Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The admixture of Quercus sp. in Pinus sylvestris stands influences wood anatomical trait responses to climatic variability and drought events

Introduction Forests are threatened by increasingly severe and more frequent drought events worldwide. Mono-specific forests, developed as a consequence of widespread management practices established early last century, seem particularly susceptible to global warming and drought compared with mixed-species forests. Although, in several contexts, mixed-species forests display higher species diversity, higher productivity, and higher resilience, previous studies highlighted contrasting findings, with not only many positive but also neutral or negative effects on tree performance that could be related to tree species diversity. Processes underlying this relationship need to be investigated. Wood anatomical traits are informative proxies of tree functioning, and they can potentially provide novel long-term insights in this regard. However, wood anatomical traits are critically understudied in such a context. Here, we assess the role of tree admixture on Pinus sylvestris L. xylem traits such as mean hydraulic diameter, cell wall thickness, and anatomical wood density, and we test the variability of these traits in response to climatic parameters such as temperature, precipitation, and drought event frequency and intensity. Methods Three monocultural plots of P. sylvestris and three mixed-stand plots of P. sylvestris and Quercus sp. were identified in Poland and Spain, representing Continental and Mediterranean climate types, respectively. In each plot, we analyzed xylem traits from three P. sylvestris trees, for a total of nine trees in monocultures and nine in mixed stands per study location. Results The results highlighted that anatomical wood density was one of the most sensitive traits to detect tree responses to climatic conditions and drought under different climate and forest types. Inter-specific facilitation mechanisms were detected in the admixture between P. sylvestris and Quercus sp. , especially during the early growing season and during stressful events such as spring droughts, although they had negligible effects in the late growing season. Discussion Our findings suggest that the admixture between P. sylvestris and Quercus sp. increases the resilience of P. sylvestris to extreme droughts. In a global warming scenario, this admixture could represent a useful adaptive management option.
A numerical model for simulating Hortonian overland flow on tropical hillslopes with vegetation elements

This paper describes a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model that characterizes surface runoff process resulting from a varying rainfall intensity event, on an infiltrating soil surface. The soil surface has spatially varied soil physical, hydraulic and microtopographic characteristics. Infiltration process is modelled with the Philip two‐term equation and the time before ponding approximated with the time compression algorithm. Vegetation is modelled as a dynamic component with the modified Gash model. The equation is solved with a modified second order Leapfrog explicit finite difference scheme with centred time and space derivatives. The model was validated with standard analytical solutions. Evaluation with results from field campaigns in the Volta Basin of West Africa during the 2002 rainfall season indicates good agreement, with r2 values ranging from 0·89 to 0·96. The developed method will be useful in studying the dynamics of surface runoff generation under complex microtopographic conditions, spatially varying soil hydraulic characteristics and temporally dynamic rainfall intensity, as found in many tropical catchments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of Cervical Mucus Cytology and Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers in Preterm Labour Compared to Term Pregnancy Cases in a Tertiary Care Center of Western Uttar Pradesh (UP), India

Purpose: The onset of labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation is preterm labor. Incidence ranges from 5% to 7% of live births in developed countries, but higher in developing countries (10-13%). Preterm birth is a major threat in perinatal health care, as well as a risk factor for neurological impairment and disability. Considering that infection is the major risk factor for preterm labor in rural areas, this study was performed to assess the cytological changes in the cervical mucus of normal-term and preterm labor cases. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care center in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The sample size calculated was 90. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in cervical mucus, along with serum inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP and serum alkaline phosphatase, were compared in both groups. Result: The incidence of preterm labor increased with an increase in parity, and progression to preterm delivery is faster in the higher parity group. C-reactive protein (CRP) (p value = < 0.001) and serum alkaline phosphatases (taking 220IU/L as the cutoff value), as well as the NLR (p value < 0.001) in cervical mucus in preterm labor, are significantly higher than those in term labor cases, which can be used to predict preterm labor. Conclusions: Higher levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (> 220 IU/L) and CRP positivity can be used as prognostic markers. Using a cutoff value of 5 for the NLR in the cervical mucus of preterm labor patients proved to be a highly accurate predictor (82.2%) for preterm labor diagnosis.
ANALYSING BRACKISH BENTHIC COMMUNITIES OF THE WESER ESTUARY: SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION, VARIABILITY AND SENSITIVITY OF ESTUARINE INVERTEBRATES.

The macrobenthic communities within the mesohaline zone of the Weser estuary (Germany) were investigated from 1993 to 2002 by a variety of sampling methods. Macrobenthic samples from intertidal flats, subtidal areas, artificial hard substrates of groynes and shoreline protection constructions were surveyed. Additional supratidal data from salt marsh ditches and brackish lagoons were analysed in order to detect spatial distribution patterns of species from all habitats in the tidal reach. The species showed preferences for certain habitats and were thus differentiated into sub-communities. Besides the substrate and the sediment composition, water depth was a main factor for species distribution. The importance of subtidal natural hard bottom substrates as a habitat for benthic species in a soft bottom dominated estuary is discussed. The widespread artificial hard bottom structures in an industrialised estuary, such as groynes, showed limitations in functioning adequately as a habitat substitute, presenting a less diverse benthic community than natural stony substrates.
Ongoing research into anisotropic rock masses using numerical modelling

This paper details results from the ongoing numerical modelling research into the shear strength characteristics of planar anisotropic rock masses such as those found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Numerical simulations using the distinct element code UDEC were used to model different weathered anisotropic rock formations such as shales and Banded Ironstone Formations (BIFs). These simulations confirmed the overall shear strength reduction due to sliding on planar discontinuities at angles sub-parallel to bedding and better quantified the difference between the planar anisotropic transition models (ATMs) for shale and BIF. However, the modelling revealed a zone of upslope shear strength reduction (USSR) which can occur at positive angles of anisotropy (AoA) between 40 to 90° under certain rock mass configurations. This zone was identified but not previously quantified in earlier studies. The magnitude of the shear strength reduction is dependent on the tensile strength of the intact rock as well as bedding parting spacings. The USSR has significant implications especially in relation to the effect on the stability of slopes having particular configurations of anisotropic rocks. The current ALM1 and ALM2 do not take the USSR into account and therefore can potentially overestimates the shear strength of the rock mass in this range of AoA. Consequently a new ALM (ALM3) has been developed which does take the USSR into account. Until the ALM3 is coded into commercial software and the new ALM3 parameters more rigorously defined, care should be exercised when assessing the stability of slopes having these geological formations and geometry.
Lived Experiences of Native American STEM Faculty in Academia: Our Stories, Insights, and Advice

Abstract:Native American faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (NAF-STEM) are severely under-represented. NAF-STEM often have greater responsibilities and challenges in academia leading to lower retention and promotion rates, which can also have an impact on career satisfaction and individual success. A group of Native scholars and diverse scholars at two tribal colleges and one state university collaborated on a culturally grounded project with NAF-STEM in higher education to examine their collective lived experiences in academia. Qualitative analyses were guided by Indigenous Research Methodologies using a collaborative autoethnography approach. The results of these shared experiences are intended to aid in the creation and maintenance of equitable and successful models to recruit and retain NAF-STEM. Advice aimed at guiding educational equity for Indigenous scholars is shared.
Raberite, Tl5Ag4As6SbS15, a new Tl-bearing sulfosalt from Lengenbach quarry, Binn valley, Switzerland: description and crystal structure

Abstract Raberite, ideally Tl5Ag4As6SbS15, is a new mineral from Lengenbach quarry in the Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland. It occurs very rarely as euhedral crystals up to 150 μm across associated with yellow needle-like smithite, realgar, hatchite and probable trechmannite, edenharterite, jentschite and two unidentified sulfosalts. Raberite is opaque with a metallic lustre and has a dark brown-red streak. It is brittle with a Vickers hardness (VHN10) of 52 kg mm-2 (range 50-55) corresponding to a Mohs hardness of 2½-3. In reflected light raberite is moderately bireflectant and very weakly pleochroic from light grey to a slightly greenish grey. It is very weakly anisotropic with greyish to light blue rotation tints between crossed polars. Internal reflections are absent. Reflectance percentages for the four COM wavelengths [listed as Rmin, Rmax, (λ)] are 30.6, 31.8 (471.1 nm), 28.1, 29.3 (548.3 nm), 27.1, 28.0 (586.6 nm), and 25.8, 26.9 (652.3 nm). Raberite is triclinic, space group P1̄, with a = 8.920(1), b = 9.429(1), c = 20.062(3) Å, α = 79.66(1), β = 88.84(1), γ = 62.72(1)º, V = 1471.6(4) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure [R1 = 0.0827 for 2110 reflections with I > 2σ(I)] consists of columns of nine-coordinate Tl atoms forming irregular polyhedra extending along [001] and forming sheets parallel to (010). The columns are decorated by corner-sharing MS3 pyramids (M = As, Sb) and linked by AgS3 triangles. Of the seven M positions, one is dominated by Sb and the others by As; the mean M-S bond distances reflect As ↔ Sb substitution at these sites. The eight strongest lines in the powder diffraction pattern [dcalc in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 3.580 (100) (11̄3); 3.506 (58) (1̄2̄3); 3.281 (73) (006); 3.017 (54) (1̄23); 3.001 (98) (133); 2.657 (51) (226); 2.636 (46) (300); 2.591 (57) (330). A mean of 9 electron microprobe analyses gave Tl 39.55(13), Ag 18.42(8), Cu 0.06(2), As 17.08(7), Sb 5.61(6), S 19.15(11); total 99.87 wt. %, which corresponds to Tl4.85Ag4. 28Cu0.02As5. 72Sb1.16S14. 97 with 31 atoms per formula unit. The new mineral has been approved by the IMA-CNMNC Commission (IMA 2012-017) and is named for Thomas Raber, an expert on Lengenbach minerals.
The Influence of Sediment Characteristics on the Burrowing Behavior of Ensis Directus

Ensis directus, the Atlantic razor clam, is an infaunal bivalve species whose geographic range extends along the Atlantic coast of North America from Canada to South Carolina. In this study, I examined the burrowing behavior of 24 large juvenile razor clams (shell length: 60-78 mm) in fine mud and coarse sand sediments. I identified four separate phases of burrowing behavior: recovery, exploration, initiation, and tunneling. Using video analysis, I estimated the proportion of clams completing each of these phases and the time it took them to complete each phase in both sediment types. All 24 clams were exposed to both sediment types; I found that the order in which sediments were presented (i.e., whether clams were presented with mud or coarse sand prior to being presented with the second sediment type) did not impact burrowing behavior. In contrast, more razor clams burrowed in the fine mud sediment and completed each phase of burrowing more quickly than they did in the coarse sand. Measurements of the sediment shear and compressive strengths determined that the coarse sand was more resistant to sediment deformation. Lastly, I utilized pressure sensors to correlate the phases of burrowing activities with changes in the pressure within sediment porewater. I found that larger changes in porewater pressure occurred while clams were burrowing in the mud compared to the coarse sand. This research determined that the burrowing behavior of this species is sediment-dependent and should be taken into account when siting facilities for razor-clam aquaculture.
Experimental Demonstration of Staggered Ambiguous SAR Mode for Ship Monitoring With TerraSAR-X

Maritime surveillance using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) calls for both wide swath and high resolution. This allows frequent monitoring of large areas with high detection probability and low false alarm rate. Conventional SAR modes are, however, limited in that a wide swath can only be imaged at the expense of a reduced azimuth resolution. Ambiguous SAR modes, based on low pulse repetition frequency (PRF) or continuous variation of short pulse repetition intervals (PRIs) (staggered ambiguous mode), overcome this limitation and allow imaging a wide swath with high resolution for specific ship monitoring applications without the need for digital beamforming (DBF) or multiple receive apertures. This article reports on the demonstration of the staggered ambiguous mode via an experimental acquisition with the TerraSAR-X satellite over the North Sea. Despite technical limitations in the SAR instrument, a ground range swath of 110 km was imaged with an azimuth resolution of 2.2 m, i.e., with a resolution improvement of a factor of 8 with respect to TerraSAR-X ScanSAR mode. Despite the higher disturbance level resulting from the presence of range ambiguities of the sea clutter, a detection probability higher than 0.8 was achieved for small ships of 21 m $\times6$ m size. Range ambiguities of the ships were furthermore identified based on their position and signature. The detected ships were validated using maritime positioning data from their automatic identification system (AIS). These results motivate the adoption of ambiguous SAR modes in existing and future SAR systems and missions.
Factors Influencing the Use of Fertilizer in Arable Crop Production Among Smallholder Farmers In Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State

The study evaluated the factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State. The objectives determined factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers, and determined socio-economic characteristics of smallholder arable crop production farmers in the study area. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting six Local Government Areas (LGAs), two community from each selected LGA, two villages from each selected communities and five farmers from each selected village. Data were collected with the aid of a well- structured questionnaire from one hundred and twelve farmers. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, and logistic regression analysis. Results of the analysis showed that output of crop, level of education, farm size and price of fertilizer were important factors influencing farmers' use of fertilizer in arable crop production while gender, age and household size were not. The result further showed that the average age of the farmers were 54.3years, 52.7% of them were males. The farmers spent about 8.5years in school and 20.6 years was their average farming experience. They have an average farm size of 1.3ha and household size of 7persons. The number of extension contact per month was twice. (Academia Arena, 2010;2(9):41-49). (ISSN 1553-992X).
Changes in Uterine Metabolome Associated with Metritis Development and Cure in Lactating Holstein Cows

The objective of this study was to identify alterations in the vaginal discharge (VD) metabolome and potential biomarkers to predict metritis development and a cure in dairy cows. This prospective cohort study was conducted on two dairies located in CA and TX. Vaginal discharge was evaluated and collected using the Metricheck® device. Cows were examined for metritis at 4, 7, and 9 days in milk (DIM). Cows with a fetid, watery, and reddish-brown uterine discharge were classified as having metritis and randomized to receive ceftiofur (n = 10) or remain untreated (n = 7). A cure was defined as the absence of a fetid, watery, reddish-brown uterine discharge at 14 d after enrollment. Vaginal discharge samples were collected from 86 cows within 6 h after parturition, at 4 and 7 DIM, at metritis diagnosis, and at 4 and 7 days after metritis diagnosis. Cows with metritis (MET; n = 17) were paired with counterparts without metritis (HTH) of a similar DIM and parity (n = 34). The uterine metabolome was evaluated using untargeted gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). Metabolomic data were analyzed using the MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Data were log-transformed and auto-scaled for normalization. Univariate analyses, including the fold-change, were performed to identify the metabolites linked to metritis development and its cure and principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed to explain metabolite variance between animals developing or not developing metritis and being cured or not being cured of metritis. Comparing HTH with MET cows at calving, 12 metabolites were upregulated, and one was downregulated. At four and seven DIM, 51 and 74 metabolites, respectively, were altered between MET and HTH cows. After metritis development, three and five metabolites were upregulated in cows that were cured and in cows that received treatment and were cured, respectively. In all scenarios, the metabolites lignoceric, malic, and maleic acids, ornithine, and hypotaurine, which are associated with arginine/aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and taurine/purine metabolism, were upregulated in HTH cows. Metritis was associated with changes in the uterine metabolome. Cows not being cured of metritis had changes in the uterus metabolome independent of receiving ceftiofur or remaining untreated. Metabolome analysis may be an important tool to understand the vaginal discharge changes during postpartum and the dynamics of metritis development and cures and help to identify biomarkers to predict metritis being cured.
LAND USE, SOIL EROSION, AND RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION IN AN ANDEAN DRAINAGE BASIN IN ECUADOR

Rapid sedimentation is a major problem at the reservoir of the Amaluza dam on the Paute river where more than half of Ecuador's electric power is produced. With this in mind extensive small-plot experiments were conducted with portable rainfall simulators to investigate the runoff dynamics and erosional responses of different soils and land uses in the 5,186 km2 Paute drainage basin. The results, combined with field observations and morphometric data, indicate that patterns of contemporary land use largely control the production and movement of runoff and sediment from slopes. Abandoned farmlands play an important role due to their great extent and to their runoff and erosional characteristics, while recently plowed crop lands absorb rain of the more frequent intensities. The integrated behavior of surfaces with different land uses on the same slope requires the study of erosion to extend beyond individual agricultural plots. Topography, proximity to the reservoir, presence of delivery networks, and in-stream material extraction are key non-agricultural factors affecting sediment movement into the reservoir. RESUME Utilisation des terms, erosion du sol et sidimentation des reservoirs dans un bassin hydrographique des Andes de l'Equateur La sedimentation rapide constitue un probleme majeur pour le reservoir du barrage d'Amaluza sur le Paute; ce barrage produit plus de la moiti6 de l'energie electrique de l'Equateur. Dans cette perspective, des experiences extensives ont ete effectuees sur de petites parcelles . l'aide de simulateurs de pluie portatifs, de maniere a tudier la dynamique de l'coulement et l'rosion produite, pour diff~rents sols et modes d'utilisation des terres, dans le bassin hydrographique du Paute (5,186 km2). Les resultats, combines avec des observations sur le terrain et des donnees morphometriques, indiquent que les modes actuels d'utilisation des terres determinent principalement l'6coulement ainsi que la production et deplacement des sediments en provenance des versants. Les terres cultivees abandonnees jouent un r61e important en raison de leur grande etendue et de leurs caracteristiques d'ecoulement et d'erosion, alors que les terres recemment labourees absorbent les pluies d'intensit6s les plus fr6quentes. Le comportement int6gr6 des surfaces affectees 'a diff6rents types d'utilisation sur le m me versant n&cessite une etude de l'erosion i' une 6chelle plus 6tendue que celle des parcelles agricoles individuelles. La topographie, la proximite du reservoir, la pr6sence de reseaux d'alimentation et l'extraction de matieres dans le lit du cours d'eau constituent des facteurs non-agricoles importants qui affectent le deplacement des sediments vers le reservoir.