Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining biodiversity conservation with poverty alleviation - a case study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

In many developing countries there is a prevailing conflict between biodiversity conservation and the need for poverty alleviation. One possible solution for solving that conflict is to find ways that help poor people directly benefit from conservation activities. This approach has been tested in a wetland conservation project in Phu My village, Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province in Vietnam. The 2,000-hectare seasonally inundated grassland, dominated by the sedge Lepironia articulata (Cyperaceae), in Phu My Village is the last of its kind remaining in the Mekong Delta. In November 2004, a new model of protected area was therefore established. Unlike other protected areas in Vietnam where resource exploitation is prohibited, this is an “open” protected area in the sense that the local Khmer ethnic minority people are still allowed to harvest Lepironia as they have been doing for hundreds of years. The project provides local people with skills training and production equipment so that they can make fine handicrafts from the Lepironia they harvest. The project also helps with marketing handicraft products to higher profitable export markets. After three years of operating, the daily income of people who participated was on average twice as much as it was before the project began. The unique remnant wetland is protected, which would otherwise have been turned into a rice cultivation area according to the previous land use planning of Kien Giang Province.
Tillage Effects on Nitrogen Leaching and Nitrous Oxide Emission from Double‐Cropped Paddy Fields

Published in Agron. J. 106:15–23 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj2013.0185 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. In addition to plant uptake, N applied to the soil can volatilize into the atmosphere or leach into the groundwater, both of which result in adverse effects to the environment. Therefore, prudent N management plays an important role in improving quality, increasing crop yields, and reducing environmental pollution. It is estimated that 37% of the world’s N fertilizer is used for rice production, and China alone accounts for 22% of the global use (Peng et al., 2008). Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in paddy fields is rather low in China, ranging from 30 to 35% (Pang and Peng, 2010). Compared with dryland cropping, N leaching in paddy soils is serious because of the long-term flooding, causing serious environmental problems and economic losses to farmers (Zhang et al., 2011). Therefore, management practices should be specifically identified to reduce N losses and increase NUE. Tillage methods strongly influence N transformations and fluxes, nonpoint-source pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Some researchers have reported an increase in leaching of N under NT (Paul and Clark,1989, p. 147–162; Schreiber and Cullum, 1992), while others have reported either an opposite effect or no effect at all (Halvorson et al., 2001; Mkhabela et al., 2008), depending on the specific site, climatic regime, soil type, residue management, and cropping system. In general, NT is effective in mitigating N2O emissions due to low surface disturbance (Mosier et al., 1996; Drury et al., 2006; Lee et al., 2006). In contrast, however, NT can also emit more (Six et al., 2004; Chatskikh and Olesen, 2007) or similar (Elmi et al., 2003; Liu et al., 2005) N2O compared with CT. The results of studies on N2O emissions from paddy fields under different tillage practices are also diverse and often contradictory (Zhang et al., 2011). Such conflicting results regarding the impact of tillage on N losses and N2O emissions underscore the need for further research that can assist in identifying the best management practice for improving NUE and environmental quality (Ussiri and Lal, 2013). The conservation agriculture system in paddy fields (i.e., transplanting with NT or direct seeding) is gaining momentum in southern China and elsewhere in Asia due to the high labor cost of planting rice. The double rice cropping system (rice– rice, two rice crops in 1 yr) is the dominant cropping system in the Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces of China. The long duration of inundation in such a system enhances the risks of nutrient leaching. Therefore, it is important to enhance N ABSTRACT
Developing Medical Students’ Broad Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning Through GP-Facilitated Teaching in Hospital Placements

Purpose Graduating medical students need broad clinical diagnostic reasoning skills that integrate learning across clinical specialties to deal with undifferentiated patient problems. The opportunity to acquire these skills may be limited during clinical placements on increasingly specialized hospital wards. We developed an intervention of regular general practitioner (GP) facilitated teaching in hospital placements to enable students to develop broad clinical diagnostic reasoning. The intervention was piloted, refined and delivered to a whole cohort of medical students at the start of their third year. This paper examines whether students perceived opportunities to improve their broad diagnostic clinical reasoning through our intervention. Methods GP-facilitated teaching sessions were delivered weekly in hospital placements to small groups of 6–8 students for 90 mins over 6 weeks. Students practiced clinical reasoning with real patient cases that they encountered on their placements. Evaluation of learning outcomes was conducted through a student questionnaire using Likert scales with free-text boxes for additional explanation. Focus groups were conducted to gain a more in-depth understanding of student perspectives. Results As high as 87% of students agreed that their broad clinical diagnostic reasoning ability had improved. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed four factors supporting this improvement: practicing the hypothetico-deductive method, using real patient cases, composing student groups from different speciality placements and the breadth of the facilitators’ knowledge. Students additionally reported enhanced person-centredness in terms of understanding the patient’s perspective and journey. Students perceived that the added value of general practitioner facilitators lay in their broad knowledge base and knowledge of patient needs in the community. Conclusion Our results suggest that medical students can develop broad clinical diagnostic reasoning skills in hospital settings through regular GP-facilitated teaching. Our approach has the advantage of working within the established curricular format of hospital placements and being deliverable at scale to whole student cohorts.
Solar System limits on gravitational dipoles

The gravitational dipole theory of Hadjukovic (2010) is based on the hypothesis that antimatter has a negative gravitational mass and thus falls upwards on Earth. Astrophysically, the model is similar to but more fundamental than Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), with the Newtonian gravity $g_{_N}$ towards an isolated point mass boosted by the factor $\nu = 1 + \left( \alpha/x \right) \tanh \left( \sqrt{x}/\alpha \right)$, where $x \equiv g_{_N}/a_{_0}$ and $a_{_0} = 1.2 \times 10^{-10}$ m/s$^2$ is the MOND acceleration constant. We show that $\alpha$ must lie in the range ${0.4-1}$ to acceptably fit galaxy rotation curves. In the Solar System, this interpolating function implies an extra Sunwards acceleration of ${\alpha a_{_0}}$. This would cause Saturn to deviate from Newtonian expectations by ${7000 \left( \alpha/0.4 \right)}$ km over 15 years, starting from known initial position and velocity on a near-circular orbit. We demonstrate that this prediction should not be significantly altered by the postulated dipole haloes of other planets due to the rather small region in which each planet's gravity dominates over that of the Sun. The orbit of Saturn should similarly be little affected by a possible ninth planet in the outer Solar System and by the Galactic gravity causing a non-spherical distribution of gravitational dipoles several kAU from the Sun. Radio tracking of the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn yields a ${5\sigma}$ upper limit of 160 metres on deviations from its conventionally calculated trajectory. These measurements imply a much more stringent upper limit on $\alpha$ than the minimum required for consistency with rotation curve data. Therefore, no value of $\alpha$ can simultaneously match all available constraints, falsifying the gravitational dipole theory in its current form at extremely high significance.
Induction of chromosome aberrations in Allium cepa L. root tips on exposure to ballast water

Lack of enforced regulations on the exchange of ballast water from oceangoing ships has led to its indiscriminate discharge in the environment. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ballast water were investigated using the Allium cepa L. test. Bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) of ballast water, and after 48 h the root tips were processed for cytological studies by the aceto-orcein squash procedure. All concentrations induced a number of chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells. The mitotic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration. The cytotoxic effects showed strong concentration-dependent root growth inhibition with an EC50 value of 15% after 72 h.
Geographic variation in the black bear (Ursus americanus) in the eastern United States and Canada

The pattern of geographic variation in morphologic characters of the black bear (Ursus americanus) was assessed at 13 sites in the eastern United States and Canada. Thirty measurements from 206 males and 207 females were recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm using digital calipers and subjected to principal components analysis. A matrix of correlations among skull characters was computed, and the first 3 principal components were extracted. These accounted for 90.5% of the variation in the character set for males and 87.1% for females. Three-dimensional projection of localities onto principal components showed that, for males and females, largest individuals occurred in the more southern localities (e.g., males-Louisiana-Mississippi, eastern Texas; females-Louisi- ana-eastern Texas) and the smallest animals occurred in the northernmost locality (Quebec). Gen- erally, bears were similar morphologically to those in nearby geographic areas. For males, correla- tions between morphologic variation and environmental factors indicated a significant relationship between size variation and mean January temperature, mean July temperature, mean annual precip- itation, latitude, and actual evapotranspiration; for females, a significant relationship was observed between morphologic variation and mean annual temperature, mean January temperature, mean July temperature, latitude, and actual evapotranspiration. There was no significant correlation for either sex between environmental factors and projections onto components II and III.
Evapotranspiration, water‐use efficiency and quality of six dryland planted pasture species and natural vegetation, in a semi‐arid rangeland 1

Abstract Hydraulic, non‐floating lysimeters were used to determine evapotranspiration (Et) and water‐use efficiency (WUE) of several dryland planted pasture species over a period of three years. The species were Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Digitaria eriantha subsp. eriantha, Eragrosiis curvula and Panicum maximum. The WUE was expressed as the amount of above‐ground phytomass as well as the crude protein produced per unit volume of water evapotranspired. The water‐balances of the planted pastures were also compared with that of a natural grassland (veld) in good condition. Differences in Et between the various species were not significant (P>0.05). Deep percolation, beyond the root zone (i.e. more than 0.8 m), did not occur in any of the species nor in the veld treatment throughout the study. Chloris gayana produced more above‐ground phytomass (P≤0.01) than all the other species in both wet and drier conditions. The average WUE (7.2 kg dry matter (DM) ha‐1 mm‐1 and 0.39 kg crud.
FISSION, FUSION AND NONRANDOM ASSOCIATIONS IN FEMALE BECHSTEIN'S BATS (MYOTIS BECHSTEINII)

Maternity colonies of the Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) are socially closed units that frequently split into subgroups which occupy different roosts. We analysed the social structure of one colony over three years in the field and quantified associations among pairs of females by using three association indices. Colony members exhibited marked mixing, although individual composition of subgroups was not completely random. Females associated according to the reproductive status, with lactating females preferentially roosting together. Relatedness, determined from 5 nuclear and 1 mitochondrial microsatellite, had no consistent influence on the degree of association. In combination, the indices allowed for the interpretation that nonrandom associations occur even in the absence of shared roost and group size preferences. High individual associations among reproducing female Bechstein's bats might reflect the importance of cooperation in maternity colonies. The frequent fission and fusion of subgroups suggests a flexible reaction of Bechstein's bats according to enviromental conditions.
Estimations of the Mexicali Valley (Mexico) Mixing Height

We report estimations of the Mexicali Valley (Mexico) mixing height for three seasons. Surface and upper air meteorological measurements were carried out nearby Cerro Prieto geothermal power plant during July 2010 (summer), January 2012 (winter), and October 2016 (autumn). Four different methods were applied to estimate the convective boundary layer (CBL) height from radiosonde (RS) profiles: the parcel method, the gradients method, the least-squares variational approach based on the slab model of the CBL structure, and a covariance method. For nocturnal conditions, we used diagnostic models based on friction velocity and Monin–Obukhov length. Under unstable conditions, we obtained (on average) mixing heights of 497 m at 06:00 LST, 1242 m at 12:00 LST, 1404 m at 15:00 LST, and 482 at 18:00 LST during summer; 754 m at 12:00 LST during winter; and 1195 m at 12:00 LST and 13:00 m between the 14:00 and 15:00 LST during the autumn. The results allowed adjusting a semiempirical model to evaluate mixing height from turbulent sensible heat flux and friction velocity data. Our results provide practical tools that could facilitate the application of regulatory dispersion models to assess air quality in the region.
Optimal Mixed Strategies in Stochastic Environments

Abstract Environmental fluctuation between generations can lead to mixed optimal strategies (so-called "bet-hedging"). Due to mathematical intractability, however, optimality modelling has up to now largely ignored the effects of such fluctuations. The cases that have been considered so far are relatively simple. We show that the optimal strategy can be calculated explicitly for the case of non-structured populations. an environmental parameter which varies over generations according to an ergodic process and certain types of payoff functions (specifying the relationship between an individual′s trait value, the environment, and its expected contribution to the populations size in the next generation). Our results also lead to numerical solutions for other cases. Situations with and without information about the environment are considered. In both cases, there is a minimum environmental variability above which mixed strategies are optimal. Examination of the differences between long-term reproductive success of constrained purr strategies and optimal mixed strategies indicates that there is a high selection pressure for mixed strategies to evolve unless individuals can acquire highly accurate information about their environment. We show that the solution is robust in the sense that it has near to optimal long-term reproductive success under small perturbations of the payoff function and/or the distribution of the environmental parameter.
Effects of Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome on Kidney Histology in Rats

Metabolic syndrome is a fatal endocrinopathy, which is progressed towards pandemic, and characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, it is aimed to investigate the histomorphological and histochemical changes caused by the metabolic syndrome in rat kidneys. For this purpose, the material was divided into two groups: 10 rats in the control group and 15 rats in the experimental group. During 16 weeks, while tap water was given to control group rats, water including 20% fructose solution was given to experimental group rats as drinking water. At the end of the study, Crossman's triple staining method was performed to determine the histological appearance and histomorphological changes in the sections taken from the kidneys. Periodic Acid Schiff Reagent (PAS) staining method was performed for histochemical analysis. The results of the study showed that the tubulus proximalis diameter, tubulus proximalis glycogen density, and glomerular mesangial matrix density increased, corpusculum renis diameter, width of cavum glomeruli and ascending limb of Henle’s loop diameter decreased. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that metabolic syndrome may adversely affect kidney histology and cause renal damage.
The neuroimaging magnitude of pediatric brain atrophy in northern Tanzania

Introduction The loss of parenchymal brain volume per normative age comparison is a distinctive feature of brain atrophy. While the condition is the most prevalent to elderly, it has also been observed in pediatric ages. Various causes such as trauma, infection, and malnutrition have been reported to trigger the loss of brain tissues volume. Despite this literature based knowledge of risk factors, the magnitude of brain atrophy in pediatric age group is scantly addressed in most developing countries including Tanzania. The current study aims to understand the magnitude of brain atrophy in children residing in Northern Zone, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional hospital survey was performed in which 455 children who were presented with various brain pathologies from the year 2013 to 2019 and whose brains examined by Computerized tomography (CT)-Scanners were recruited in the study. The brain statuses were examined using three linear radiological methods including the measure of sulcal-width, Evans index, and lateral ventricular body width. Results Results showed a significant number of atrophied brains among children in Northern Tanzania and that the condition was observed to have a 1:1 male to female ratio. The prevalence of pediatric brain atrophy was found to be 16.04%. Conclusion The cortical subtype of brain atrophy presented as the most prevalent type of brain volume loss. The findings of this study suggest existence of considerable trends of brain atrophy in children which need special attention and mitigation plans.
STRUCTURE AND CHEMISTRY OF A NEW CHEMICAL RACE OF BOTRYOCOCCUS BRAUNII (CHLOROPHYCEAE) THAT PRODUCES LYCOPADIENE, A TETRATERPENOID HYDROCARBON 1

New strains of the hydrocarbon rich alga Botryococcus braunii Kützing were isolated from water samples collected in three tropical freshwater lakes. These strains synthesize lycopadiene, a tetraterpenoid metabolite, as their sole hydrocarbon. The morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of these algae are similar to those reported for previously described strains which produce either alkadienes or botryococcenes. The pyriform shaped cells are embedded in a colonial matrix formed by layers of closely appressed external walls: this dense matrix is impregnated by the hydrocarbon and some other lipids. We believe the new strains synthesizing lycopadiene form a third chemical race in B. braunii, besides the alkadiene and botryococcene races, rather than a different species.
Asymmetry of larval diet breadth and oviposition preference in Leptinotarsa undecimlineata

The relationship between preference and performance was studied under laboratory conditions for larvae and adult females of Leptinotarsa undecimlineata (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Leptinotarsa undecimlineata feeds exclusively on Solanum lanceolatum L. (Solanaceae) in the centre of Veracruz, Mexico. A common sympatric species, Solanum myriacanthum Dunal, is not used as host. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to detect reasons for the exclusive use of one host plant. Leptinotarsa undecimlineata larvae were reared under laboratory conditions on both plant species, Solanum lanceolatum and S. myriacanthum. Length of larval stages, pupal weight, and percent adult eclosion were compared, and larval preference for both Solanum species was tested. Upon eclosion, adult females were exposed to each of the plants, and the effect of larval diet on adult preference was determined. Oviposition on both Solanum species was observed in no‐choice tests. Larvae showed no significant preferences for either plant species. Pupal weight, however, was significantly higher on S. lanceolatum. Female beetles significantly preferred S. lanceolatum leaves, and no effect of preimaginal conditioning was found. Females reproduced in lower numbers after feeding on S. myriacanthum, oviposition initiated later, and females laid fewer eggs than females fed with S. lanceolatum. No female accepted S. myriacanthum for oviposition. Results obtained suggest that the potential host breadth of L. undecimlineata is broader in larvae than in female beetles.
Abundance, origin, and phylogeny of plants do not predict community‐level patterns of pathogen diversity and infection

Abstract Pathogens have the potential to shape plant community structure, and thus, it is important to understand the factors that determine pathogen diversity and infection in communities. The abundance, origin, and evolutionary relationships of plant hosts are all known to influence pathogen patterns and are typically studied separately. We present an observational study that examined the influence of all three factors and their interactions on the diversity of and infection of several broad taxonomic groups of foliar, floral, and stem pathogens across three sites in a temperate grassland in the central United States. Despite that pathogens are known to respond positively to increases in their host abundances in other systems, we found no relationship between host abundance and either pathogen diversity or infection. Native and exotic plants did not differ in their infection levels, but exotic plants hosted a more generalist pathogen community compared to native plants. There was no phylogenetic signal across plants in pathogen diversity or infection. The lack of evidence for a role of abundance, origin, and evolutionary relationships in shaping patterns of pathogens in our study might be explained by the high generalization and global distributions of our focal pathogen community, as well as the high diversity of our plant host community. In general, the community‐level patterns of aboveground pathogen infections have received less attention than belowground pathogens, and our results suggest that their patterns might not be explained by the same drivers.