Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of severe dry season on net ecosystem exchange in the Neotropical rainforest of French Guiana

The lack of information on the ways seasonal drought modifies the CO2 exchange between Neotropical rainforest ecosystems and the atmosphere and the resulting carbon balance hinders our ability to precisely predict how these ecosystems will respond as global environmental changes force them to face increasingly contrasting conditions in the future. To address this issue, seasonal variations in daily net ecosystem productivity (NEPd) and two main components of this productivity, daily total ecosystem respiration (REd) and daily gross ecosystem productivity (GEPd), were estimated over 2 years at a flux tower site in French Guiana, South America (5 °16′54″N, 52 °54′44″W). We compared seasonal variations between wet and dry periods and between dry periods of contrasting levels of intensity (i.e. mild vs. severe) during equivalent 93‐day periods. During the wet periods, the ecosystem was almost in balance with the atmosphere (storage of 9.0 g C m−2). Seasonal dry periods, regardless of their severity, are associated with higher incident radiation and lower REd combined with reduced soil respiration associated with low soil water availability. During the mild dry period, as is normally the case in this region, the amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem was 32.7 g C m−2. Severe drought conditions resulted in even lower REd, whereas the photosynthetic activity was only moderately reduced and no change in canopy structure was observed. Thus, the severe dry period was characterized by greater carbon storage (64.6 g C m−2), emphasizing that environmental conditions, such as during a severe drought, modify the CO2 exchange between Neotropical rainforest ecosystems and the atmosphere and potentially the resulting carbon balance.
An Alternative to Braille

The standard braille code symbols are very difficult to discriminate tactually, and the braille alphabet code is difficult to learn. It is possible to design alphabet code symbols which are significantly easier to discriminate and learn. Tests of an improved code called C5 are described, which show that its symbols can be perceived accurately when formed by a braille printer.
Forming, Adapting, and Terminating the Employment Relationship: A Review of the Literature from Individual, Organizational, & Interactionist Perspectives

This article reviews research published in the last five years (1988- 1992) on three employment status activities-formation, adaptation, and termination-from three perspectives-individual, organizational, and interactionist. It to integrates these findings into a common body of knowledge, in order to show what might be gained from a consideration of all three perspectives. The article concludes with recommendations for the requirements of models used to guide future research on the employment relationship and with the identification of fruitful directions for new research.
Application of Chinese Jun-Cao technique for the production of Brazilian Ganoderma lucidum strains

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in China against a wide range of diseases such as cancer and also for its prevention. In this work, commercial Chinese strains G. lucidum were compared to wild Brazilian strains aiming to determine the cultivation potential through the use of Jun-Cao. Six formulations were tested and the strains presented good response to the applied method. In general, the mixture between the grass and wood was well suited for the basidiomycetes, contributing to the preparation of substrates that generated better results in Jun Cao.
Endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract mucosa of zander (Stizostedion lucioperca).

Summary The distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the zander (Stizostedion lucioperca) were studied immunohistochemically using the peroxidase anti-peroxidase complex method. Our aim was to determine the distribution of specific immunoreactivities in some regions of digestive tract of the zander against the antisera Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), Bombesin, Somatostatin-14, Secretin, Trk-A, Trk-B, Trk-C, Histamine, Neurotensin, Neuropeptide Y (NPY). The samples were taken from the stomach, intestine and pyloric caeca. Data were subjected to analysis of variance SPSS 10 statistical software programme and analysis of variance results were significant in the region of average density immunreactive cell type were compared with ANOVA test. The immunoreactivities against all antisera were observed as intensively in the cells of the gland and less in the cells of Lamina epithelialis. The most intensive region of immunoreactive cells were determined as the fundus. Immunoreactivity was not observed in the nerves beloging to the myenteric plexus and muscle tissue and also ganglion cells.
The fate of rainfall in a mallee and heath vegetated catchment in southern Western Australia

Mallee, a shrub-eucalypt association, once covered large areas of the cereal growing land in Western Australia. The hydrologic consequences of land development have been more than a doubling of water yield and increased deep drainage beyond the plant-root zone. The latter has led to large areas of soil salinization. The uncleared catchment studied was covered with mallee vegetation (65%) and a heath association (35%). Over 12 years of measurement, runoff from the catchment has averaged 0.025 mm per annum with a mean annual rainfall of 376 mm. Half of the runoff resulted from two major events totalling 0.15 mm. Since there was no evidence of groundwater accession in the catchment, the rainfall was balanced by evapotranspiration. Despite virtually no runoff from the whole catchment, considerable internal redistribution of surface water occurred, with localized overland flow in some areas as high as 7.7 mm from 30.9 mm of rainfall in one day. Rainfall penetrated rapidly under the mallee vegetation and the rate of penetration observed could not be achieved solely through the soil even if there was saturated flow. A typical stand of native mallee trees (Eucalyptus pileata and E. eremophila) in the catchment effectively redistributed 8% of the annual rain falling on the stand with 3% lost as interception and 5% going to stemflow. However, on an individual tree basis some 15% of the rain falling on the canopy was lost as intercepted water and 25% ran down the stem. The stemflow caused saturated conditions around the bole of the mallee and dye tracing showed that the water penetrated the soil via the annular pathways of the soil-root interface. Roots of mallee trees were found at 28 m depth and it is postulated that the mallees are adapted to the semi-arid environment by virtue of their ability to store water deep in the soil profile for use during the dry summer months.
The Strategic Usefulness of Management Information as Perceived by Middle Managers

The study sought to investigate the impact of the contextual variables of decentralization and environmental uncertainty on the strategic usefulness of management information as perceived by middle managers of an overseas subsidiary of a large, diversified multinational corporation. Management information was expressed in terms of the characteristics of aggregation, scope, and timeliness. Factor analysis was used to verify these dimensions. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire. Three hypothesized relationships between the contextual variables and the information characteristics were tested through multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that there was a significant relationship between the management information characteristics and perceived environmental uncertainty. Two of the information characteristics-scope and timeliness-showed no significant relationship with decentralization. Aggregation of information, however, only showed a relationship with decentralization through the interaction of environmental uncertainty and decentralization. Implications of these findings for management and organizations are discussed.
Habitat preference during overwintering and timing of seasonal vertical migration of Calanus finmarchicus

Abstract Calanus finmarchicus (Copepoda) appears to be very flexible with respect to physical characteristics of the overwintering habitat. Data from the literature document successful overwintering at depths ranging from about 2000 m to near the surface, and temperatures ranging from -1 to +11°C. I argue that reducing encounters with predators may be a major driving force for C. finmarchicus to select their overwintering habitat. Preliminary analyses from Norwegian fjords suggest that overwintering C. finmarchicus may distribute vertically so as to reduce danger of preda-tion by mesopelagic fish. Episodic presence of planktivorous fish may influence timing of seasonal vertical migrations of Calanus populations.
Production of Biogenic Silica in the Weddell-Scotia Seas Measured with 32Si

Abstract -During leg 2 (November 1988-Jan- uary 1989) of the European Polarstern study (EPOS) in the Weddell-Scotia Confluence zone, we implemented a new, simple, rapid, and sen- sitive method based on 32Si (a P-emitter in equi- librium with 32P) to determine biogenic silica (BSi) production. This method provides simultaneous determination of the production of organic P. Rates of BSi production ranged from 0.09 to 0.95 mmol Si m-2 h-', and the BSi content of the photic layer ranged from 7 to 220 mmol m-2. The Si:C production molar ratios varied be- tween 0.08 (small cell density of diatoms in com- munities dominated by cryptophyceans and dinophyceans) and 0.8 1 (diatom-dominated populations), while the C: P production ratios varied between 47 and 151 with an average of 105, in agreement with the Redfield ratio. We give here the first direct evidence that in the well- mixed waters of the Scotia Sea highly silicified diatom blooms may occur and that unlike earlier descriptions, because of the intense grazing pres- sure of krill in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) of the Weddell Sea, the remaining siliceous phytoplank- ton can grow with only moderate Si production rates. We conclude that the contribution of the MIZ to the total BSi production of the Southern Ocean must not be overstated.
Ocorrência de plantas daninhas no cultivo de bromélias

The Bromeliaceae family stands out among the great variety of Brazilian native tropical plants because of the economic importance of its ornamental plants, currently widely cultivated and used for indoors decorations and landscape projects. Some genera are endemic to the Atlantic Forest and to meet their great demand, removal from their natural environment has become a threat to some species. The Research and Conservation of Bromeliaceae (UPCB) Unit of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa, in Vicosa, MG promotes research on Bromeliaceae conservation. Weed infestation is a constant problem in the maintenance of this collection. The objective of this work was to define the most critical weeds in bromeliad cultivation. From November 2006 to January 2007, weekly visits were conducted to the collection of bromeliads planted in pots at the UPCB, aiming to characterize the occurrence and behavior of weed species. After this period, the weeds were manually removed from the pots, identified and quantified. The critical weed species were described and their fertile individuals were included in the VIC Herbarium of the Department of Plant Biology, as checks. Photographic documentation of the weeds was also conducted. Two critical species were identified: Pilea microphylla,with around six individuals per pot, and Cardamine bonariensis, with approximately 13 individuals per pot. Seven other species were considered potentially critical, with Crepis japonica being the most important one. Twelve opportunistic species were also identified.
A ‘Musical Pathway’ for Spacially Disoriented Blind Residents of a Skilled Nursing Facility

The Auditory Directional System provides a “musical pathway” for blind persons to follow to get to interior destinations in an institutional setting. The system's components are a compact disc player and a network of speakers, infrared “people” detection equipment, and a computer-controlled speaker-sequencing system. To engage the Auditory Directional System, the blind resident pushes a centrally located button for a particular destination. When the person arrives at the first musical cue, infrared sensors detect the person and activate the next speaker. The person's presence continues to activate each subsequent speaker until he or she reaches the final destination. To trigger the detection process, the resident's clothing is equipped with retro-reflective tape This article describes the equipment—its purpose and how it works—and the results of a field test with three residents at a skilled nursing facility.
Interacting determinants of specific leaf area in 22 herbaceous species: effects of irradiance and nutrient availability

We measured specific leaf area (SLA) and six of its determinants (the thickness of lamina, mesophyll, epidermis, mid-vein and mid-vein support tissues and leaf water content) in a collection of 22 herbaceous species grown in factorial combinations of high μ1100 (mol m -2 s -1 ) and low (200) irradiance crossed with high (1: 1) and low (1: 6 dilution) concentrations of a modified Hoagland hydroponic solution. SLA increased with both decreasing irradiance and with increasing nutrient availability but there was a strong interaction between the two. Lamina and mesophyll thickness both increased with increasing irradiance and nutrient availability without any interaction. The experimental treatments had complicated effects on mid-vein thickness and its support tissues. Leaf water content (a measure of leaf tissue density) decreased with increasing irradiance levels and with decreasing nutrient supply, but with an interaction between the two treatments. Changes in nutrient supply had no effect on SLA at high irradiance because leaf thickness and leaf tissue density changed in a compensatory way. A path analysis revealed that each of the components affected SLA when the others were statistically controlled but the strengths of the effects of mesophyll thickness, mid-vein thickness and water content differed between treatment groups. The effect of epidermal thickness on SLA was constant across environments and it showed no significant covariation with the other determinants. There was significant covariation between mesophyll thickness, mid-vein thickness and water content and this covariation was constant across the treatment groups.
Bursaphelenchus niphades n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) amensally associated with Niphades variegatus (Roelofs) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

A Bursaphelenchus species was isolated from a Japanese native wood-boring weevil, Niphades variegatus, and dead Pinaceae trees. The nematode is associated with the weevils as dauer (dispersal third stage) juveniles and the dauers enter the weevil tracheal system forming an abnormal expansion on the weevil trachea (atrium). Thus, the nematode is hypothesised to be an amensal/phoretic associate of the weevil because the abnormal expansion appeared to inhibit weevil respiration. The propagative stages of the nematode are associated with dead trees (wood and bark materials) and are thought to feed there on naturally propagated fungi. Morphologically, the new species is considered an undescribed species close to B. antoniae, B. chengi and B. hylobianum. Within these four species, the new species, which is described herein as B. niphades n. sp. , is closest to B. chengi, i.e., the typological character of these two species are almost identical to each other and is distinguished by some minor characters (structure of the male P4 genital papillae and spicule length). The molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the morphological observations. Bursaphelenchus niphades n. sp. formed a well supported subclade with the four species and is intermediate between B. hylobianum and B. chengi; however, it is distinguished by the molecular sequences of some ribosomal RNA genes. Because three of these four species are associated with weevil species, the subclade is considered a ‘weevil-associated’ species group.
The persistence of cloxacillin in the mammary gland when infused immediately after the last milking of lactation

Summary A series of experiments has been carried out in order to develop antibiotic preparations which, when infused into the udder at drying-off, eliminate established infection and prevent new infection from occurring in the dry period. It has been shown that the persistence of antibiotic in the dry udder is affected by the solubility of the antibiotic salt, the quantity of antibiotic infused and the base in which it is formulated. Whereas 0.2 g cloxacillin as the sodium salt infused in a 3% aluminium monostearate in mineral oil base after the last milking of lactation persisted for less than 1 week, 0.5 and 1.0 g cloxacillin in the form of the benzathine salt, in a similar base, usually persisted for 3 weeks. Secretions removed from the udders of dry cows inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Sarcina lutea but not 2 strains of staphylococci.
Anthropo-generated Climate Change in Europe

In reviewing the results of our analyses of European temperature and precipitation data, we see patterns that are similar to those discovered in our prior studies of the United States and the British Isles: precipitation begins to increase at about the time that Northern Hemispheric SO2 emissions began their rapid ascension, while prior upward trends of surface-air temperature are dramatically truncated. We also find that surface-air temperature trends of different localities over the past three-and-a-half decades are closely tied to the amount of aerosol sulphates in the atmosphere above them. The wide range and thrust of these several observations, along with their theoretical expectation, provides strong support for the premise that anthropo-generated climate change is indeed occurring in Europe, but that it may well be SO2-induced rather than CO2-induced.
Montbeliard breed in Eastern Romania.

The research was carried out on 60 Monbeliard cows imported near Birlad area, East part of Romania. Because the race is bred for the first time in this area and for it productive value we desire to study the condition of exploitation, animals’ ascendancy, productive performances and genetic determinism for some characters. The herd is hosted in a freestall barn. Inside the barn is split in 3 areas: lying area, feeding area and movement area. The lying area have individual stall. Feeding takes place by a system with individual feeding area. Milking takes place in a herringbone milking parlour. Analyzing cows ascendancy, result good productive performance for mothers with an average of 8494.2 kg milk, 3.85% fat, 330.02 kg pure fat and 280.78 kg pure protein. Paternal grandmothers had more good performance then mothers (11256.10 kg milk, 3.86 % fat, 433.35 kg pure fat respectively). The cows’ performance in the first lactation, per 305 days, was a medium of 5727 kg milk with 3.84% fat and 3.31% protein. Per total lactation, the average of productive performance was 6984.87 kg for milk, with limits between 4083 and 9153 kg. The fat and protein content in milk are strong genetically determinate (h=0.57; h=0.63). The quantitative milk production, the fat quantity and protein quantity have low to intermediate genetically determinism (h=0.27 – 0.30).
A quantitative approach to identifying predators from nest remains

Abstract Nesting success of Dusky Canada Geese (Branta canadensis occidentalis) has declined greatly since a major earthquake affected southern Alaska in 1964. To identify nest predators, we collected predation data at goose nests and photographs of predators at natural nests containing artificial eggs in 1997–2000. To document feeding behavior by nest predators, we compiled the evidence from destroyed nests with known predators on our study site and from previous studies. We constructed a profile for each predator group and compared the evidence from 895 nests with unknown predators to our predator profiles using mixture-model analysis. This analysis indicated that 72% of destroyed nests were depredated by Bald Eagles and 13% by brown bears, and also yielded the probability that each nest was correctly assigned to a predator group based on model fit. Model testing using simulations indicated that the proportion estimated for eagle predation was unbiased and the proportion for bear predation was slightly overestimated. This approach may have application whenever there are adequate data on nests destroyed by known predators and predators exhibit different feeding behavior at nests.
Effect of Swine Slurry on Alfalfa Production and on Tissue and Soil Nutrient Concentration

Alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) may not be the most suitable crop to utilize all the manure nutrients, but it may be the best crop available, espedally when the crop is dormant. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) slurry manure on alfalfa yield and the concentration of nutrients in soil. A 2-yr field experiment was initiated in 2001 on two soils: a Typic Xerofluvent and a Calcixerolic Xerochrept. Soil mineral elements were extracted with ammonium bicarbonate diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and initial extractable P and K were 16.7 and 6 mg P kg -1 and 152 and 103 mg K kg -1 for the two soils, respectively. There were four treatments: annual winter applications of 25 and 50 m 3 ha -1 of swine slurry manure, annual fertilization of 32.75 kg P ha -1 and 125 kg K ha -1 , and a no-manure or fertilizer control. Application of slurry manure in winter was not detrimental to the crop. Manure and fertilizer treatments increased alfalfa dry matter (DM) yield 37% on the low-fertility soil. There was no significant effect of manure or fertilizer on alfalfa DM yield on the Xerofluvent soil. Application of the slurry slightly increased the soil concentrations of P, Mg, Zn, and Fe in higher-fertility soils and copper in low-fertility soils. The 2-yr results suggest that the application of slurry in soils with low levels of trace elements, such as those used in the trials, does not produce a significant buildup of these elements that could lead to an environmental problem.
Producción primaria y eficiencia fotosintética en Cuenca Alfonso, Bahía de La Paz, Golfo de California, México

Quantification of photosynthetic efficiency and productive capacity of the phytoplankton community was the objective of the surveys that were conducted in December 2005, May and August 2006; and February, May and November 2007 in Bahia de La Paz (Cuenca Alfonso). Samples of water were collected from 7 levels of surface irradiance (100, 55, 33, 10, 3, 1 and 0.1%), of the euphotic zone (Zeu). In situ primary production estimations were performed by 14C assimilation methodology. There were 2 basic assimilation ratios patterns; one with subsurface maxima during February and May 2007 and other with a tendency of increasing values as the lower limit of the Zeu was approached (December 2005; May and August