Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The response of invertebrate assemblies to grazing

Invertebrate communities were monitored in a controlled sheep grazing experiment on ex-arable land on limestone and in nearby older calcicolous grasslands Results for vacuum sampling of Heteroptera and herbivorous Coleoptera are presented and compared with the responses of spiders, leafhoppers and leaf-miners Invertebrate groups differed in their responses to grazing and grassland age in terms of species diversity, abundance, variability over time and the development of a specific fauna on short turf Leaf-miner assemblies were most strongly determined by the effects of grazing on plant species composition, while spiders' responses could largely be explained by the effects of grazing on plant architecture Spider species simply accumulated over time, whilst leaf-miners were the most labile group Spiders, leaf-miners and leafhoppers all contained some common species restricted to old grasslands, whilst herbivorous Coleoptera and Heteroptera did not No single group demonstrated the full range of invertebrate responses Spiders, leafhoppers and leaf-miners each showed useful features as “indicator groups'”, but more than one group should be chosen for study in the context of particular research projects
Relation of Cotton Growth and Yield to Minimum Leaf Water Potential 1

Field studies were conducted over a 3 year period in the San Joaquin Valley of California to define the associations between minimum or midday leaf water potential (ψ1)and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth parameters, mainstem elongation and fiber growth, and to evaluate the suitability of using minimum (ψ1) as an index for irrigation scheduling. Locations on two soils, differing widely in water retention and transmission properties, were maintained for two of the test years. Mainstem elongation (EL) was greatest after stress was alleviated by irrigation. EL (cm/day) was reduced linearly as minimum (ψ1) (bars) declined; the function EL = 5.08 + 0.200(ψ1) was derived from available observations. Mainstem elongation essentially stopped when minimum (ψ1) dropped to −24 bars. Fiber growth (elongation and weight increase) proceeded unchecked until (ψ1)reached -27 to -28 bars, when the growth rate decreased markedly, indicating that fiber growth is probably a preferred sink at high stress levels. Minimum (ψ1)declined linearly with time following irrigation. High yields were obtained when minimum (ψ1)was allowed to decline to about -19 bars before irrigating. Any response resulting from differential conditioning, from prior water stress, was not sufficient to detract from the usefulness of minimum (ψ1) as an index for scheduling irrigation.
Further consideration of placoderm evolution

ABSTRACT The flight performances of Pteranodon ingens and Nyctosaurus gracilis from the Upper Cretaceous of Kansas were modeled using data from a Sailvane hang-glider which has an airfoil similar to that of a pterosaur. The aerodynamics of large pterosaurs were mainly dictated by three parameters: low wing loadings, wings with high aspect ratios, and the performance of the thin cambered airfoil. Given maximum muscular efforts, Nyctosaurus and Pteranodon could have taken off at airspeeds of 1.5 and 4 m/sec, respectively. These airspeeds included windspeed, running speed, and a flapping component, so takeoff presented no problems. Landing speeds were also slow. The sustained power output of Pteranodon was not enough for continuous level flapping flight. A maximum burst of power allowed level flapping or climbing flight. However, this required anaerobic muscle operation and was only maintained briefly. The power profile shows that Pteranodon was a soarer. On the other hand, the sustained power output of Nyct.
Computing, Girls and Education: What we need to know to change how girls think about information technology

Despite significant efforts and many intervention programs over the years to encourage girls to study computing, we continue to see a declining interest. Girls’ lack of engagement with technology at school is resulting in fewer women entering the Information Technology (IT) workforce. Our research investigated whether a long-term intervention program with a specifically designed school-based curriculum could change girls’ minds about computing generally and increase their confidence and interest in an IT career. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from girls and teachers before, during, and after this program was implemented. A conceptual model of the school-based influences on girls’ attitude was developed from the literature and used to explore the data. Findings from this four-year project added rich insights and resulted in a comprehensive model of ‘Factors that Influence Girls’ Attitude to IT. ’ This research demonstrates that a carefully designed IT curriculum, delivered in single-sex classes, reinforced by opportunities to interact with role models, and timetabled in regular class time, can and does change girls’ attitudes to IT. We also found that the students reported improved confidence and increased interest in IT. We posit that our refined model of ‘Factors that Influence Girls’ Attitude to IT’ is a valuable reference tool. Teachers, academics and professionals who are implementing programs to promote IT to girls can use it.
Duração do ciclo de desenvolvimento de cultivares de arroz em função da emissão de folhas no colmo principal

One of the goals of rice breeding programs in Southern Brazil during the last 40 years was to modify the developmental cycle of the genotypes. In general, the developmental cycle was shortened in order to increase rice competitons with red rice, a main weed in rice pads. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the duration of rice developmental cycle with main stem final leaf number and with main stem leaf appearance rate. A field experiment was carried out in Santa Maria, RS, in five sowing dates in two growing seasons (2003/2004 and 2004/2005). Seven rice genotypes varying from very early to late maturation were used: IRGA 421, IRGA 420, IRGA 417, IRGA 416, BRS 7 (TAIM), BR-IRGA 409, EPAGRI 109. Plants were grown in 12 liter pots buried in the soil. In each cultivar and sowing date, the duration, in °C day (Tb=11°C) of emergence (EM) - flag leaf colar appearance (R2) and R2 - physiological maturity (R9) phases, the main stem final leaf number and the phyllochron (time interval between the appearance of two successive leaves) were measured. Each 100°C day increase in the duration of the EM-R2 phase were due to a 0,5 - 0,7 main stem final leaf number increase and each 100°C day increase in the duration of the EM-R2 phase resulted in a 100°C day increase in total cycle EM-R9. These results indicate that the shortening of total developmental cycle (EM-R9) of rice is due to a decrease in main stem final leaf number and not due to change in leaf appearance rate.
Sugar maple seed production and nitrogen in litterfall

The influence of seed production on litterfall was studied for 2 years at five northern hardwood sites located across the Great Lakes region. Flower and seed litter contributed > 1 Mg•ha−1 dry matter in several instances, accounting for as much as 34% of total litter deposition. Significant differences between years were measured for both foliar and reproductive litter inputs at the sites. Production of reproductive litter and foliar litter were negatively correlated at the stand level (r = 0.99, P < 0.001), suggesting a direct trade-off between leaf biomass and reproductive biomass. Bumper seed crops had a large impact on total aboveground N litterfall. Reproductive N flux was as high as 41 kg•ha−1•year−1. Averaged across both years and all sites, reproductive litter accounted for 36% of total N in aboveground litterfall (range = 14–61%). When compared with the amount of N returned in foliage, reproductive litter averaged 67% (range = 18–174%). Nitrogen uptake and return in litterfall can be underestimat.
Urea as a nitrogen fertilizer for grass cut for silage

SUMMARY Forty-one experiments were carried out in England and Wales between 1983 and 1985 to compare ammonium nitrate and urea as N top dressings for multicut silage. The results showed that relative dry matter yields from the two fertilizers differed considerably between sites. However, compared with ammonium nitrate, there was a mean yield decrease with urea of 2% at the first cut and 5% at the second cut. Mean herbage N contents and apparent N recoveries were lower with urea than with ammonium nitrate at both the first and second cuts. It appeared, at least for first-cut dressings applied in early spring, that urea effectiveness increased with the amount of rain falling within 3 days of fertilizer application. The effect was much less obvious at the second cut. Urea effectiveness was not markedly reduced on soils of high pH or light texture, where higher ammonia volatilization losses might have been expected.
Marine renewable energy: potential benefits to biodiversity? An urgent call for research

Summary 1. The evidence for anthropogenically induced climate change is overwhelming with the production of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels being a key driver. In response, many governments have initiated programmes of energy production from renewable sources. 2. The marine environment presents a relatively untapped energy source and offshore installations are likely to produce a significant proportion of future energy production. Wind power is the most advanced, with development of wave and tidal energy conversion devices expected to increase worldwide in the near future. 3. Concerns over the potential impacts on biodiversity of marine renewable energy installations (MREI) include: habitat loss, collision risks, noise and electromagnetic fields. These factors have been posited as having potentially important negative environmental impacts. 4. Conversely, we suggest that if appropriately managed and designed, MREI may increase local biodiversity and potentially benefit the wider marine environment. Installations have the capacity to act as both artificial reefs and fish aggregation devices, which have been used previously to facilitate restoration of damaged ecosystems, and de facto marine-protected areas, which have proven successful in enhancing both biodiversity and fisheries. 5. The deployment of MREI has the potential to cause conflict among interest groups including energy companies, the fishing sector and environmental groups. Conflicts should be minimized by integrating key stakeholders into the design, siting, construction and operational phases of the installations, and by providing clear evidence of their potential environmental benefits. 6. Synthesis and applications. MREI have the potential to be both detrimental and beneficial to the environment but the evidence base remains limited. To allow for full biodiversity impacts to be assessed, there exists an urgent need for additional multi and inter-disciplinary research in this area ranging from engineering to policy. Whilst there are a number of factors to be considered, one of the key decisions facing current policy makers is where installations should be sited, and, dependent upon site, whether they should be designed to either minimize negative environmental impacts or as facilitators of ecosystem restoration.
How interactive maps mobilize people in geoactivism

Thus far little has been said about how maps are employed in activism to unleash sentiments. Employing as a lens the emotional turn currently influencing geography, this article looks at a 15M map, a cartographic animation that shows a ‘connected multitude’ of indignad@s as they demonstrated in Spain in 2011; the ‘Left-to-die boat’ map, tracing the course of a ship in which 63 refugees lost their lives; and the ‘Western Africa missing fish’ map, which shows foreign fishing vessels operating irregularly in African waters. Interviews, fieldwork, and participatory observation are employed to understand how maps are designed to activate people through emotions. Based on DeSoto (2014) and Muehlenhaus (2013), the chapter also offers a taxonomy as a heuristic tool.
The Use of Computational Mathematics Teaching Materials aided Mathematica Software in Vector Algebra Course

This study aims to get a picture of the effect of the use of computational mathematics teaching materials aided Mathematica software on student learning outcomes. The problem commonly faced by students in vector algebra courses is the understanding of concepts in the lecture material so that it impacts on the low student learning outcomes. The method used in this study is a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. The results obtained in this study are the differences in learning outcomes between groups of students who use these teaching materials and those who do not. A significant increase in student learning outcomes by an average of 5% was found after the use of computational mathematics teaching materials aided Mathematica software in the Vector Algebra course. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of teaching materials influences student learning outcomes.
COVID-19: fear appeal favoring purchase behavior towards personal protective equipment

ABSTRACT The 2019 novel coronavirus is a non-segmented positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae-Nidovirales family. We examined the swings in purchase behavior following the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, and across the world based on the theory of fear appeal. We gathered published statistics (suspected, confirmed, and fatality) on the COVID-19 alongside the purchase of personal protective equipment to examine the swings in online purchase behavior. With a serial mediated analysis, we established that fear appeal is associated with the sharp dynamics in the online purchase as related to the COVID-19. The results confirmed that fear appeal promotes social presence in anticipation of seeking affection, acceptance, and social information. This feeling is a precondition for developing e-loyalty, which promotes purchase behavior. Even though our variables might not be conclusive enough, we believe the findings are fundamental to understanding the swings in the purchase trend in this and any similar situations.
Effect of leaf condition on diapause induction of a Kanzawa spider mite Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae) population on tea plants

The effect of leaf condition on the diapause induction of Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida was investigated. Two leaf-condition treatments were prepared under a constant short daylength of 9L : 15D. In the “refreshed” treatment, dietary bean leaves were renewed twice at the deutonymphal (pre-imaginal) and adult stages, while leaves were not renewed in the “non-refreshed” treatment. At the population level most females entered diapause at 15°C and 18°C under both leaf conditions, while a significantly lower proportion of females entered diapause at 20°C under both leaf conditions. The diapause incidence was consistently lower in the “refreshed” treatment, though the difference was not significant. When comparing each lineage initiated from one fertilized female at 20°C/9L : 15D, lower diapause incidence was consistently found in the “refreshed” treatment than in the “non-refreshed” one. ANOVA showed a significant interaction between lineage and leaf condition. These results suggest that under moderate temperatures leaf condition acts as a secondary factor to enhance the primary diapause-inducing effects of short-day and temperature.
Relationships among pure cultured strains of Frankia based on host specificity

Fifty strains of Frankia were tested for their ability to nodulate six species of actinorhizal plants. Pure cultured strains were used to inoculate seedlings of Alnus giutinosa (L.) Gaertn. , Atntts rubra Bong. , Castmrina equisetifolia L. , Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Myrica cerifera L. in nutrient solution culture. From the results of this study, host inoculation groups among the actinorhizal plants were defined. Although overlap between host inoculation groups appears to be eommon, the results from this study did not support the view that Frankia strains are promiscuous. All Frankia strains tested in this study could easily be classified into four major host-specificity groups
Habitat indices for rivers: derivation and applications

1. River Habitat Survey (RHS) is the standard riverine hydromorphology survey in the UK and modified versions have been adopted in several other European Countries. It aims to broadly characterize physical features over 500 m reaches, but in so doing records more than 100 variables, often making interpretation and data analysis challenging. In such instances, synoptic treatment of the data, creating simple indices such as Habitat Modification and Habitat Quality Assessment scores, can prove beneficial. 2. The derivation of seven new indices is described, summarizing nearly half of the variables used by RHS and providing a quantitative overall summary of river reaches. 3. Derived using an objective analysis of the RHS database (cf expert judgement), one index describes bedrock/boulder channels, two indices describe bank and riparian vegetation and a further two describe aspects of sediment transport and deposition. Two distinct types of modification — bank reinforcement and channel re-sectioning — are also quantified. 4. Rigorous testing indicates that the indices are reliable across the complete range of conditions and countries in the UK. 5. The new indices are readily interpreted and while providing a simple overview of a river reach, they are objective and quantitative, lending themselves to a range of management and research applications. They have already been used successfully in quantifying riverine bird habitats and this, along with other applications, is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avaliação de substratos para a produção de mudas de tomate e pepino

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of tomato and cucumber seedlings to different compositions of organic substrates formulated with compost of poultry slaughterhouse wastes, tree pruning residue, and sand. Experiments were performed in 200-cell trays in a randomized block design. The treatments for tomato seedlings were: T0 (Plantmax® HT); T1 (compost); T2 (compost + sand, proportion 3:1 weight); T3 (compost + sand, proportion 1:1 weight) e T4 (compost + sand, proportion 1:3 weight); and for cucumber seedlings were: T0 (Plantmax® HA) and the same composition of organic substrates used for tomato seedlings. Seedling emergence (EP), root length (CR), dry mass of the root (MSR), and shoot (MSPA) were evaluated. Substrates T0 and T4 provided a faster EP for tomato seedlings, thus increasing the CR. However, values of CR in these substrates did not differ from those in T2 and T3 on the 20th day after seedling emergence (DAE). There was increase in the MSPA of tomato seedlings from T4 comparing with those from T0 and T3. The MSR of the tomato seedlings from T2, T3 and T4 were higher than those from T0 e T1.The MSPA of cucumber of plants from T3 and T4 showed a higher accumulation of dry mass comparing with those from T0 e T1. The, treatments with compost had MSR higher than T0, especially T3 e T4. Therefore, the substrates T3 and T4 are recommended for cucumber seedlings and T4 for tomato seedlings.
Stem Longevity of Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae) in Eastern North America

Abstract Changes in the standing crop of Vaccinium corymbosum shrubs were documented over 10 y at six sites throughout eastern North America. Populations in Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey and Nova Scotia showed few significant changes in standing crops over the 10 y of observation. The Ontario population had a significant decrease in standing crop whereas the Maine population increased significantly. Larger shrubs grew proportionately less at the New Jersey site but proportionately more at the Florida site. Seedling recruitment and plant mortality were very low at all sites.
Viability and morphological stability of Absidia strains during long‐term maintenance under mineral oil

The viability and morphological features of 23 subcultures of Absidia corymbifera, 7 of Absidia ramosa and 7 of Absidia blakesleeana that were preserved in potato dextrose agar (PDA) under sterile mineral oil at room temperature in the Fungal Culture Collection of Instituto Oswaldo Cruz for periods ranging from 3 to 44 years were examined. The subcultures were transferred to the same culture medium (PDA) on which they were preserved. Permanent preparations were made to check the identity of all viable subcultures. The identity was confirmed by comparing the material under study with published descriptions. Eighty one percent (81%) of the subcultures with different dates duration of preservation was viable under oil and maintained characteristics for species delineation whereas only 5% were dead and 14% were lost by contamination. This indicates that maintenance under mineral oil is an efficient technique for ensuring viability; morphological stabilities and spores formation of Absidia spp. strains during long‐term storage/maintenance in culture collections.
Effects of cecectomy on nitrogen utilization and nitrogen excretion in chickens fed a low protein diet supplied with urea

The effects of cecectomy on nitrogen utilization and nitrogen excretion were examined in single comb white leghorn (SCWL) cockerels fed a 5% protein diet supplied with urea. The cecectomy tended to increase nitrogen balance and nitrogen utilization and significantly decreased uric acid excretion (p < 0.01). Urea and ammonia excretion tended to be about 60% increased and decreased by cecectomy in SCWL cockerels, respectively, but blood ammonia, urea and uric acid concentrations were not affected. The results are in good agreement with those obtained previously in cecum-ligated chickens. It is concluded that the improvement of nitrogen utilization and decreases in urinary uric acid excretion in cecectomized chickens do not result from the modiflcation of cecal fermentation. (
Variation of nitric oxide emission potential in plants: a possible link to leaf N content and net photosynthetic activity

Aims Ecological systems, especially soils, have been recently recognized as an important source of atmospheric nitric oxide (No). However, the study on the contribution of plants to atmospheric No budget is significantly lagged. The specific objectives of this study are to reveal the phylogenetic variation in No emission potential existing in various plant species and find out the possible leaf traits affecting No emission potential. We measured No emission potential, leaf N and C content, C:N ratio, specific leaf area, net photosynthetic rate (P n ) and estimated photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNuE) of 88 plant species. Further investigation of the relationships between No emission potential and leaf traits were performed by simple linear regression analysis and pair-wise correlation coefficients analysis. major results are as follows: (1) No emission from plant species exhibited large variations, ranging from 0 to 41.7 nmol m −2 h −1 , and the species frequency distributions of No emission potential could be fitted to a log-normal curve. (2) among 88 species, No emission potential was the highest in Podocarpus macrophyllus , but lowest in Zanthoxylum nitidum and Vernicia montana . (3) No emission potential has strong correlation to leaf N content, P n and PNuE. The variations in No emission potential among diverse plant species may be closely related to leaf N level and net photosynthetic ability.