Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of intensive urbanization on trees in Hong Kong

Trees in cities face a severe limitation of plantable space and an exceptionally stressful growing environment. In Hong Kong, shortage of developable land has relegated trees to a lower priority and intensified urban impacts on them, relative to other cities. The vicissitudes of urban growth and trees since the founding of Hong Kong are reviewed, and eleven specific conflicts between urbanization and trees in Hong Kong are described. Redevelopment of existing buildings has raised site coverage by impervious surface and taken away ground-level planting space within and around affected lots. Infilling of relatively low-density areas mainly for government and institutional land-uses has increased development density and removed existing greenery and planting spaces. Road construction and improvement has widely damaged roadside trees and removed valuable and conspicuous greenery. Proliferation of underground utilities has fuelled the contest for usable space and precluded planting in many places. Widespread and frequent roadside trenching, associated with utilities and the laying of cable television and telecommunication networks has incurred massive root damage at roadsides. Poor soil quality commonly beset by chemical and physical constraints has caused chronic poor tree performance. Intrusion into urban parks and other green enclaves by buildings and roads has usurped the limited stock of green spaces. Encroachment into peri-urban woodlands has deprived the city of fringing mature greenery with conservation, landscape and amenity worth. Plantable space in reclaimed lands has been intensively used with inadequate allocation for trees. Protection and preservation of champion specimens has lacked statutory means and a coordinated policy. Reinforcement and demolition of stone walls has destroyed many large trees on unique mural habitats. Quality of arboricultural practice is poor, particularly in the private sector. Possible solutions to these limitations in Hong Kong are suggested, and have implications for other cities facing similar problems.
THE PROVISION OF VETERINARY SERVICES: WHO ARE THE INFLUENTIAL ACTORS AND WHAT ARE THE GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES? A CASE STUDY OF UGANDA

SUMMARY As a result of continued fiscal challenges from the late 1980s to date, the government of Uganda liberalized and decentralized the provision of veterinary services. As a result, many actors are involved in providing veterinary services without adequate regulation and supervision. With the resurgence of infectious diseases, and increased economic and health risks, especially to the rural poor, there is the need to understand relational patterns of actors to ensure good governance, and address emerging and re-emerging risks of animal diseases. A participatory mapping tool called Process Net-Map was used to identify relevant actors and assess their influence in the delivery of clinical and preventive veterinary services in both pastoral and intensive livestock production systems. The tool also served to elicit governance challenges in veterinary service delivery. The results reveal that important social relations in veterinary service delivery include the following: (1) Cooperation between private veterinarians and paraprofessionals as well as private veterinarians and government veterinarians in intensive production systems; and (2) cooperation between NGOs, government veterinarians and community-based animal health workers in pastoral areas. Staff absenteeism, insufficient and unpredictable budgets, weak legislation, exclusion of technical staff from the decision-making process and policy illogicality were identified as major governance problems of veterinary service delivery. The paper concludes that given the existing fiscal challenges, the key to improving animal service delivery in Uganda is getting priorities, policies and institutions right.
Yield, quality, and growing degree days of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)under different agronomic practices

Abstract: Two-year field experiments in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement in triplicate were performed in the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons under the Isparta ecological conditions of Turkey. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of sowing dates (15 March, 1 April, 15 April, and 1 May) and row spaces (15, 20, and 25 cm) on seed yield, yield-related traits, essential oil content, chemical composition, and growing degree days (GDD) of anise. The anise population of the study was obtained from Burdur, Turkey. The seed yield and its components, including plant height, number of branches, and number of umbels per plant, decreased due to delayed sowing time in 2013 and 2014. However, the highest essential oil content was obtained from the 15 April sowing date in both years. Among the row spaces, 20- and 25-cm row space resulted in the highest yield, yield components, and essential oil content both in 2013 and 2014. The effect of the sowing date and the row space interactions on seed yield and some yield-related traits of anise was statistically significant in both years. Generally, the yield and its components were higher when the row space was wider, as occurred on 15 March and 1 April, the early sowing dates of both 2013 and 2014. The highest essential oil content was obtained from the 20-cm row space on 15 April, the third sowing date, in both years. The main components of anise essential oil were determined as anisole-p-allyl (1.28%-1.80%), caryophyllene (1.00%-1.30%), and trans-anethole (96.95%-97.57%). Growing degree-days for different sowing dates of anise, from emergence to harvest, were 1413.5-1717.6 °C in 2013 and 1405.5-1686.1 °C in 2014.
Functional properties of soy protein isolate of crude and enzymatically hydrolysed at different times.

The partial hydrolysis may be used to modify the functional properties of proteins that are added to food and beverage formulations. The present study aimed to hydrolysing the soy protein isolate using Flavourzyme® and compares their functional properties (foaming capacity, foaming stability, solubility, water capacity absorption and oil-holding capacity) with the same functional properties of the crude protein. The hydrolysis reaction was conducted for 240 minutes to determine the degree of hydrolysis over time. The samples used for the analysis of functional properties were obtained in 30 minutes of hydrolysis (Degree of Hydrolysis of 36.5%) and 60 minutes of hydrolysis (Degree of Hydrolysis of 51%). To capacity foaming, were obtained results of up to 63.3% however the hydrolysis did not significantly alter this property. The foaming stability increased to 16% protein hydrolysate. The solubility of hydrolysed protein increased 46% compared to in non-hydrolysed protein. The water capacity absorption and oilholding capacity decreased for the samples hydrolysed compared to non-hydrolysed.
In Vitro and ex Vitro Adventitious Root Formation in Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) I. Comparative Morphology

One-node explants and one-node stem cuttings of Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum (Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai) were rooted, respectively, in vitro (tissue culture (TC)) or by conventional macropropagation (MACRO). The TC and MACRO stem bases were then analyzed for differences in the time-course sequence of 1) root primordia initiation and development and 2) adventitious root xylem development and root-to-shoot xylem connections. Early root primordia were observed at Day 3, and, by Day 7, root-to-shoot xylem connections were equally developed in TC and MACRO systems. Continued development and emergence of adventitious roots were observed at Days 8 to 10. At Days 13 and 18, when viewed using scanning electron microscopy, TC root hairs were morphologically thicker and one-third to one-half the length of MACRO root hairs. There was no apparent difference in root-hair density. Inferior TC root-hair length may be a factor in the acclimation of TC-generated plantlets.
Kinetic Studies on Extraction of Essential Oil from Lemongrass
Leaves (Cymbopogon citratus) by Steam Distillation Industrial Scale

Study on kinetics and modeling of the essential oil steam distillation are required for the optimization of the energy requirement, parameters and the process scale-up. In this study, hydrodistillation for extraction of essential oils from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) steam distillation was investigated. The recovery of essential oils was carried out on an industrial scale instrument and with with different material quantities. The experimental results are determined by the integral method of analysis. The kinetic parameters were evaluated from experimental data, which were generated at the different weights of the lemongrass. The extraction rate constant explaining the extraction efficiency achieved from this study is found to be k2 of 0.0661 min-1 in 710 kg using a second-order kinetic model. The GC/MS results revealed that 14 components were identified in Cymbopogon citratusoils. The oil is extremely rich in citral (69.775%), which obtained in 180 min.
THE EFFECTS OF DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVEL OF NON-STARCH POLYSACCHARIDES ON PERFORMANCE AND CANNIBALISM IN LAYING HENS

An experiment was conducted to observe the effect of different diets containing different level ofnon-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on performance and cannibalism of laying hens. Six diets (wheatbased,rice hull-based, plant protein-based, millrun-based, MOS, and bentonite) were used and wererandomly given to 6 groups of ISA Brown hens, with 18 replicates per group and 5 birds per replicatefor 8 weeks. The results showed that diets did not have a significant effect (P>0.05) on cannibalismmortality, but numerically the rice hull diet gave the lowest effect, the millrun gave the intermediateeffect, whereas the plant protein diet gave the largest negative effect. Diet significantly affected feedintake (P<0.01), egg production (P<0.01), feed to egg ratio (P<0.01) and egg weight (P<0.05). Birds onmillrun diet had the lowest intake, but the feed to egg ratio was superior and egg production was thehighest compared to those fed other diets. In contrast, the feed to egg ratio in rice hull diet was inferior,and egg weight was also lighter than those fed other diets. In conclusion, fibre sources have beenverified as contributing factors involved in the outbreak of cannibalism in laying hens. Diets containinghigh insoluble NSP had a potential to decrease the mortality due to cannibalism.
First abundance estimate of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Brazil by aerial survey

We estimated the abundance of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) through a large-scale project conducted in 2010 in north-eastern Brazil and evaluated the efficacy of an aerial survey for conservation purposes. Two observers conducted the survey via flights that maintained an altitude of 150 m and an air speed of 140 km h−1, covering over 2590.2 km2 of the coastline. Strip transects were flown in a zigzag pattern. A total of 67 manatees (on- and off-effort) were recorded in 55 sightings. Historical published records of occurrence were formally incorporated using a Bayesian approach. We estimated the manatee population for north-eastern Brazil in the form of a posterior distribution with a mean of 1104 individuals and a 95% posterior probability interval ranging from 485 to 2221 individuals, which indicates high uncertainty. More large-scale studies in the region are warranted to understand temporal trends, in addition to further studies in hotspot areas, with smaller spatial scales, to reduce the coefficient of variation and to allow the use of improved techniques for monitoring the manatees. A greater emphasis on species-specific characteristics and methods to enhance detection probability (e.g. dual observers) are also recommended. The conditions prevailing along the study area were not conducive to aerial surveillance; thus, the results are not a precise estimate of the manatee population. However, these highlight the importance of conservation efforts for the Antillean manatee, considered the most endangered aquatic mammal in Brazil.
A three-step approach to post-fire mortality modelling in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait) stands for enhanced forest planning in Portugal

Post-fire mortality has been studied using a variety of methods (e.g. Fowler and Sieg 2004; Sieg et al., 2006) that may be classified into two main groups. The first includes indirect approaches for prediction of tree mortality based on fire behaviour parameters. The second includes direct approaches based on the measurements of tree tissue injury (Keyser et al., 2006; Sieg et al., 2006). Indirect approaches require the use of fire behaviour simulators (e.g. Finney, 1998, 2006) which include models to calculate fire rate of spread (Rothermel, 1972; Albini, 1976; Rothermel and Rinehart 1983), fire shape (Anderson, 1983; Alexander, 1985), spot fire distance (Albini 1979, 1983) and crown fire spread rate (Van Wagner, 1977; Rothermel, 1991). However, these systems are seldom implemented in stand level simulators because information about weather conditions in a specific fire ignition day, fuel moisture (e.g. 1and 10-h fuel moisture contents) and fuel accumulation (e.g. shrubs growth, deadwood) are necessary and hard to predict over long planning periods, e.g. 60 years (Rothermel, 1991; Finney, 1999; He and Mladenoff, 1999; Gonzalez et al., 2007). On the other hand, direct approaches require measurements of tree tissue injury and fire intensity. These methods can be used for a variety of situations, e.g. setting acceptable upper and lower fuel moistures for conducting prescribed burns, determining number of hectares that may be burned on a given day and developing timber salvage guidelines following fire (Reinhardt, 1997). Yet direct methods are hardly practical in a forest management planning context as they require input data that are not available to forest managers when developing forest plans. The usefulness of post-fire models in forest planning depends on the information these models may provide A three-step approach to post-fire mortality modelling in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait) stands for enhanced forest planning in Portugal
Integrated management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in tea (Camellia sinensis) in Kenya

Two series of experiments were employed in evaluating integrated pest management for the control of root knot nematodes in tea. The first series involved evaluation of several control options involving intercropping tea with marigolds (Tagetes minuta), and the use of a nematicide Furadan® 5G and potash fertilizer. The severity of knotting was reduced in treatments with Furadan® 5G, T. minuta and potash by 28.7, 24.3 and 44%, respectively, over the 2-year study period. The T. minuta intercrop, however, retarded tea development. The second series of experiments involved screening for host plant resistance using 8, 24 and 25 cultivars at each of three different sites. The cultivars displayed significant variation in resistance to root knot nematode infection; several were resistant, a few moderately tolerant, while others were susceptible. Generally, progenies of susceptible and resistant cultivars exhibited similar phenotypes to their progenitors, indicating apparent susceptibility and resistance, to be highly heritable traits. The study demonstrated that the use of nematode-resistant cultivars is clearly the most practicable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for controlling nematodes in tea, although augmenting host-plant resistance with potash fertilizer could give better results.
The emergence of human metapneumovirus

Until relatively recently there had been episodes when children had been admitted into hospitals with symptoms that were similar to those expected for human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), but the available diagnostic procedures failed to detect the presence of HRSV, and the causative disease agent remained unidentified. Dutch scientists examined nasopharyngeal aspirates from similar patients in Holland using advanced molecular biology and imaging techniques. The conclusions of this study were published in 2001, revealing that a previously unidentified paramyxovirus was responsible for these infections. This agent was grouped within the subfamily Pneumovirinae, genus metapneumovirus, and given the name human metapneumovirus (HMPV) to distinguish it from other members of the genus Metapneumovirus that are of avian origin. Although HMPV is associated with upper respiratory tract infection, it is now recognized as a major cause of lower respiratory infection (LRTI) in children in a variety of different g.
Influence of Al2O3 Addition on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Borosilicate Glasses

Alkali-borosilicate glasses are one of the most used types of glasses with a high technological importance. In order to optimize glasses for diverse applications, an understanding of the correlation between microscopic structure and macroscopic properties is of central interest in materials science. It has been found that the crack initiation in borosilicate glasses can be influenced by changes in network interconnectivity. In the NBS2 borosilicate glass system (74.0SiO2-20.7B2O3-4.3Na2O-1.0Al2O3 in mol%) two subnetworks are present, i.e., a silicate and a borate network. Increasing cooling rates during processing were found to improve glasses crack resistance. Simultaneously, an increase in the network interconnectivity accompanied by an increasing capacity for densification were noticed. Their individual contribution to the mechanic response, however, remained unclear. In the present study the borosilicate glasses were systematically modified by addition of up to 4.0 mol% Al2O3. Changes in the network connectivity as well as the short- and medium-range order were characterized using Raman and NMR spectroscopy. Both the Raman and the 11B NMR results show that four-fold-coordinated boron is converted into three-fold-coordination as the Al2O3 content increases. Additionally, 27Al NMR experiments show that aluminum is dominantly present in four-fold coordination. Aluminum-tetrahedra are thus charge balanced by sodium ions and incorporated into the silicate network. Finally, nanoindentation testing was employed to link the inherent glass structure and its network configuration to the mechanical glass response. It was found that the glass softens with increasing Al2O3 content, which enhances the crack resistance of the borosilicate glass.
The effect of soil tillage on symbiotic activity of soybean crops.

Hanhur, V. , Marenych, M. , Yeremko, L. , Yurchenko, S. , Hordieieva, O. & Korotkova, I. (2020). The effect of soil tillage on symbiotic activity of soybean crops. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 26 (2), 365–374 This study is devoted to consideration of the practical aspect of atmospheric nitrogen biological fixation by soybean plants. This fixation is considered in terms of physiological-biochemical processes taking place at binding the inert nitrogen molecule in nitrogenous compounds accessible to plants. Searching the ways of intensifying the process of nitrogen fixation to obtain maximal yields of high-quality protein products appears to be an important practical task. It has been demonstrated that the role of soil tillage practices connected with the possibilities of soybean symbiotic nitrogen fixation, being among many factors capable of affecting this process, has not been sufficiently studied. To study effect of soil tillage and seed inoculation on soybean productivity field trials during the period from 2016 to 2018 were conducted. The following main soil treatment techniques were used: deep tillage (20–22 cm), shallow tillage of two types: up to 14–16 cm and to 12–14 cm depth. Various types of cultivators forming different degree of soil dispersity by its crumbling, fluffing, partial mixing, and also flattening the field surface were used for soil shallow tillage. It was established that inoculated soybean plants are able to uptake the maximal quantity of fixed nitrogen181.2 kg/ha under shallow tillage (12–14 cm), flattened and moderately compacted soil surface. Obtaining the highest soybean yield of 2.42 t/ha as compared with other soil tillage practices as shallow tillage (14–16 cm) and deep tillage under which the yields were 2.24 and 2.01 t/ha, respectively, was the result of such farm practices.
Temporal and spatial features of the thermohydrodynamics of shallow salty lagoons in northern Chile

Salares in the altiplanic region of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina sustain important ecosystems in small, shallow wetlands, with inflows provided by groundwater and outflows consisting mainly of evaporation. The temporal and spatial thermohydrodynamics of one of these extremely shallow, saline, endorheic wetlands in northern Chile is analyzed on the basis of field observations of water temperature and salinity, and low‐dimensionality models accounting for conservation of heat, mass, and volume. Temperature in the studied system is spatially homogeneous but with strong daily oscillations. Salinity, on the other hand, exhibits longitudinal gradients from the zone of (salty) groundwater upwelling to the final evaporation lagoon. Heat balance in the system is largely controlled by wind, as the evaporative heat flux balances out the net solar radiation. Heat exchange with the bottom sediments damps the daily temperature oscillations by retaining (releasing) heat from (to) the water column. Simulated longitudinal profiles of salinity and flow discharge agree reasonably well with field observations but salinity effects on the rates of both evaporation and salt precipitation need to be taken into account. Laboratory experiments were conducted to develop a simple model for the former effect while the latter effect was accounted for by using existing information. Field measurements provided calibration of the model parameters. The observed longitudinal salinity gradients are correlated with the biological structure of the associated ecosystem to explain, for instance, the existence of specific flamingos' feeding areas in the system.
Avaliação físico-química e sensorial do iogurte natural produzido com leite de búfala contendo diferentes níveis de gordura

Palavras-chave: SUMMARY PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF PLAIN YOGURT MANUFACTURED FROM BUFFALO MILK WITH DIFFERENT FAT CONTENT. Yogurt can be considered an excellent alternative for utilization of buffalo milk. However, consumers may have some acceptance problems in relation to buffalo yogurt because of the original high fat content of the milk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate some characteristics of stirred plain yogurt produced from buffalo milk with the following fat levels: whole milk, 3.0% (standardized) and 0.5% (skim). Yogurts were stored in 1L polyethylene bottles at 5 C for 30 days. Samples were collected at 1, 15 and 30 days of storage and submitted to the following analysis: acidity, pH, viscosity and sensorial evaluation. Acidity and pH values showed no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments during storage. Viscosity was not influenced (P > 0.05) by fat content in yogurts on days 1, 15 and 30 after manufacture. Standardized yogurt obtained higher scores (P < 0.05) for taste in sensorial analysis at 15 and 30 days storage. It is concluded that skimming of buffalo milk does not alter the studied physical and chemical properties of yogurt during storage for 30 days, and that standardized yogurt at 3.0% fat shows a better sensorial quality. buffalo milk; fermented milks; analysis.