mapping (CHARM) algorithm and a watershed algorithm. The watershed algorithm was particularly effective for the assessment of foci in 3D datasets, providing counts and other properties relating to the foci. It is applied to a study of y-H2AX foci in radiation dosed cells to assess various properties of y-H2AX foci as a function of radiation. Work on the SPPX-STM apparatus led to the development of a novel high frequency translation stage, allowing a retro-reflector to be periodically oscillated without coupling the vibration into the optical table.
IMPACT OF RELATIONAL CAPITAL ON PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

This study examines the impact of relational capital on the performance of public universities in North central Nigeria. This study employed secondary data and primary data collected concurrently, analyzed them separately and merged them during interpretation. The population for primary data include all full time professors totalled eight thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine (8,589) from which sample size of 382 was selected while population for secondary data include all the thirteen (13) public universities in north central Nigeria. Both data were collected using structured questionnaire and from annual reports respectively. The methods of estimation employed include OLS and GMM. The result of both analyses revealed that relational capital is significantly related with teaching and community service performance but conflicting result for research performance. The study concludes that relational capital positively influences the teaching and community service performance of public universities in north central Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that emphasis should be placed on the quality and relevance of the research to immediate environments of the universities. Also, the study recommends that all avenues to foster cross-university linkages and collaboration with host community should be pursued by the public universities in North central Nigeria.
An investigation into the role of mesoaccumbal GABAA receptor α2 subunit in mediating cocaine-facilitated conditioned behaviours using the RNA interference system

α2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α2-GABAARs) are abundantly expressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region thought to be important in mediating cocaine’s reinforcing properties. This thesis develops viral-based RNAi tools in efforts to investigate the functional role of mesoaccumbal α2-GABAARs in mediating cocaine’s ability to facilitate conditioned behaviours (i.e. behavioural sensitisation and conditioned reinforcement). RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of the α2 subunit expression in the NAc core neither affected appetitive Pavlovian learning nor instrumental learning maintained by the conditioned reinforcer, but blocked cocaine facilitation of conditioned reinforcement. This behavioural phenotype was also observed upon α2 knockdown specifically in NAc core dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-containing neurons, whereas α2 knockdown in mesoaccumbal D1R-containing neurons reduced the level of discriminated approach during Pavlovian learning. Further, α2 knockdown in the NAc core or shell did not block cocaine-induced sensitisation as previously observed in the constitutive knockouts (Dixon et al., 2010), but the latter increased acute locomotor responses to cocaine. Data presented within this thesis indicate that GABAergic signalling via α2-GABAARs within the NAc is involved in some of the motivation-enhancing properties of cocaine, most likely via interactions with the dopaminergic system.
Genotype x Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in Cameroon

A study was conducted to assess genotype x environment interaction and also to determine stability of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes for nine traits in Cameroon. Eight okra genotypes (including five parents of Cameroon and three exotics) were evaluated across three different locations (Dibang, Yagoua and Yaounde) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot consisted of three rows of six plants each. Genotype x environment interaction has been evaluated using SAS Software. There was considerable variation for all traits studied among both genotypes and environments. Five different methods of stability analysis have been used for the comparison of the genotypes and also to determine the most suitable stability parameter of okra. The stability in relation to the characters is independent of the genotypes. A total correspondence (r=1) exist between the general mean and the Pi performance for characters such as 50 % flowering and the fruit peduncle length. For, the procedure of Lin and Binns appeared to be more of a genotype performance measure, rather than a stability measure. The Wricke’s and Shukla’s procedures of stability statistic showed the highest significant positive correlation (P<0.01) with the majority of the studied character. That makes these procedures equivalent for ranking purposes.
Provenance and sediment routing of Neoproterozoic formations on the Varanger, Nordkinn, Rybachi and Sredni peninsulas, North Norway and Northwest Russia: a review

Provenances and sediment routing of Neoproterozoic, mainly low-grade, sedimentary successions on four large peninsulas in Northeast Norway (Varanger and Nordkinn) and Northwest Russia (Rybachi and Sredni) have been assessed using a combination of abundant palaeocurrent data, lithological and petrographic features, heavy-mineral accumulations, a plentiful geochemical database and initial results of a detrital mineral isotopic study. The palaeocurrent data from both platformal and basinal domains on all four peninsulas show a remarkable consistency, with sediment dispersal directed largely towards the north (between NW and NE). Together with evidence from the other parameters, it has thus been possible to suggest various mafic to felsic terranes of Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic age on the Fennoscandian Shield as likely source regions for the bulk of the detritus. An exception is provided by detrital zircon analyses from one prominent, NE-prograding, deltaic formation in the allochthonous basinal succession on Varanger Peninsula, which shows a profusion of Mesoproterozoic grains. An older submarine-fan formation in this same basin has been reported by others to show a comparable enrichment in Mesoproterozoic zircon grains. Taking into account a palinspastic restoration of this particular basinal terrane, the source of the deltaic detritus is likely to be concealed beneath the Caledonian nappes and present-day continental shelf, and could conceivably represent a northward extension of the Sveconorwegian/Grenvillian orogen, as has been suggested in recent literature. An alternative source could be that of a Tonian-emplaced, sandstonedominated thrust sheet derived from the margin of Rodinia.
The Mutual Effect of Irrigation Intervals and Weed Control for Enhancing Yield and Productivity of Irrigation Water for Two Rice Cultivars

Two field experiments were conducted through 2018 and 2019 summer growing seasons at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt to study effect of irrigation intervals and weed control for maximizing yield and productivity of irrigation water on Sakha 107 and Giza 179 rice cultivars. A strip split-plot experimental design, with three replications was used in both seasons. Three irrigation intervals i.e; irrigation every three days, every six days and every nine days were assigned in horizontal plots. Two rice cultivars viz; Sakha 107 and Giza 179 were randomly distributed in vertical plots. Six weed control treatments i.e., Saturn 50% EC (thiobencarb), Ronstar 25% EC (oxadiazon), Saturn followed by (fb) Granite 24% SC (penoxsulam), Ronstar fb Granite, hand weeding and weedy check were allocated in the sub-plots. The resultsof both seasons showed that, irrigation every 3-days recorded the lowest dry weights of E crus-galli and total weeds while, irrigation every 9-days recorded the lowest dry weights of A. baccifera and C. difformis. The highest rice dry weight, number of panicle m-2, number of filled grain panicle-1, panicle weight and rice grain yield were recorded by irrigation every 3-days as compared to 6 and 9 days. Rice cultivar Giza 179 exceeded Sakha 107, it recorded the lowest dry weights of A. baccifera, E crus-galli and total weeds in addition, increased number of panicle m-2, number of filled grain panicle-1 and rice grain yield while, the highest panicle weight was recorded by Sakha 107. Application of Ronstar fb Granite at recommended dosesachieved the best weed management, the highest weed control efficiency (%), rice grain yield and its attributes as well as productivity of irrigation water (PIW) compared to other treatments. The amount of irrigation water applied was decreased by 15% and 31% for six and nine days compared to three days, while productivity of irrigation water was taken the descending order six > three > nine days. To achieve the best weed control efficiency (%), yield and its attributes as well as save irrigation water and promote PIW, it could be apply irrigation every 6-days with Giza 179 cv treated by Ronstar fb Granite at recommended doses. But in case of water shortage, it could be apply irrigation every 9-days with Sakha 107 cv treated by Ronstar fb Granite at recommended doses.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood: an under-recognized and diverse clinico-radiological syndrome

Background: With advances in neuroimaging, acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood (ANEC) is being recognized as an acute encephalopathy with a characteristic rapidly deteriorating neurological course with poor neuro-developmental outcomes with high mortality and morbidity rates. Indian data of ANEC is primitive and hence this study was planned. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological characteristics and its outcomes in children with ANEC.Methods: Retrospective review of 10 infants and children with ANEC at Department of Paediatrics, S.N. Medical College and HSK Hospital, Bagalkot from January 2013 to December 2019. ANEC was suspected based on clinical and radiological characteristics and diagnosis was made based on diagnostic criteria proposed by Mizuguchi et al. Clinical and radiological (Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain characteristics) findings and response to early pulse dose steroid therapy and supportive treatment were assessed in all cases. All cases were followed for evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcome and response to physiotherapy was noted in all the cases.Results: Total 10 cases were analysed (age ranged from 6 months to 11 years). Sex distribution male to female was 3:7. All cases had precedent viral illnesses and had fever, coryza, diarrhoea. The initial neurological symptoms included seizures and status epilepticus (n=7), altered sensorium (n=3), focal neurological signs , gait disturbances (n=2) and diplopia (n=1). MRI brain revealed characteristic thalamus involvement with varied involvement of midbrain, pons, medulla (n=10). Other findings were cavitation (n=5), haemorrhage (n=4), minimal residual lesions (n=4), cerebral atrophy (n=1), normal brain study (n=5) on follow-up. 9 out of 10 cases survived, responded to early physiotherapy and rehabilitation. 6 children had complete recovery with minimal disability in 3 cases.Conclusions: ANEC is a clinico-radiological syndrome. Early detection and appropriate treatment improves outcome in ANEC.
Bioconversion of Fermented Kitchen Waste or Sweet Potato Roots by Black Soldier Fly Larvae

This study examined the utilization by Black Soldier Fly (BSF) for recycling organic waste into larvae as a protein rich feed for fish and chicken farmers. Research on the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for waste management has gained worldwide interest, however information is needed on its practical application at smallholder level. Bioconversion units referred to as “bio-digesters” were designed to incubate, hatch, feed and harvest BSFL into its last instar life cycle. Six bio-digester units were placed in a randomized block design in an open-shed environment allowing free access for natural repopulation by BSF. A 45-day life cycle was allowed for three sampling periods for collection of BSFL and evaluation of bioconversion of fermented household kitchen waste (KW) and sweet potato silage (SPS). Average wet weight of 50.71±0.12 kg SPS and KW media was seeded at the start of each period with 215±0.12 g of 10 14-dayold BSFL. Mean harvested weight was 379.3 and 100.6 g for KW and SPS respectively (p<0.001) from yields of 22.6 and 14.5 g per day for the two types of waste, respectively (p<0.001). Waste reduction was 48% for KW and 35% for SPS (p<0.05). However, bioconversion rate was low at 2% for both KW and SPS (p>0.05). KW provided better yield than SPS demonstrating a 60% linear-log increase (p<0.01). The lower pH within the fermented media was critical in SPS than in KW despite having stable environmental conditions in the medium where mortality was observed in the SPS media at pH 2. Open-shed production of BSFL within bio-digester units demonstrated recycling of almost 50% of fermented kitchen waste into high protein larvae.
Temporal Characteristics and Patterns of Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean)

Global warming is a well-known phenomenon, that increasing average of temperature. ‎Oceans are affected directly from this phenomenon with changing its abiotic and biotic ‎components. The Mediterranean Sea is known as the strongest warming sea in the world, ‎therefore, there is big concern on understanding the pattern in change and adaptation. The ‎Ligurian Sea is known with two main pelagic zones, which have distinctive characteristics ‎than each other. In this study, it is aimed to understand, characterize and describe inter- and ‎intra-annual properties of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll, as key biotic and abiotic ‎factors of marine environments, in the marine regions of the Ligurian Sea. Remotely sensed ‎data-sets of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration between 2013 and 2019 ‎were used for this purpose. Results showed that the regions have significantly different ‎temperature and productivity within year. While high variation in temperature detected in ‎onshore region, productivity was less than twice in offshore region. Inter-annual analysis ‎showed trends showed similar patterns in the regions‎.