Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The breeding population of Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands in 2014

ABSTRACT Capsule: Overall numbers of Peregrines are higher than previously recorded, due primarily to the growth of lowland populations, despite declines in many upland areas. Aims: To estimate the breeding population of Peregrines, and changes in this population over time, as well as to relate variation in trends and observed breeding success to variation in region, breeding site type and other ecological influences. Methods: Two types of survey methods were used. Site-based visits focussed on locations where Peregrines were known to have bred previously, while area-based searches aimed to find all Peregrines breeding in randomly chosen 5 km × 5 km squares. Findings from each method were used to estimate population size in different parts of the survey area. Breeding outcome and site type were assessed for most of the pairs found during either survey. Results: In 2014, the breeding population of Peregrines in the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands was estimated at 1769 pairs. This is 22% larger than the population estimate from the previous survey in 2002. Most of this increase is accounted for by increases in lowland England. Populations in some upland areas have declined. Conclusions: The gap between the fortunes of lowland and upland Peregrines has continued to grow, along with the overall UK population. Likely reasons for the continued success of Peregrines in the lowlands include increasing uptake of breeding sites on human structures, abundant availability of prey in many lowland situations and, in many areas, a relative lack of conflict with humans. Factors likely to be limiting upland Peregrine populations vary between different regions, and include ongoing illegal killing and deliberate disturbance, and food supply.
Designing urban parks for inclusion, equity, and diversity

ABSTRACT Urban parks are vital spaces that provide the much-needed open space in cities offering numerous benefits and opportunities. One of the prime roles of urban parks is to fulfill the physiological and psychological needs of diverse populations. Empirically observing and analyzing park use can be an important tool toward reducing the gap between user needs and the planning, design, and management of urban parks. This paper reports the findings of systematic observation and evaluation of park design and management of two major urban parks in Cincinnati, Ohio. First, we conduct systematic on-site observation and document user-activity patterns at different times of day and week. Second, we graphically represent the observations using outputs from qualitative and quantitative analyses. Finally, we synthesize and analyze the observations to identify the dominant users of the parks, their behaviors and activities, and the utility of the park designs and facilities in serving the needs of the diverse social groups. The findings provide useful insights on aspects of park design that create affordances for diverse groups to use the park and ones that create territorial segregation, thus showing whether contemporary parks are inclusive, equitable, and diverse or not. The paper concludes with recommendations for designing for diversity in urban parks.
Biogeography of Buarremon brush-finches (Aves, Emberizinae): Integrating Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics

Ecological and historical approaches to studying species’ geographic ranges have yet to be unified. Ideal scenarios for integrating ecology with evolutionary biology in biogeography are those where contemporary ecological interactions may have influenced species’ distributions historically, driving the evolution of ecological niches. I focused on understanding the origin of elevational distributions of species, and specifically on the role of interspecific competition in the origin of complementary elevational ranges. To test hypotheses about the origin of elevational distributions, I followed a combined approach involving molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, population genetics, and ecological niche modeling. I focused on Buarremon torquatus and B. brunneinucha (Aves, Emberizinae), whose elevational distributions appear to be influenced by interspecific competition. The hypothesis that elevational distributions in Buarremon changed in opposite directions as a result of competition is untenable because: (1) a historical expansion of the range of B. brunneinucha into areas occupied by B. torquatus was not accompanied by a shift in the elevational range of the former species, (2) when B. brunneinucha colonized the range of B. torquatus, lineages with disparate elevational distributions had already diverged, and (3) historical trends in effective population size do not suggest populations with elevational ranges abutting those of putative competitors have declined as would be expected if competition caused range contractions. In addition, explicit analyses relating elevation to environmental variables that limit distributions directly indicate some distribution patterns can be more parsimoniously explained by hypotheses alternative to competition. The role of competition in elevational zonation may be to act as a sorting mechanism that allows the coexistence along mountain slopes only of ecologically similar species that differ in elevational distributions prior to attaining sympatry. A comprehensive assessment of species limits within B. torquatus based on phylogenetic, vocal, morphological, and ecological data indicates that B. torquatus comprises multiple species. Although examining the origin of the contrasting elevational ranges of different species is still sensible because the B. torquatus complex is a clade, when viewed in comparison to those of genera with multiple species, the patterns of elevational distribution of “B. torquatus” do not appear as unique as traditionally thought. Cadena, C. Daniel, UMSL, 2006 p. ii
The role of gut hormones on food intake and carbohydrate tolerance

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) operation for obesity results in sustained weight loss and improvements in carbohydrate tolerance, that no current medical treatment can replicate. The mechanism that underlies the metabolic improvements observed after RYGB remains unclear, but there is an association with increased post-prandial concentrations of several gut hormones; glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), oxyntomodulin (OXM), peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon. Each of these hormones have multiple and different actions that include reductions in food intake, increases in energy expenditure, satiety and improvements in glucose tolerance. Previous studies investigating the metabolic effects of these hormones have used single or dual infusions. In this thesis, I have investigated for the first time the effect of coinfusing three gut hormones; GLP-1, OXM and PYY together on food intake. The dose used of each hormone was designed to replicate the postprandial levels observed after RYGB. This triple hormone infusion resulted in a significant reduction in food intake relative to saline and subsequently supports the role of gut hormones in the metabolic benefits observed after RYGB
Changes in woodland bird communities as replanted woodland matures

Small patches of woodland were progressively established on degraded agricultural land near Gunnedah, northern New South Wales, on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains. Birds were resurveyed in the plantings, and in agricultural fields (cropping and pasture) and remnant woodland, in 2011–12, 10 years after initial surveys in 2000–01. The plantings in the later survey were 60, 18, 16 and 13 years old, with a shrub layer included in the three youngest cohorts. The survey sites (total 14 ha planted, all within 200 m of remnant woodland) were paired 1-ha plots in each vegetation category. Birds were surveyed by 30-min area searches of each plot eight times over all seasons, using the same plots, procedure and observer as before. In all, 73 species were recorded in the later survey (versus 72 in the earlier survey), for a total of 87 species over both survey periods, with 58 species in 2011–12 (versus 54 in 2000–01) in the plantings; eight of 15 new species visited or colonised the maturing plantings. Avian species richness and abundance increased from the cleared agricultural plots through the progressively older plantings to resemble those in the remnant woodland. Between the first and second surveys, bird communities in the younger plantings converged with those in the older plantings and woodland. The nectar-feeding, foliage-feeding and ground-feeding insectivore guilds benefitted most, having increased in frequency in, or moved into, the younger cohorts of plantings (>13 years old), or both. Several threatened and other declining woodland birds visited, increased in or colonised the plantings. However, noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) progressively occupied a few plots and excluded some other birds.
Antimicrobial Activity of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) Root Extract

Moringa oleifera (Lam.) - (Moringaceae) is commonly known as horseradish tree or drumstick used as phytomedicine such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antidiabetic, antifertility, antiulcer and antitumor. Moringa oleifera (Lam.) root was successively extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract were tested for antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Penicillium sp. , Mucor sp. , Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans by disc diffusion method. Ethyl acetate extract showed high antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.2 ± 0.2 mm). Chloroform extract were ineffective against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Aqueous extract showed maximum number of inhibition against Pencillium sp. , (13.1 ± 0.2 mm) than other extracts and Aspergillus niger were ineffective in all the extracts except aqueous extract. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, cardioglycosides, aminoacids and proteins.
Early functional mobilization for non-operative treatment of simple elbow dislocations: a systematic review

Purpose This systematic review aims to elucidate a non-operative rehabilitation program that optimizes recovery based on published approaches and outcomes. Methods Searches of four databases from inception to 1 January 2020 were performed to identify clinical studies addressing the non-operative management of simple elbow dislocations. Results Of 2435 studies that were eligible for title screen, 15 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Three randomized control studies demonstrated that early mobilization expedited the return of range of motion, function and return to work or activities, however, resulted in increased pain within the six-week rehabilitation period compared to Plaster of Paris casting for 21 days. Patients returned to work sooner after early mobilization (10 vs. 18 days; p = 0.02) compared to Plaster of Paris casting. In all studies, early mobilization resulted in similar re-dislocation rates of 1.3% (3/237) versus 2.2% (12/549) in those with Plaster of Paris casting as well as lower incidence of heterotopic ossification (36% vs. 54%). No significant differences between rehabilitation protocols were determined; however, the large majority of recent papers utilized rehabilitation protocols. Conclusion Early mobilization of simple elbow dislocations results in early return of Range-of-Motion, function and return to work with no increase in complication rates; however, increased pain during the rehabilitation period.
Ontogeny of protein concentration, haemocyte concentration and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in haemolymph of the invasive harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The harlequin ladybird is considered to be one of the most successful invasive insect species. Among other traits, its invasive success is considered to be caused by a powerful immune system. In the present study, we investigate the ontogenetic profile of protein concentration, concentration of circulating haemocytes and constitutive antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in Harmonia axyridis haemolymph during late larval development and early adult life. Protein concentration increases during the first 32 days of adult life from 45 to 100 mg per mL of haemolymph and reaches intermediate values during larval stages. The concentration of circulating haemocytes is very low (5000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph) in late larval stages and increases strongly during first 8 days of adult life to values of approximately 30 000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph. The killing efficiency of haemolymph against E. coli is lowest in larval stages, rapidly increases in the prepupal stage and then steadily grows during the whole period of adult life. There are no significant effects of sex on any of the investigated physiological or immune parameters. In general, the patterns observed for H. axyridis contrast with many results that are reported for other insects (e.g. bees, fruit flies, crickets or mosquitoes). One possible explanation is the contrasting life history of H. axyridis, with a fast preimaginal development and a long adult lifespan being linked to a long reproductive period. Substantial variation in physiological and immune parameters during ontogeny also has important methodological implications because individuals of exactly the same stage/age have to be employed for comparative studies.
Using ectomycorrhizae to improve the restoration of Neotropical coastal zones

As restoration ecology begins to engage more formally with the role of belowground interactions, we note that there is an even greater gap in knowledge of the role ectomycorrhizae (ECMs) have in ecological restoration in the Neotropical region. Even though there are a few records of ECMs in the Neotropics not much is known about their function. Here we highlight the underestimated importance of ECMs in Neotropical coastal zones, discuss how we could use the vegetation on the coast of the Atlantic Forest, called restinga, as a model to investigate tropical ECMs, and explore further possibilities that can be used in restoration projects.
Evaluation of solid-polymer-modified asphalt mixtures : phase 1 : construction and performance testing of field pavement sections

The durability of flexible pavements in cold regions is a challenge due to the impact of environmental conditions and seasonal variations. Other studies have investigated several modifiers as potential solutions to address cold climate durability of asphalt mixtures. Among these modifiers, polymer modification has shown promise. This study investigated the addition of solid polymer to asphalt mixtures to improve the performance and structural capacity of the material. Four test sections were constructed with different solid-polymer dosage rates: unmodified control, 2.5% polymer, 5% polymer, and 7.5% polymer by weight of binder. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing was conducted at each test section to evaluate the structural capacity and to identify the performance benefits of the solid-polymer-modified mixtures. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis, including maximum pavement deflection, deflection bowl parameters, backcalculation analysis, structural number, and impulse stiffness modulus. The field investigation results revealed structural benefits in test sections with the solid-polymer-modified mixture (7%–30% increase in stiffness, depending on the dosage rate). Results suggest that solid-polymer modification could be useful in improving the stiffness of asphalt pavements without compromising durability. Therefore, further investigations should evaluate the durability of the solid-polymer-modified asphalt pavements under different environmental conditions. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. ERDC/CRREL TR-20-11 iii
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Classroom-Wide Social–Emotional Interventions for Preschool Children

All children benefit from intentional interactions and instruction to become socially and emotionally competent. Over the past 30 years, evidence-based intervention tactics and strategies have been integrated to establish comprehensive, multitiered, or hierarchical systems of support frameworks to guide social–emotional interventions for young children. In this study, the authors reviewed systematically the efficacy of classroom-wide social–emotional interventions for improving the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of preschool children and used meta-analytic techniques to identify critical study characteristics associated with obtained effect sizes. Four electronic databases (i.e., Academic Search Premier, Educational Resource Information Center, PsycINFO, and Education Full Text) were systematically searched in December 2015 and updated in January 2018. “Snowball methods” were used to locate additional relevant studies. Effect size estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses for three child outcomes, and moderator analyses were conducted. Thirty-nine studies involving 10,646 child participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review, with 33 studies included in the meta-analyses. Random-effects meta-analyses showed (a) improvements in social competence and emotional competence, and (b) decreases in challenging behavior. For social competence and challenging behavior, moderator analyses suggested interventions with a family component had statistically significant and larger effect sizes than those without a family component. Studies in which classroom teachers served as the intervention agent produced statistically significant but smaller effect sizes than when researchers or others implemented the intervention for challenging behavior. This systematic review and meta-analysis support using comprehensive social–emotional interventions for all children in a preschool classroom to improve their social–emotional competence and reduce challenging behavior.
Influences of water management combined with organic mulching on taro plant growth and corm nutrition

ABSTRACT Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) is an important food staple in developing countries in Africa, West Indies, the Pacific region, and Southeast Asia. Because taro can be grown in almost all tropical regions of the world, it will play a crucial role in food security. The use of organic mulches, which contribute to soil water management, weed control, and fertilization simultaneously, shows promise as an eco-friendly approach in agronomy. In the present study, a field experiment including two cropping seasons (I and II) was conducted to evaluate the effects of water regimes with organic mulching on the taro growth and corm nutritive values. In results, compared with that under the upland regime, taro cultivation under the flooding regime had a higher level of soil fertility and better weed control. The flooding regime promoted more the taro plant growth and further enhanced the yields of the harvested corms; also, sugarcane bagasse and rice husk would be the superior mulch to obtain better corm attributes. By contrast, cultivation under the upland regime enhanced the nutritive values of taro corm more than did that under the flooding regime. Regardless of the upland or flooded regime, mulching treatments with rice husk could enrich taro corm nutrition more than could those with sugarcane bagasse and peanut hull. Also, the effects of water regime and mulching on taro plant growth and corm attributes would be varied with the rainfalls during the period of vegetative growth. Graphical abstract
Investigation of the Variability of Near‐Surface Temperature Anomaly and Its Causes Over the Tibetan Plateau

Recent research has reported the great influence of springtime land surface temperature (LST) and subsurface temperature (SUBT) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on downstream region summer precipitation, indicating the potential application of LST/SUBT on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) prediction. In this study, we employed both observational data and offline model simulation to explore the memory of surface and subsurface variables and assess the driving effects of snow/albedo and SUBT on the LST anomaly. Our composite analysis based on observation shows that the anomalous LST in the TP can sustain for seasons and is accompanied by persistent SUBT as well as snow and associated surface albedo anomalies. A multilayer frozen soil model reproduces the observed LST anomaly and shows surface albedo and middle‐layer SUBT have 1–3 months memory, indicating the degree of persistence or dissipation of anomaly through time with more extended memory during spring. With simulated middle‐layer SUBT as a predictor, the linear regression model produces Radj2 of 0.44 and 0.26 for 1‐ and 2‐month LST prediction, respectively. The predictability is higher during the spring. Our results also show February snowfall, May snowmelt, and aero in snow exert substantial impacts on springtime LST through snow albedo feedback. The long memory of SUBT allows it to preserve the surface thermal anomaly and release it gradually in the following months to seasons. Meanwhile, the sensitivity study indicates that the soil properties and soil column depth predominate SUBT memory, which suggests the key processes to improve LST/SUBT then downstream S2S prediction.
Productive and qualitative parameters of four Physalis species cultivated under colored shade nets

1PhD student in Applied Botany, Universidade Federal de LavrasMG. E-mail: daniel_eafi@yahoo.com. br ; joycerodrigues01@yahoo.com. br 2 Professor D.Sc, Universidade Federal de LavrasMG. E-mail: rafaelpio@hotmail.com. br 3 Professor D.Sc, Università per stranieri di Perugia. Italia. E-mail: maurizio.micheli@unipg.it 4 Post doctoral researcher in Universidade Federal de LavrasMG. E-mail: adantins@yahoo.com. br 5 PhD student in Crop Science, Universidade Federal de LavrasMG. E-mail: paulyene@gmail.com Abstract The genus Physalis L. has great importance in the framework of Brazilian biodiversity especially in the Amazon region. The use of colored shading nets allow manipulating the light spectrum, and thus supplying the appropriate quantity and quality of light for each species and maximizing production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of shade nets on fruit production and qualitative parameters of four species belonging to genus Physalis. The experimental design was random blocks with a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, four species of Physalis (P. peruviana, P. pubescens, P. minima and P. ixocarpa) and four colors of shade nets (white, blue, red and black), besides the control treatment under full sun exposure. Fruits were collected weekly and evaluated for longitudinal and transversal diameter and biomass with and without a calyx. Finally the percentage of calyx biomass compared to the total fruit biomass, number of fruits per plant and production were determined. A differentiated response was found among the species regarding the coloring of the converter shade nets. Plants of P. peruviana had the best productive and qualitative parameters of fruits when cultivated in full sunlight or under white shade nets, P. pubescens and P. minima when cultivated in full sunlight or under white and blue shade nets, and P. ixocarpa under red or black shade nets.