Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First information about the stomach contents of juvenile green turtles, Chelonia mydas , in Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil

This work provides the first information about the stomach contents of juvenile green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, south-eastern Brazil (22°50′S–23°00′S). Between June 2009 and May 2010, we obtained 49 stomach contents of specimens that were stranded, of which 37 contained food items. Among food items, macroalgae stood out with 83.7% frequency of occurrence in the stomachs analysed and 37 species were identified. The most representative macroalgae in the stomach contents were: Sargassum vulgare, Ulva lactuca, Gelidiella acerosa and Pterocladiella capillacea . Teleosts and molluscs were also recorded in the stomach contents of the species in the region; however, with low representativeness. Analysis of stomach contents confirmed herbivory as the preferred dietary pattern of C. mydas .
Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) V. Redescription of Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902)

ABSTRACT Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902) – type species of the genus Epidamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina 1957 (Damaeidae) – is redescribed and illustrated in detail based on adult specimens collected in dead wood and tree hollows in natural forest in Upper Silesia, Poland. The species is characterized mainly by a single pair of postbothridial tubercles (Ba) on prodorsum; comparatively strong sensillus with slightly indicated subterminal expansion and blunt tip; fully developed propodoventral (E2a, E2p) and ventrosejugal (Va, Vp) enantiophyses. The neotype is designated, because the original type series is lost. The species seems to be comparatively rare and remained poorly known until present. At least part of the published records is probably based on confusion with other species of the genus.
Fully ionized nanosecond discharges in air: the thermal spark

The formation and decay of the thermal spark generated by a single nanosecond high-voltage pulse between pin electrodes are characterized in this study. The influence of air pressure in the range 50–1000 mbar is investigated at 300 K. By performing short-gate imaging and optical emission spectroscopy (OES), we find that the thermal sparks exhibit an intense emission from excited electronic states of N+, in contrast with non-thermal sparks for which the emission is dominated by electronic transitions of N2. Spark thermalization consists of the following steps: (i) partial ionization of the plasma channel accompanied by N2 emission, (ii) creation of a fully ionized filament at the cathode characterized by N+ emission, (iii) formation of a fully ionized filament at the anode, (iv) propagation of these filaments toward the middle of the interelectrode gap, and (v) merging of the filaments. The formation of the filaments, steps (ii) and (iii), occurs at sub-nanosecond timescales. The propagation speed of the filaments is on the order of 104 m s−1 during step (iv). For the 1 bar condition, the electron number densities are measured from the Stark broadening of N+ and Hα lines, with spatial and temporal resolution. The electron temperature is also determined, from the relative emission intensity of N+ excited states, attaining a peak value of 48 000 K. In the post-discharge, the electron number density decays from 4 × 1019 to 2 × 1018 cm−3 in 100 ns. We show that this decay curve can be interpreted as the isentropic expansion of a plasma in chemical equilibrium. Comparisons with previous experiments from the literature support this conclusion. Expressions for the Van der Waals and resonant broadenings of Hα, Hβ, and several lines of O, O+, N and, N+ are derived in the appendix.
Reassessment of the phylogenetic interrelationships of basal turtles (Testudinata)

Recent discoveries from the Late Triassic and Middle Jurassic have significantly improved the fossil record of early turtles. These new forms offer a unique opportunity to test the interrelationships of basal turtles. Nineteen fossil species are added to the taxon sample of the most comprehensive morphological phylogenetic analysis of the turtle clade. Among these additional species are recently discovered forms (e.g. Odontochelys semitestacea, Eileanchelys waldmani, Condorchelys antiqua), taxa generally omitted from previous analyses (e.g. chengyuchelyids, Sichuanchelys chowi) and species included in a phylogenetic analysis for the first time (Naomichelys speciosa and Siamochelys peninsularis). The coding of several characters is reassessed in the light of recent observations, but also in order to reduce unwarranted assumptions on character and character state homologies. Additional characters from previous analyses, as well as five new ones, are also included, resulting in a data matrix of 178 characters scored for 86 turtle species and seven fossil outgroups. The dataset resolves the relationships of most newly included taxa, with the exception of S. chowi and ‘Chengyuchelys’ dashanpuensis. The phylogenetic placement of Heckerochelys romani, Condorchelys antiqua and Eileanchelys waldmani as stem turtles more derived than Kayentachelys aprix but more basal than Meiolania platyceps and Mongolochelys efremovi is corroborated. The relationships of chengyuchelyids remain unclear and they are unstable with respect to stem turtles. In contrast to previous analyses, Arundelemys dardeni is placed within pleurosternids and Siamochelys peninsularis falls within xinjiangchelyids. Perhaps the most salient conclusion of the present study is the placement of Naomichelys speciosa as a basal member of a clade uniting meiolaniids, Mongolochelys efremovi and Otwayemys cunicularius. This clade of rather large stem turtles had a worldwide spread during the Mesozoic at least, and persisted until the Pleistocene with meiolaniids.
Stratospheric Water Vapor Feedback Disclosed by a Locking Experiment

Most global climate models project a considerable stratospheric moistening during global warming. It is important to quantify how significantly the increase of stratospheric humidity affects the radiation budget and contributes to the surface warming. Here, we conduct a mechanism denial experiment to investigate the warming effect of the stratospheric water vapor (SWV) using a global climate model. By locking the SWV in a quadrupling CO2 experiment, we find that the surface warming effect of SWV is not as significant as previously thought, increasing the global mean surface warming by about 2%. This is due to compensating changes in other feedback, especially those of tropospheric temperature and cloud, affected by SWV.
Anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em bovinos, ovinos e bubalinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

The infection by Neospora caninum is distributed worldwide and has been considered an important cause of abortion in cattle, which are intermediate hosts of the parasite. The present article reports an serological survey of the N.caninum infection in 1024 serum samples of cattle, sheep and water buffalo from 55 herds in 16 counties of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Antibodies to the agent were detected by ELISA in 11.4% (89/781) bovine samples, in 14.6% (24/164) water buffalo and in 3.2% (2/62) sheep sera. Positive cattle were detected in all tested counties. These results demonstrate that N. caninum infection is widespread among bovine and other ruminants in the state. Taken together with previous clinical and pathological reports, these results are indicative of the importance of the parasite as the etiological agent of reproductive failure in cattle in RS.
Growth‐Mortality Trade‐Offs and the Evolution of Juvenile Life Histories in the Alcidae

The juvenile life history of each of the 22 living species in the avian family Alcidae is composed of a period in the nest followed by a move to the ocean (fledging), where development is completed. The age, degree of development, and the mass of the alcid chick at fledging are extraordinarily variable, both between and within species. The available information suggests that nests are safe places (the daily mortality of chicks there is low) relative to the ocean, but that growth in the nest is slow relative to that attainable at sea, because of the parental travel time between the nest and feeding areas. The chick therefore faces a trade-off in deciding when to make the transition from nest to ocean. A dynamic programming model incorporating (1) the differential growth and mortality in the nest and ocean habitats, and (2) assumptions about the relation between size and survival, accurately predicts the fledging age and mass of the Common Murre (the only species for which reasonable estimates are available). The model suggests explanations for some other phenomena associated with the reproduction of alcids and other northern seabirds, namely the seasonal decline in mass at fledging, and the negative relation of mean fledging age and mass observed between colonies in several species. The optimal fledging policy is also considered from the point of view of the parents. There are many indications that visits to the nest endanger the parents' lives, and hence parents should be "reluctant" provisioners, leading to conflict between parents and their offspring. This evolutionary conflict and its implications for our understanding of avian life histories are discussed.
Endocrine and metabolic disorders in adult patients with thalassemia major

Aim: Iron overload in tissues, despite current chelation therapies, is a major cause of organ dysfunction and serious complications in thalassemia major. Similarly, iron accumulation in endocrine tissues pave the way for various endocrinopathies. Previous reports regarding prevalence of endocrinopathies in thalassemia major varies significantly based on study population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the metabolic and endocrine disorders among the transfusion-dependent adult thalassemia major patients. Materials and Methods: Data from transfusion-dependent adult thalassemia major patients with regular follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Former records of the patients were examined to evaluate endocrine disorders, on the basis of laboratory test results. Results: A total of 76 patients with a median age of 28 years, composed of 39 (51.3%) female and 37 (48.7%) male patients were included. Out of the entire cohort, 36.8% (n=28) had hypogonadism, 30.3% (n=23) had thyroid dysfunction, 28.9% (n=22) had a glucose metabolism disorder and 7.9% (n=6) had hypoparathyroidism. Hypogonadism was encountered in 38.5% (n=15) of females and in 35.1% (n=13) of males. Only one patient from each gender had hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, possibly related to iron overload, while the rest had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A positive history of delayed puberty was noted in 30.8% (n=12) of females and 24.3% (n=9) of males. Of the patients, 30.3% (n=23) had one, 18.4% (n=14) had 2, 10.5% (n=8) had 3, and 1.3% (n=1) had 4 different endocrine dysfunctions. Accordingly, 61.5% of the patients had at least one endocrine dysfunction while only 39.5% (n=30) had no endocrine dysfunction at all. Conclusion: Survival time has been prolonged in patients with thalassemia major by virtue of effective transfusion and chelation therapies. As a consequence of prolonged survival, endocrine dysfunctions commonly strike adult thalassemia major patients, therefore, endocrine functions need to be evaluated at regular intervals during follow-up.
Development of self-help groups for caregivers of children with disabilities in Kilifi, Kenya: Process evaluation

Background Caring for a child with disabilities in a resource-poor setting brings many challenges to the caregiver. We examined the development of self-help groups for caregivers in a rural part of Kenya. Objectives To conduct a process evaluation on the development of self-help groups during a 10-month set-up period, focusing on implementation and mechanisms associated with their functional status. Methods Using a realist evaluation design, we set up 20 self-help groups for 254 caregivers. An evaluation was conducted to investigate implementation and mechanisms of impact. Implementation focused on caregiver registration, community group support and monitoring visit compliance. Data were collected from group registers, records of meetings and field notes. Mechanisms of impact employed a framework of strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats to review the groups at the end of the 10-month set-up period. Results Recruitment resulted in registration of 254 participants to 18 groups – two groups disbanded early. Post-evaluation included 11 active and 7 inactive groups. Compliance with the monitoring visits was consistent across the active groups. All groups engaged in ‘merry-go-round’ activities. The active groups were characterised by strong leadership and at least one successful income generation project; the inactive had inconsistent leadership and had dishonest behaviour both within the group and/or externally in the community. Mediators associated with functional status included the following: available literacy and numeracy skills, regular meetings with consistent attendance by the members, viable income generating projects, geographical proximity of membership and strong leadership for managing threats. Conclusion Self-help groups have the potential to progress in resource-poor settings. However, critical to group progression are literacy and numeracy skills amongst the members, their geographical proximity, regular meetings of the group, viable income generating projects and strong leadership.
EFFECT OF SINGLE SUPERPHOSPHATE FERTILIZER ON SURVIVAL AND RESPIRATORY DYNAMICS OF NILE TILAPIA, OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS (ACTINOPTERYGII: PERCIFORMES: CICHLIDAE)

With greater involvement of numerous countries in green revolution, phosphate-based fertilizers along with other types of fertilizers are commonly used in agriculture, entering ponds and other bodies of water through runoff associated with agriculture, industrial and human wastes (Fenn et al. 2003, Holland et al. 2005, Burgett et al. 2007). The amount of these fertilizers entering aquatic ecosystems is likely to remain the same, or even increase in the future (Tilman et al. 2001, Palanivelu et al. 2005). Fertilizers in the water bodies stimulate growth of phytoplankton and water weeds, which in turn provide food for the fish, however, at certain concentrations of these fertilizers, algae and waterweeds grow wildly clogging the water ways and result in the depletion of dissolved oxygen present in the system. For these reasons, surviving fish species and other aquatic organisms encounter physiological problems associated with the depleted oxygen levels. Studies of effects of fertilizers on aquatic animals, including fish as noted by Palanivelu et al. (2005) are genACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA (2009) 39 (2): 103–110 DOI: 10.3750/AIP2009.39. 2.04
Arbuscular mycorrhizal association in coffee

SUMMARY Despite previous research on mycorrhizal association with plants, the data on associations with coffee (Coffea species) are very sparse despite the great economic importance of this crop for many tropical developing countries. The present paper reviews the main aspects of the association between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and coffee plants. This review includes topics on mycorrhizal effects on coffee nutritional status, pathogen–AMF interactions and responses to several environmental stresses. It also summarizes findings about the natural occurrence of AMF in different soils in which coffee is cultivated, some ecological aspects of this specific association and outlines trends for future investigations, which must elucidate the real benefits of mycorrhizae to coffee plants.
A native-like adult L2 Korean learner’s agentive acquisition of Korean relative clauses

Aims and objectives: Despite considerable interest in second language (L2) relative clauses (RCs)—one of the most difficult grammatical structures to learn—and in learner agency, few research efforts have been made to investigate how the latter informs the acquisition of the former. The current study looks at a native-like adult L2 Korean learner’s comprehension/production of Korean RCs and the trajectory of his acquisition of the RCs. Methodology: The research instruments consisted of RC comprehension/production tasks and autobiographic interviews. Data and analysis: The L2 learner’s responses in the comprehension task and those in the production task (audio-recorded) were reviewed for their accuracy. The processes of analyzing the interview data involved labeling themes/concepts forming from the data and interlinking categories to create larger, more general categories. Findings: The results indicated that the L2 learner’s performance on the tasks was native-like, and that he had actively exercised his learner agency which had dynamically interacted with context to achieve such native-likeness. Originality: This study distinguishes itself from the few previous studies on exceptional adult L2 learners by focusing on grammatical competence in relation to agency. Significance: The current interpretive study—which used autobiographical interviews to examine the dynamic trajectory of L2 RC acquisition—indicates the importance of an L2 learner’s agency.
Design of a Multi-Robot System for Wind Turbine Maintenance

The maintenance of wind turbines is of growing importance considering the transition to renewable energy. This paper presents a multi-robot-approach for automated wind turbine maintenance including a novel climbing robot. Currently, wind turbine maintenance remains a manual task, which is monotonous, dangerous, and also physically demanding due to the large scale of wind turbines. Technical climbers are required to work at significant heights, even in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, a skilled labor force with sufficient knowledge in repairing fiber composite material is rare. Autonomous mobile systems enable the digitization of the maintenance process. They can be designed for weather-independent operations. This work contributes to the development and experimental validation of a maintenance system consisting of multiple robotic platforms for a variety of tasks, such as wind turbine tower and rotor blade service. In this work, multicopters with vision and LiDAR sensors for global inspection are used to guide slower climbing robots. Light-weight magnetic climbers with surface contact were used to analyze structure parts with non-destructive inspection methods and to locally repair smaller defects. Localization was enabled by adapting odometry for conical-shaped surfaces considering additional navigation sensors. Magnets were suitable for steel towers to clamp onto the surface. A friction-based climbing ring robot (SMART— Scanning, Monitoring, Analyzing, Repair and Transportation) completed the set-up for higher payload. The maintenance period could be extended by using weather-proofed maintenance robots. The multi-robot-system was running the Robot Operating System (ROS). Additionally, first steps towards machine learning would enable maintenance staff to use pattern classification for fault diagnosis in order to operate safely from the ground in the future.
Effects of reproduction and artificial herbivory on vegetative growth and resource levels in deciduous and evergreen dwarf shrubs

Effects of reproduction (production of flowers and berries) and artificial herbivory of different phenological stages on deciduous bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and evergreen lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) were investigated to determine differences in allocation patterns and recovery ability between these species. Vegetative growth and concentration of sugars, starch, and nitrogen were measured in ramets at the end of the growing season. Statistical comparisons were made between the treatments and damage times, but not between the species, as these were manipulated at different sites within the same forest. Reproduction reduced the vegetative growth significantly in lingonberry, whereas the fertile bilberry ramets grew even more than the sterile ones. The bilberry produced new shoots as a response to simulated herbivory, which significantly decreased carbohydrate levels in tissues. The evergreen lingonberry produced less shoots, and carbohydrate levels increased significantly. Nitrogen concent.
Pitch accent and phrase boundaries: Kinematic evidence from Japanese

Constriction gestures at phrase boundaries are longer, larger and slower. However, the scope of these effects, i.e., the stretch of speech affected, is still unclear. Previous work has mainly focused on stress languages and suggests that lexical prominence plays a key role in determining the scope of phrase-ﬁnal lengthening. Less is understood about other kinematic dimensions and the interaction between lexical prominence and boundary-related effects in languages without stress, although two acoustic studies on Japanese suggest that lexical pitch accent affects the amount of phrase-ﬁnal lengthening. The current Electromagnetic Articulography study examines the amount and scope of phrase-ﬁnal effects in two kinematic dimensions, duration and velocity, as a function of pitch accent position in Japanese. Results show that phrase-ﬁnal lengthening affects the formation of the constriction gesture in the onset of the ﬁnal syllable. Words with accent on the ﬁrst or second syllable show greater amount of lengthening on that formation, as well as lengthening of the same gesture’s release. This is consistent with research detecting phrase-ﬁnal lengthening on boundary-adjacent syllables. Analysis of normalized peak velocity revealed effects of accent, but no boundary-related slowing. The implications of these ﬁndings for prosodic structure are discussed, and typological distinctions are highlighted.
Vowel-consonant metathesis in Nivaĉle

Abstract Vowel-consonant metathesis is observed in a variety of contexts throughout the Nivaĉle (Mataguayan) grammar. It occurs in both verbal and nominal domains, characteristically resulting from the affixation of a consonant-initial suffix to a consonant-final stem. This paper provides an optimality theoretic account for vowel-consonant metathesis and vowel epenthesis in Nivaĉle. It is demonstrated that metathesis responds to phonological requirements; specifically, it serves to avoid marked structures in the language: complex codas, derived complex onsets, and bad syllable contacts. The prosodic analysis of syllable structure constraints aims to provide broad empirical coverage, as well as a coherent and integrated theoretical interpretation.