Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disproving the Presence of Paleozoic‐Triassic Metamorphic Rocks on the Island of Zannone (Central Italy): Implications for the Early Stages of the Tyrrhenian‐Apennines Tectonic Evolution

The inner Apennines (Italy) are characterized by scattered outcrops of continent‐derived orogenic metamorphic units exposed along the Tyrrhenian coast from northern to southern Apennines. At least since the 1970s, some peculiar rocks exposed on Zannone Island (central Italy) have been described as the only Paleozoic‐Triassic metamorphic complex linking those exposed in the northern—with those in the southern Apennines. Assessing the protolith nature, thermobaric conditions, and structural features of what is accepted to be the metamorphic unit of Zannone is, therefore, crucial to elucidate the early paleotectonic evolution of the Apennines‐Tyrrhenian orogenic system. To that end, we interpreted seismic reflection profiles offshore Zannone, we carried out mesoscale and microscale structural investigations of representative outcrops on the island, performed X‐ray diffraction analysis, and K‐Ar and U‐Pb geochronology of representative clay gouge and syntectonic carbonate veins. Results show that the metamorphic rocks of Zannone can actually be reinterpreted as belonging to nonmetamorphic siliciclastic turbidites, likely deposited in foredeep settings, and coeval to the Oligocene‐Miocene Macigno Fm. of the northern Apennines. The turbiditic sequence was overthrust by Triassic dolostone in the early Miocene (~22 Ma), weakly deformed at <200°C, and downfaulted by postorogenic extensional faults starting ~7 Ma ago. Hence, Zannone represents a unique geological location in central Italy where to study the innermost (i.e. oldest) thrust sheet of the central‐northern Apennines, thereby shedding new light onto the early tectonics of the Apennines. Based on this evidence, a new evolutionary scheme for the early stage of the Apennines tectonic evolution is proposed.
Hybrid Impedance-Admittance Control for Upper Limb Exoskeleton Using Electromyography

Exoskeletons are wearable mobile robots that combine various technologies to enable limb movement with greater strength and endurance, being used in several application areas, such as industry and medicine. In this context, this paper presents the development of a hybrid control method for exoskeletons, combining admission and impedance control based on electromyographic input signals. A proof of concept of a robotic arm with two degrees of freedom, mimicking the functions of a human’s upper limb, was built to evaluate the proposed control system. Through tests that measured the discrepancy between the angles of the human joint and the joint of the exoskeleton, it was possible to determine that the system remained within an acceptable error range. The average error is lower than 4.3%, and the robotic arm manages to mimic the movements of the upper limbs of a human in real-time.
Soil chemical properties affecting soybean yield on a nationwide scale in Japan

ABSTRACT Wide-area surveys have been conducted on a prefectural or regional scale in Japan for revealing soil chemical properties affecting soybean yield. However, they vary by region and thus, the common chemical factors through Japan remain unclear. This study aims to identify the soil chemical properties involved in soybean yield based on field data in various prefectures throughout Japan. We collected datasets of the topsoil chemical properties and soybean yields at 228 sampling points from 16 prefectures in Japan over the period of 2015–2017. The data sampling was conducted on two fields with different yield levels, namely high- and low-yield groups, which were managed by the same cooperating farmers in each point. We regarded the two fields at each point as a pair for a pairwise comparison. The average yield of the high- and low-yield groups was 3.1 t ha−1 and 2.5 t ha−1, respectively. The p-values of the pairwise comparison results were calculated via the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The differences of the exchangeable Mg (p= 0.040), and the Mg/K (p= 0.027) and Ca/Mg (p= 0.007) ratio between the high-yield and low-yield groups were statistically significant, whereas the other variables were not significant. The exchangeable Mg and Mg/K ratio were negatively related to yield, while the Ca/Mg ratio was positively related. The results suggested that excessive Mg for K or Ca adversely affects the soybean yield. As far as we know, there have been few reports focusing on the relation between the exchangeable cation, especially for the cation balance, and soybean yield. Our results may help researchers and producers deepen their understanding of the relationship between soil chemical properties and soybean yield.
An ex vivo skin model to probe modulation of local cutaneous arachidonic acid inflammation pathway

There is a need for inexpensive and reliable means to determine the modulation of cutaneous inflammation. The method outlined in this article draws together a number of scientific techniques and makes use of generally unwanted biological tissues as a means of determining skin inflammation ex vivo, and focuses on probing aspects of the arachidonic acid inflammation pathway. Freshly excised skin contains elevated levels of short-lived inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and, under viable conditions, COX-2 and its eicosanoid products will continue to be produced until tissue necrosis, providing a window of time in which relative levels can be probed to determine exacerbation due to an upregulating factor or downregulation due the presence of an agent exerting anti-inflammatory activity. Ex vivo porcine skin, mounted in Franz diffusion cells, is dosed topically with the xenobiotic challenge and then techniques such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry can then be used to probe relative COX-2 levels on a semi-quantitative or qualitative level. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or LCMS can be used to determine relative prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) levels. Thus far, the technique has been used to examine the effects of topically applied anti-inflammatories (betamethasone, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and methotrexate), natural products (fish oil, Devil’s claw extract and pomegranate rind extract) and drug delivery vehicle (polyNIPAM nanogels). Topically applied xenobiotics that modulate factors such as COX-2 and PGE-2 must penetrate the intact skin, and this provides direct evidence of overcoming the "barrier function" of the stratum corneum in order to target the viable epidermis in sufficient levels to be able to elicit such effects. This system has particular potential as a pre-clinical screening tool for those working on the development of topical delivery systems, and has the additional advantage of being in line with 3 Rs philosophy.
Using historical genome‐wide DNA to unravel the confused taxonomy in a songbird lineage that is extinct in the wild

Urgent conservation action for terminally endangered species is sometimes hampered by taxonomic uncertainty, especially in illegally traded animals that are often cross‐bred in captivity. To overcome these problems, we used a genomic approach to analyze historical DNA from museum samples across the Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) complex in tropical Asia, a popular victim of the ongoing songbird crisis whose distinct Javan population (“Javan Pied Starling”) is extinct in the wild and subject to admixture in captivity. Comparing genomic profiles across the entire distribution, we detected three deeply diverged lineages at the species level characterized by a lack of genomic intermediacy near areas of contact. Our study demonstrates that the use of historical DNA can be instrumental in delimiting species in situations of taxonomic uncertainty, especially when modern admixture may obfuscate species boundaries. Results of our research will enable conservationists to commence a dedicated ex situ breeding program for the Javan Pied Starling, and serve as a blueprint for similar conservation problems involving terminally endangered species subject to allelic infiltration from close congeners.
Maria Graham and the Chilean earthquake of 1822: contextualizing the first female-authored article in Transactions of the Geological Society

Abstract This chapter explores the background to the first female-authored article in the Transactions of the Geological Society (published in 1824) and outlines the controversy later caused by the article. The author, Maria Graham (1785–1842), has generally been assumed not to have been a geologist herself, and is therefore often excluded from discussions of women's early contributions to geology. This chapter demonstrates that this was not the case, and that Graham had a strong interest in geology and some competence in the discipline. It further situates Graham in a flourishing culture of early nineteenth-century ‘polite science’, and argues that the episode, when parsed correctly, demonstrates the perhaps surprising extent to which women were able to participate in contemporary geological enquiry and debate, even as they undoubtedly laboured under considerable disadvantages compared with their male counterparts.
APPLICATION OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR AND POTASSIUM NITRATE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND YIELD IN WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGES (Citrus sinensis)

Fruit yields of traditional navels like Washington Navels are lower as compared to other sweet oranges due to low fruit set and quality problems like creasing. Effect of plant growth regulator and Potassium (GA3 and KNO3) alone and in combination were tested in Sargodha, Punjab conditions at full bloom stage of Washington navel oranges. Impact of these treatments was tested on fruit yield, quality and to reduce the physiological disorder; incidence of creasing. Fruit set and yields were increased over non-treated trees, while combine treatment of GA3 and KNO3 (GA3 25% and KNO3 2%) had best results in fruit yields and quality i.e. fruit weight, size, TSS, acidity and other qualitative characteristics of the fruit. Creasing was effectively minimized by spraying plant in combination of GA3 and KNO3, thus reducing the quantitative and qualitative post-harvest fruit losses.
Taxonomic treatment and phylogenetic analysis of the family Potamogetonaceae in Turkey

The family Potamogetonaceae has been taxonomically re-evaluated in Turkey, employing traditional morphological as well as molecular approaches (rbcL, ITS). Our fieldwork, herbarium studies and molecular analyses proved the existence of 22 taxa, of which 18 belong to Potamogeton (including 4 interspecific hybrids), 3 to Stuckenia and 1 to monotypicGroenlandia. Morphological re-descriptions of the recognized taxa were prepared, and the information concerning their distribution in Turkey was refined, based on plant material from extensive fieldwork and on specimens stored in herbaria that were previously not examined. Additionally, new identification keys to genera and species, and distribution maps of the species were prepared. Phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variations were assessed by including samples from other regions. The status of the Zannichelliaceae was investigated using nuclear and chloroplast DNAmarkers. Our results from ITS sequence divergence corroborate the separation of the two families noted by some authors, and are in accordance with the substantial morphological differences between them. Relatively large genetic distance and non-monophyly indicate that two genotypes of P. gramineus constitute cryptic species, for which the Turkish localities expand upon the previously known distribution areas. We identified P. schweinfurthii as a new species for Turkey and report P. ×angustifolius for the first time for this country. Weak morphological differentiation and high sequence similarity did not permit reliable differentiation between the closely related Stuckenia amblyphylla and S. filiformis.
Exploring the Wet Mechanochemical Synthesis of Mg-Al, Ca-Al, Zn-Al and Cu-Al Layered Double Hydroxides from Oxides, Hydroxides and Basic Carbonates

The synthesis of Mg-Al, Ca-Al, Zn-Al and Cu-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was investigated with a one-step wet mechanochemical route. The research aims to expand on the mechanochemical synthesis of LDH using a mill designed for wet grinding application. A 10% slurry of solids was added to a Netzsch LME 1 horizontal bead mill and milled for 1 h at 2000 rpm. Milling conditions were selected according to machine limitations and as an initial exploratory starting point. Precursor materials selected consisted of a mixture of oxides, hydroxides and basic carbonates. Samples obtained were divided such that half was filtered and dried at 60 °C for 12 h. The remaining half of the samples were further subjected to ageing at 80 °C for 24 h as a possible second step to the synthesis procedure. Synthesis conditions, such as selected precursor materials and the MII:MIII ratio, were adapted from existing mechanochemical methods. LDH synthesis prior to ageing was successful with precursor materials observably present within each sample. No Cu-Al LDH was clearly identifiable. Ageing of samples resulted in an increase in the conversion of raw materials to LDH product. The research offers a promising ‘green’ method for LDH synthesis without the production of environmentally harmful salt effluent. The synthesis technique warrants further exploration with potential for future commercial up-scaling.
Forest management and conservation before and after the introduction of village participatory land use plans in the Kilosa district REDD+ initiative, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The use of Village Participatory Land Use Plan (VPLUP) model as a natural resource management and conservation tool has been growing recently. This study examined the premise under which VPLUPs implementation can enhance the management and conservation of Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) in the context of Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation plus (REDD+) initiative in the Kilosa district of Tanzania. A mixed method research design, which integrates participatory community mapping (PCM), focus group discussions (FGDs), key informants interviews (KIIs), direct observations, and household interviews were used in data collection. The results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in forest management and conservation indicators after VPLUPs implementation, and increase in the management and conservation activities carried out by the community after the implementation of VPLUPs. There was also a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in almost all uses of the forest after the implementation of VPLUPs. The findings provide evidence that the VPLUP model has potential for enhancing the management and conservation of forests in the context of REDD+ strategy. Thus, it is argued that VPLUP can be used as a forest management and conservation tool to facilitate the implementation of the REDD+ initiatives.
Adaptations to COVID-19 in Community Corrections Agencies across the United States

ABSTRACT Currently, there are more than 4.3 million Americans are under some form of community supervision. Much of the experience of traditional community supervision relies on face-to-face interactions. Individuals on supervision often require treatment or services typically delivered in face-to-face settings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced community corrections’ agencies to quickly rethink how they do business, with limited existing research on how to adapt supervision protocols in the midst of a global pandemic. Using surveys of directors of community corrections’ agencies across the United States, the goal of the current study was to examine how community corrections’ agencies have adapted traditional supervision processes to address disease prevention and containment in addition to supporting client needs and community safety as a result of COVID-19. Changes implemented during the pandemic may have implications for the future landscape of community supervision. Understanding how and what agencies prioritize in a time of global crisis can provide a foundation for identifying sustainable changes as well as understanding future impacts on system and client-level outcomes.
Properties and emission factors of CCN from biomass cookstoves – observations of a strong dependency on potassium content in the fue

Abstract. Residential biomass combustion is a significant source of aerosol particles on regional and global scales influencing climate and human health. The main objective of the current study was to investigate the properties of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) emitted from biomass burning of solid fuels in different cookstoves mostly of relevance to Sub-Saharan East Africa. The traditional 3-stone fire (3S) and a rocket stove (RS) were used for combustion of wood logs of sesbania (ses) and casuarina (cas) with birch (bir) used as a reference. A natural draft (ND) and a forced draft (FD) pellet stove were used for combustion of pelletized sesbania and pelletized Swedish softwood (sw) alone or in mixtures with pelletized coffee husk (ch), rice husk (rh) or water hyacinth (wh). The CCN activity and the effective density were measured for particles with mobility diameters of ∼65, ∼100 and ∼200 nm, respectively, and occasionally for ∼350 nm particles. Particle number size distributions were measured online with a fast particle analyzer. The chemical composition of the fuel ash was measured by application of standard protocols. The average particle number size distributions were by number typically dominated by an ultrafine mode, and in most cases a soot mode was centered around a mobility diameter of ∼150 nm. The CCN activities decreased with increasing particle size for all experiments and ranged in terms of the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, from ∼0.1 to ∼0.8 for the ultrafine mode and from ∼0.0 to ∼0.15 for the soot mode. The CCN activity of the ultrafine mode increased with increasing combustion temperature for a given fuel, and it typically increased with increasing potassium concentration in the investigated fuels. The primary CCN and the estimated particulate matter (PM) emission factors were typically found to increase significantly with increasing potassium concentration in the fuel for a given stove. In order to link CCN emission factors to PM emission factors, knowledge about stove technology, stove operation and the inorganic fuel ash composition is needed. This complicates the use of ambient PM levels alone for estimation of CCN concentrations in regions dominated by biomass combustion aerosol, with the relation turning even more complex when accounting for atmospheric ageing of the aerosol.
Individual Palm Tree Detection Using Deep Learning on RGB Imagery to Support Tree Inventory

Phoenix palms cover more than 1.3 million hectares in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa regions and they represent highly valued assets for economic, environmental, and cultural purposes. Despite their importance, information on the number of palm trees and the palm distribution across different scenes is difficult to obtain and, therefore, limited. In this work, we present the first region-wide spatial inventory of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) and Phoenix canariensis (canary palm) trees, based on remote imagery from the Alicante province in Spain. A deep learning architecture that was based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) was implemented to generate a detection model able to locate and classify individual palms trees from aerial high-resolution RGB images. When considering that creating large labeled image datasets is a constraint in object detection applied to remote sensing data, as a strategy for pre-training detection models on a similar task, imagery and palm maps from the autonomous community of the Canary Islands were used. Subsequently, these models were transferred for re-training with imagery from Alicante. The best performing model was capable of mapping Phoenix palms in different scenes, with a changeable appearance, and with varied ages, achieving a mean average precision (mAP) value of 0.861. In total, 511,095 Phoenix palms with a probability score above 0.5 were detected over an area of 5816 km2. The detection model, which was obtained from an out-of-the-box object detector, RetinaNet, provides a fast and straightforward method to map isolated and densely distributed date and canary palms—and other Phoenix palms. The inventory of palm trees established here provides quantitative information on Phoenix palms distribution, which could be used as a baseline for long-term monitoring of palms’ conditions. In addition to boosting palm tree inventory across multiple landscapes at a large scale, the detection model demonstrates how image processing techniques that are based on deep learning leverage image understanding from remote sensing data.
The cryptogenic parasite Haplosporidium pinnae invades the Aegean Sea and causes the collapse of Pinna nobilis populations

The cryptogenic parasite Haplosporidium pinnae has caused mass mortality of the protected endemic Mediterranean bivalve Pinna nobilis in the western Mediterranean, since the autumn of 2016. Herein, we confirm the spread of the parasite in the eastern Mediterranean, and report a mass mortality event, with > 93% average mortalities, in the coastal waters of Lesvos Island (Greece, Aegean Sea). Histopathological study of collected specimens revealed the presence of a haplosporian-like protozoon in different life cycle stages, mainly within the digestive gland of the infected Pinna nobilis, with many uniand bi-nucleate parasite cells, plasmodia and sporocysts in the wide lumen of digestive tubules causing the collapse of epithelial cells, and apparently low host haemocyte reaction. The parasite was identified as H. pinnae by molecular methods (PCR amplification and sequencing of a part of small subunit ribosomal DNA gene, and comparison with available records in Genbank). In many sites, 100% mortality was recorded, whereas in a single site (among 13 surveyed sites) mortality was relatively low (36%), successful recruitment was observed and the parasite was not detected. The latter observation stresses the importance of possible parasite-free refugia sites. We call for continuous monitoring of the spread of the parasite and its impacts, and for urgent targeted research and actions to identify the factors affecting the parasite’s virulence, investigate biotic and abiotic conditions that characterize refugia sites, and strictly protect the remaining P. nobilis populations to increase the chances for the survival of the species.