Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Bird Watching's Negative Ecological Impacts: Stakeholder and Recreational Specialization Comparisons

Perceptions of Bird Watching‟s Negative Ecological Impacts: Stakeholder and Recreational Specialization Comparisons. (May 2012) Lisa Jeane Reznicek, B.S., University of Houston; B.F. A. , University of Houston Co-Chair of Advisory Committee, Dr. W. vonZharen Dr. F. Pearl Birding, the act of observing birds in the outdoors, is a form of nature recreation and traditionally considered ecologically benign. Unfortunately, birders, in the pursuit of interactions with wild birds, can have negative impacts on birds and critical bird habitat. Often, competition for space or resources can create conflict among recreational users and bird conservation initiatives. People involved in maintaining birding recreation as well as ecological conservation include stakeholders such as birders, birding guides, and natural resource managers. Comparisons of negative impact perceptions were investigated among birder specialization categories, and between birders and other stakeholders. This study is a comparative analysis of how birding‟s negative impacts are perceived by the people involved in recreation and conservation. Further examination of the recreational specialization theory as an indicator for birders‟ perceptions of birding‟s negative impacts was also conducted. The purpose of such comparisons is to gain an understanding of different stakeholder needs to better serve and utilize the resources available. Justification for the study came from a series of structured interviews. Preliminary interviews with birding stakeholders identified perceived negative impacts from birding and conservation strategies to address those impacts. Separate on-site surveys, tailored for each of the three stakeholder groups, were conducted to assess
Dependence of the evening prereversal enhancement of the vertical plasma drift on geophysical parameters

[1] The variability of the evening prereversal enhancement (PRE) of the vertical plasma drift has been investigated by using the average velocity at a fixed local time range, but this method does not provide a clear distinction between the PRE occurrence frequency and magnitude. In this study, we examine the dependence of the occurrence frequency, occurrence local time, and magnitude of the PRE on geophysical parameters by using the retrievals of the individual PRE from the first Republic of China satellite data. Our result shows that the seasonal-longitudinal variation of the average vertical velocity in the evening that has been identified in previous studies is associated with both the PRE occurrence frequency and PRE magnitude. The magnitude of the PRE shows an increasing trend with an increase of the solar flux and with a decrease of the conjugate E region sunset time lag. The seasonal-longitudinal variation of the occurrence local time of the peak PRE shows a dependence on the E region sunset time at the magnetic equator rather than on the magnetic declination or the sunset time lag in the conjugate E regions. This observation indicates that the optimum time for the creation of the peak PRE is when the sunset terminator at the E region height and the magnetic meridian intersect near the magnetic equator.
Eur opean Rev iew for Med ical and Pharmacol ogical Sci ences

– OBJECTIVE: The current review was designed to assess the efficacy of amoxicillin (AMX) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMX-CLA) for reducing infection rates after third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Em-base, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of AMX/AMX-CLA for infection control after third molar surgery. RESULTS: 13 RCTs were included. Our meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduced risk of infections with AMX/ AMX-CLA (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.45 I 2 =0% p <0.00001). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of infections was significantly re - duced only in parallel-arm trials but not in split-mouth trials. Sub-group analysis based on antibiotic type indicated that the risk of infections was reduced with both AMX and AMX-CLA. A subgroup analysis based on the timing of AMX/AMX-CLA administration indicated that the risk of infections was significantly reduced with both preoperative (RR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.81 I 2 =0% p =0.01) and postoperative (RR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.35 I 2 =0% p <0.00001) administration of AMX/AMX-CLA. Meta-analysis indicated no increased risk of adverse events with the use of AMX/AMX-CLA (RR: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.41, 5.22 I 2 =77% p =0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AMX/AMX-CLA is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of infections after impacted third molar surgery. The risk of infections is reduced with both AMX and AMX-CLA. Our results also indicated that the infection risk was reduced with preoperative and postoperative antibiotic administration and there is no significant increase in the risk of antibiotic-related adverse events.
Identifications of the polar cap boundary and the auroral belt in the high‐altitude magnetosphere: A model for field‐aligned currents

By means of the Ogo 5 Goddard Space Flight Center fluxgate magnetometer data the polar cap boundary is identified in the high-altitude magnetosphere by a sudden transition from a dipolar field to a more taillike configuration. It is inferred that there exists a field-aligned-current layer at the polar cap boundary. In the night side magnetosphere the polar cap boundary is identified as the high-latitude boundary of the plasma sheet. The field-aligned current flows downward to the ionosphere on the morning side of the magnetosphere and upward from the ionosphere on the afternoon side. Thus in the high-latitude boundary layer of the plasma sheet in the tail the current is toward the earth in the postmidnight region and away from the earth in the premidnight region. The basic pattern of the magnetic field variations observed during the satellite's traversal of the auroral belt is presented. This pattern shows the existence of a field-aligned-current layer on the low-latitude part of the auroral belt. Currents flow in opposite directions in the two field-aligned-current layers. The current directions in these layers as observed by Ogo 5 in the high-altitude magnetosphere are the same as those observed at low altitudes by the polar-orbiting Triad satellite (Armstrong and Zmuda, 1973). The magnetic field in the region where the lower-latitude field-aligned-current layer is situated is essentially meridional. Thus the equatorial current closure of this current system must be via the equatorial current sheet. A model is presented in which two field-aligned-current systems, one at the polar cap boundary and the other on the low-latitude part of the auroral belt, are mainly connected by ionospheric currents flowing across the auroral belt. The existence of field-aligned currents deduced from the Ogo 5 observations is a permanent feature of the magnetosphere. Even under disturbed conditions the basic pattern of the field variations in the critical regions of the auroral belt and the polar cap boundary is the same as it is at quiet times. Intensifications of the field-aligned currents and occurrences of multiple pairs of field-aligned-current layers characterize the disturbed conditions of these regions.
Studies on natural radioactivity of soil in Xiazhuang uranium ore field, Guangdong

The contents of radioactive nuclides 226 Ra,232Th and K in the soil of Xiazhuang uranium ore field Guangdong 40 were measured using γ-ray spectra analysis, these contents were 111.7(40.2~441.5), 71.5(32.6~88.1), 672.1(441.8~ 912.6)Bq/kg, respectively. Compared with the average value of Guangdong Province and countrywide, the content of 226Ra was higher obviously. On this basis, the absorbed dose rate, the radium concentration of equivalent effect and the external irradiation index in the air 1m above ground surface were calculated, these contents were 123.9nGy/h, 265.7Bq/kg and 0.7 in average, respectively. The γ-radiation external irradiation level of Xiazhuang uranium ore field Guangdong was much larger than normal value. The theoretical concentration of radon in air was calculated applying the convection and dispersion theories, the content was 80.2Bq/m3 in average, which was approximately in accord with the measured value in field.
TiO2 Nanocrystals and Annona crassiﬂ ora Polyphenols Used Alone or Mixed Impact Differently on Wound Repair

: Wounds treated with TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 -NPs) show an improvement in healing time. However, little is known about the parameters that can contribute to this result. On the other hand, the treatment of wounds with polyphenols is widely known. These compounds are found in the peel of Annona crassifl ora fruit and have antioxidant, analgesic and anti-infl ammatory properties. In this study, we evaluated the healing effect of TiO 2 nanocrystals (TiO 2 -NCs), polyphenolic fractions obtained from ethanolic extract of A. crassifl ora fruit peel (PFAC) and mix (PFAC + TiO 2 -NCs) on the parameters of wound closure, infl ammation, collagen deposition, metalloproteinase activity (MMPs) and angiogenesis. TiO 2 -NCs and PFAC have activity for wound healing, showed anti-infl ammatory action and a shorter wound closure time. These treatments also contributed to increased collagen deposition, while only treatment with TiO 2 -NCs increased MMP-2 activity, parameters essential for the migration of keratinocytes and for complete restoration of the injured tissue. The combination of PFAC + TiO 2 -NCs reduced the effectiveness of individual treatments by intensifying the infl ammatory process, in addition to delaying wound closure. We conclude that the interaction between the hydroxyl groups of PFAC polyphenols with TiO 2 -NCs may have contributed to difference in the healing activity of skin wounds.
Litterfall, seed size, and predator-free time window enhance survival of a keystone palm in an Atlantic forest restored site

Although enrichment planting is recommended to increase biodiversity in restoration, environmental filters can prevent the establishment of sowed/planted species. Euterpe edulis is a keystone palm in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, whose fruits are consumed by many animals. We assessed the viability of direct seeding of this palm in an Atlantic forest restored site in Southeast Brazil, guided by these questions: 1) Does germinability vary among seeds covered and uncovered by litterfall and according to litterfall depth? 2) Can direct seeding be impaired by seed predation? 3) Does seed size affect seed predation and seedling vigor? We found litterfall favored germination by reducing soil evaporation, but litterfall depth did not affect germination. Seed predation was low, as seed location was probably unpredictable to rodents. Smaller seeds were more removed, possibly because the larger ones impose transportation costs on small rodents. By removing the smaller seeds, predators may favor the production of larger and more vigorous seedlings. Direct seeding of E. edulis can be successful if implemented in medium regeneration stages of Atlantic forest sites, where shade and moisture provided by litterfall, and absence of mid-to large-sized seed predators, allow seeds to overcome the constraints on germination and predation.
Past climate variability in the Altai

s and a longer version of this report are available at: www.geog. plymouth.ac. uk/research/groups/MedCLIVAR_ isotope_workshop. html A selection of the papers will be published in a special issue of Global and Planetary Change. References Giorgi, F. , 2006: Climate change hot spots, Geophysical Research Letters, 33: L08707, doi:10.1029/2006GL025734 Luterbacher, J. and 48 co-authors, 2006: Mediterranean climate variability over the last centuries. In: Lionello, P., et al. (Eds), The Mediterranean Climate: an overview of the main characteristics and issues, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 27-148. Roberts, N. and Jones, M. , 2002: Towards a regional synthesis of Mediterranean climatic change using lake stable isotope records, PAGES news, 10(2): 13-15. rings) in Siberia. The main objective was to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of existing paleo-records and to identify gaps in spatial/temporal data coverage. One outcome of the workshop was a compilation of three annually resolved, millennial-scale temperature records—Belukha ice core, Teletskoye Lake sediments, and tree ring width chronologies for Larix Sibirica from the SE Altai (Fig. 2). Although the common proxy is temperature, the three archives represent different seasons (ice core = March-November (Eichler et al., 1008); lake sediment = annual (Kalugin et al., 2007); tree ring width = JuneJuly (Ovtchinnikov et al., 2000)). This most likely explains the observed differences between each of the reconstructions. Nevertheless, a general feature of the three reconstructions is the pronounced longterm variation, along with a strong temperature increase of 2-3°C from the Little Ice Age minimum to the present. This is consistent with instrumental data and model simulations suggesting that warming is strongest at highly continental sites (e.g., Bradley et al., 2003). Furthermore, it is in agreement with reconstructions of the recent mass-balance history of the Sofiyskiy glacier (Altai Mountains; De Smedt and Pattyn, 2003). As indicated in Fig. 2, there is a strong correlation between ice core W or ks ho p Re po rt s
High‐quality image matching and automated generation of 3D tree models

Image matching is a key procedure in the process of generation of Digital Surface Models (DSM). We have developed a new approach for image matching and the related software package. This technique has proved its good performance in many applications. Here, we demonstrate its use in 3D tree modelling. After a brief description of our image matching technique, we show results from analogue and digital aerial images and high‐resolution satellite images (IKONOS). In some cases, comparisons with manual measurements and/or airborne laser data have been performed. The evaluation of the results, qualitative and quantitative, indicate the very good performance of our matcher. Depending on the data acquisition parameters, the photogrammetric DSM can be denser than a DSM generated by laser, and its accuracy may be better than that from laser, as in these investigations. The tree canopy is well modelled, without smoothing of small details and avoiding the canopy penetration occurring with laser. Depending on the image scale, not only dense forest areas but also individual trees can be modelled.
? meson light-cone distribution amplitudes of leading twist reexamined

We give a complete reanalysis of the leading twist quark-antiquark light-cone distribution amplitude longitudinal and transverse r mesons. We derive Wandzura-Wilczek-type relations between different distrib tions and update the coefficients in their conformal expansion using QCD sum rules, including next-to-lea order radiative corrections. We find that the distribution amplitudes of quarks inside longitudinally and tr versely polarizedr mesons have a similar shape, which is in contradiction to previous analys @S0556-2821 ~96! 03315-2#
The precipitation distribution in the lake pukaki catchment

A 1971-2000 average annual precipitation distribution has been prepared for the Lake Pukaki catchment using a combination of new and historical precipitation observations. The distribution was prepared using repeatable objective interpolation and is able to be updated as new precipitation observations are made. With inclusion of undercatch assessments, the distribution indicates over 15 m of precipitation falls in the north west region of the catchment. The new distribution leads to a catchment-wide 1971-2000 mean annual precipitation of 3400 mm yr which is within the error range of the water-balance derived precipitation estimate of 3600 +/- 500 mm yr. A strong horizontal gradient of precipitation exists over the catchment, similar to, but not as steep, as a previous 1951-1980 distribution estimate. The new observations with which this distribution was constrained in the upper catchment gave mean annual precipitation estimates in excess of any previous measurements made in an east coast New Zealand catchment, and are equivalent to the highest precipitation observations made anywhere in New Zealand.
Thrust tectonics in the North Patagonian Massif (Argentina): Implications for a Patagonia plate

[1] In the northeastern segment of the North Patagonian Massif (southern Argentina), S to SW directed thrusting affected a Late Proterozoic to Cambrian phyllite succession and the Silurian to Lower Devonian Sierra Grande formation. Thrust tectonics was partly combined with the formation of mylonites and followed by the intrusion of the Navarrete granodiorite. Mylonites of the Tardugno granitoids are attributed to a ductile shear horizon in the subsurface. As second stage of deformation after cessation of thrusting, ∼NW-SE compression led to the formation of widely distributed fold structures around NE-SW trending axes as well as SE directed reverse faults. It was followed by the late kinematic intrusion of a porphyric granite as final pulse of the Navarrete Intrusive Complex. Local folding around ∼N-S to NW-SE trending axes represents the final stage of the compressive deformational history. Thrust tectonics plus subsequent stages of deformation can be assigned to the Late Paleozoic time interval, probably the Permian. They are seen in conjunction with the formation of granite mylonites within the North Patagonian Massif, the Cerro de los Viejos granite mylonite of the La Pampa Province, and the compressive structures in the Sierras Australes fold-and-thrust belt north of the boundary between Patagonia and Gondwana South America. Also, the lack of Early Paleozoic (Famatinian) deformation in this part of the North Patagonian Massif and the inferred boundary of the Early Paleozoic Cuyania (Precordillera) Terrane north of Patagonia support the interpretation that extra-Andean Patagonia collided with Gondwana South America during the Gondwanide orogeny. It is possible that Patagonia was part of a plate and that the long Gondwanide fold belt represented its collision zone.
Recent Progress in Materials

In the past few years, there have been many attempts to commercialize Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) for Rear Projection Screen (RPS) in electrically switchable films and glass products. This application is based on the exceptional image quality of PDLC at a wide viewing angle. However, due to the high price of conventional switchable PDLC privacy glass, the integration of RPS in PDLC failed to attract large multimedia and entertainment markets. An obvious solution to this problem is the independent development and evaluation of PDLC for Passive Rear Projection Screen (PRPS) application. However, in order to approve the application of PDLC for this purpose, further optical and image (visual) analyses are required. This work is the first part of our research project on evaluation of PDLC for RPS application, where we studied the effect of material and process parameters on optical properties of passive PDLC screens. The results indicate a strong dependence of the performances of passive PDLC screen on the material and process parameters, though it offers great Recent Progress in Materials 2019; 1(3), doi:10.21926/rpm.1903002 Page 2/15 advantages over conventional commercial RPS products . The second part of this study will focus on image evaluation of PDLC that will be the subject of a future study.
Evolution of Sulfur Compounds in Crude Oils

An understanding of the evolution of sulfur compounds in oils may allow petroleum geochemists to direct exploration toward low-sulfur crudes. Knowing the types and chemistry of sulfur compounds is important because (1) some degrade refining catalysts, (2) others produce excessive corrosion, and (3) clean-air requirements necessitate reduction of overall sulfur levels. Seventy-eight crudes from many of the world's major fields which represent reservoirs of Cambrian to Pliocene age were analyzed and then grouped into three categories on the basis of the relative amounts and chemical stability of different sulfur-compound types. These groupings are consistent with geochemical concepts of thermal maturation and biodegradation. One group has abundant unstable sulfur compounds uch as nonthiophenic sulfides and benzothiophenes; we call this immature. Another contains more of the stable benzothiophenes and we call it mature, whereas the third has intermediate distributions which we term altered. Most of the sulfur (particularly in high-sulfur oils) is introduced secondarily by reaction of hydrocarbons with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide (both generated by the microbial utilization of hydrocarbons and sulfates in rocks). This forms a crude rich in nonthiophenic sulfides and occurs primarily during the early diagenesis of the organic matter in the source; with increasing maturation, sulfur is removed preferentially, forming a mature oil with relatively more thiophenes. At shallow depths, alteration produces crudes with more nonthiophenic sulfides and benzothiophenes. nother form of "altered" oils is adjacent to zones of organic metamorphism where H2S reacts with oils to produce extremely corrosive mercaptan-rich crudes and condensates. These concepts can be applied to the specifics of petroleum-exploration geochemistry.
Zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of Carboniferous volcanics and its geological significance in the northwestern Lesser Xing' an Range

The age of Late Paleozoic volcanic-sedimentary strata in the northwestern Lesser Xing' an Range is the key to the regional tectonic evolution. In this paper,we have a research for the zircon U-Pb chronology of Late Paleozoic volcanics and siltstone by using laser ablation ICP-MS technique. The research different from the original shows that the volcanics of Late Carboniferous-Early Permian Baoligaomiao Group,Early Permian Dashizhai Group and Late Permian Wudaoling Group were all formed in Carboniferous,and the zircon U-Pb age includes two periods: 353 ～ 352Ma and 307 ～ 306Ma. Detrital zircons in the siltstone from the upper part of Honghutuhe Group is of two group ages,and the weighted average 206Pb/238U ages are 385. 2 ± 6Ma and 353. 0 ± 3. 6Ma. The former is similar to the formation age of regional Late Devonian calc-alkaline volcanics and the later is consistent with the age of Early Carboniferous volcanics,which indicates that the Middle Devonian-Early Carboniferous volcanics was the marital source of Honghutuhe Group and the upper limit of sedimentary,are at the Tournaisian of Early Carboniferous. Based on new chronological data and previous stratum finding,we believe that the Early Carboniferous volcanic activity ( 353 ～ 352Ma) accompanied by marine sediments ( Honghutuhe Group) . However,Late Carboniferous volcanic activity ( 307 ～ 306Ma) associated with continental sediments ( Baoligaomiao Group). Combined with the general shortage of Bashkirian in the northern Great Xing' an Range,we consider that the stratigraphic transformation from the Early Carboniferous marine sediment to the Late Carboniferous continental sediment is probably related to the collision and merging of the Songnen and Ergun-Xing’an blocks. Therefore,the Early Carboniferous volcanics were probably formed in a pre-collision subduction environment and the Late Carboniferous volcanics were formed in a post-collision extensional setting.