Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing wood properties in standing timber with laser scanning

Managed forests play crucial roles in ongoing climatic and environmental changes. Among other things, wood is capable of sinking and storing carbon in both standing timber and wood products. To promote these positive effects, more precise planning is required that will ensure sustainable forest management and maximal deposition of harvested wood for long-term applications. Information on wood properties plays a key role; i.e. the wood properties can impact the carbon stocks in forests and the suitability of wood for structural timber. With respect to the theoretical background of wood formation, stem, crown, and branching constitute potential inputs (i.e. wood quality indicators) to allometric wood property, tree biomass, and wood quality models. Due to the complex nature of wood formation, measurements of wood quality indicators that could predict wood properties along the relevant directions of variation have previously been elusive in forest inventories. However, developments in laser scanning from aerial and terrestrial platforms support more complex mapping and modeling regimes based on dense three-dimensional point clouds. The aim here was to determine how wood properties could be estimated in remotesensing-aided forest inventories. For this purpose, methods for characterizing select wood quality indicators in standing timber, using airborne and terrestrial laser scanning (ALS and TLS, respectively) were developed and evaluated in managed boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests. Firstly, the accuracies of wood quality indicators resolved from TLS point clouds were assessed. Secondly, the results were compared with x-ray tomographic references from sawmills. Thirdly, the accuracies of tree-specific crown features delineated from the ALS data in predictive modeling of the wood quality indicators were evaluated. The results showed that the quality and density of point clouds significantly impacted the accuracies of the extracted wood quality indicators. In the assessment of wood properties, TLS should be considered as a tool for retrieving as dense stem and branching data as possible from carefully selected sample trees. Accurately retrieved morphological data could be applied to allometric wood property models. The models should use tree traits predictable with aerial remote sensing (e.g. tree height, crown dimensions) to enable extrapolations. As an outlook, terrestrial and aerial remote sensing can play an important role in filling in the knowledge gaps regarding the behavior of wood properties over different spatial and temporal extents. Further interdisciplinary cooperation will be needed to fully facilitate the use of remote sensing and spatially transferable wood property models that could become useful in tackling the challenges associated with changing climate, silviculture, and demand for wood.
Population dynamics of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum in Alexandria (Egypt) coastal waters

During an annual cycle, Prorocentrum minimum contributed three minor peaks, and two monospecies blooms in the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria (Egypt) following the intensive occurrence of Skeletonema costatum. The blooms occurred at 23.5–26.8 °C and salinity 35.5–37.2. The great variability of salinity, nutrient and oxidisable organic matter concentrations limit their contribution as regulating factors. P. minimum seems able to utilise organic sources and exhausts ammonia faster than nitrate. The statistical analysis during the bloom periods suggests a link between nutrient and OOM enrichment and the outbreaks of P. minimum in the harbour. Generally, the growth rate of P. minimum was manipulated by a single addition of different concentrations over several orders of magnitude of molybdenum, zinc, Fe-EDTA and vitamin B12. Fe-EDTA was the most effective element; particularly at 200 μ M>Mo (at 1200 nM)>Zn (18 nM)>vitamin B12 (0.3–1.8 nM). Generally, the growth was highly stimulated after two days of incubation. The work offers additional information to the growing understanding of the massive occurrence of P. minimum in a highly dynamic marine basin.
Estimating Tree Volume of Dry Tropical Forest in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region: A Comparison Between Regression and Artificial Neural Networks

ABSTRACT The dry tropical forests of the Brazilian semi-arid region are a key component in the sustainable production of coal and firewood for power generation, although their estimates of volume and wood stock depend almost exclusively on equations adjusted from other semi-arid regions or form factor for data of managed species. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of new methodologies such as artificial neural networks and regression models is justifiable for the locale, since it aims to select a tool that reports reliable predictions of volume and that is low cost in the forest management of the region. Our main results show that less reliable estimates of trunk and branch volumes are obtained by simple input models and perceptron networks. The Schumacher-Hall linearized equation provides reliable estimates of volume, although the Multilayer-Perceptron neural networks indicate estimates, which are no less biased. Our results suggest that using volumetric equations to predict trunk and tree branch volume in the Brazilian semi-arid region is still more statistically advantageous, although the use of ANNs is not ruled out. This shows that there are obviously complex relationships between dependent and independent biological factors and that volumetric models are able to better explain such relationships.
Spatial population structure of a widespread aquatic insect in the Colorado River Basin: Evidence for a Hydropsyche oslari species complex

Structural connectivity and dispersal ability are important constraints on functional connectivity among populations. For aquatic organisms that disperse among stream corridors, the regional structure of a river network can, thus, define the boundaries of gene flow. In this study, we used mitochondrial DNA (mtCO1 barcoding gene) to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of a caddisfly with strong dispersal capabilities, Hydropsyche oslari (Trichoptera:Hydropsychidae), in the topologically-diverse Colorado River Basin. We expected to find less genetic differentiation among populations of H. oslari within the Upper Basin, which has a dense dendritic network of perennial tributaries that allow for greater potential dispersal and gene flow, than among populations within the arid and sparse river network of the Lower Basin. We also expected to find genetic differentiation among H. oslari in the Upper and Lower Basins because contemporary populations are geographically distant from each other and have been separated by a >300-km-long reservoir (Lake Powell) for ½ a century. Consistent with these predictions, we found that populations of H. oslari within the Upper Basin had more shared haplotypes and less nucleotide diversity (π = 0.001–0.008) than H. oslari within the Lower Basin (FST = 0.01, π = 0.014–0.028). However, populations were genetically more structured in the Upper Basin (FST = 0.47) than in the Lower Basin (FST = 0.01). We also found that populations in the Upper and Lower Basin are entirely genetically differentiated (Snn = 1), suggesting that these 2 populations were isolated thousands of years before the 1963 closure of Glen Canyon Dam and subsequent filling of Lake Powell. The most similar haplotypes among the 2 basins represent a 5.4% difference, which indicates the presence of a species complex within H. oslari.
The Intellectual Property Implications of the Development of Industrial 3D Printing

This commissioned project/report for the European Commission explores the IP Implications of the Development of Industrial 3D Printing from a European perspective. The report aims to enhance the European business sector and foster innovation. Through a legal and empirical analysis, involving qualitative data drawn from interviews with 41 industry stakeholders, the findings from the project demonstrates the areas which needed to be addressed – and resolved. Being the first large-scale empirical project of its kind, the report delves into the heart of EU IP regulation and makes policy recommendations for all aspects of IP whilst also providing recommendations for industry. The report was authored by a team of national and international researchers including a team of academics and practitioners and consisted of Lead Author, Dinusha Mendis together with partners from UK (Julie Robson, Phill Dickinson), Austria (Maria del Carmen Calatrava-Moreno and Alfred Radeur); Finland (Rosa Ballardini); and Germany (Jan Nordemann and Hans Brorsen).
THE DIFFERENTIATION OF MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTES MORPHOLOGY, CYTOCHEMISTRY, AND BIOCHEMISTRY

The in vitro differentiation of homogeneous populations of monocyte-like cells from the unstimulated mouse peritoneal cavity is described. Under the conditions employed, a progressive increase in cell size occurs without significant cell division. This process is characterized morphologically by the accumulation of phase-dense and neutral red-positive granules, mitochondria, and lipid droplets. The phase-dense granules react strongly for acid phosphatase. Biochemical determinations indicate marked increases in the total content and specific activity of acid phosphatase, cathepsin, and β-glucuronidase. The production of acid phosphatase is more rapid and extensive than that of the other two hydrolases. From these data it appears that the conversion of a monocyte-like cell to a mature macrophage is accompanied by the formation of increased numbers of lysosome-like cytoplasmic organelles. Mouse peritoneal phagocytes stimulated in vivo with a bacterial lipopolysaccharide undergo a similar series of morphological and biochemical events.
Variations in the microclimate in rabbit warrens in semi-arid New South Wales

Rabbit burrows in three different habitats in an arid area showed characteristic variations and differences. Burrows in stony soil were generally cooler and more humid than burrows in sand and gravel soil. The temperature of the burrows in sand and gravel showed similar characteristics but the humidity in the gravel burrows was almost always significantly less than that of the sand burrows. Air and ground temperatures were significantly correlated but air and ground humidities showed a less significant correlation. Seasonal differences in microclimate within and between the three types of burrows were pronounced and are thought to cause differences in the survival of rabbits in arid areas.
Ecological implications of xylem cavitation for several Pinaceae in the Pacific Northern USA

1. Xylem hydraulic properties and vulnerability to cavitation (determined using the air-injection method) were studied in six Pinaceae of the northern Rocky Mountains: Pinus ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Larix occidentalis, Pinus contorta, Pinus albicaulis and Abies lasiocarpa. We tested whether species extending into drier habitats exhibited increased resistance to water stress-induced cavitation, and whether there is a trade-off between xylem transport capacity and resistance to cavitation. 2. At lower elevations the more drought-tolerant P. ponderosa was much less resistant to cavitation than the codominant P. menziesii. Greater vulnerability to cavitation in P. ponderosa was compensated for, at least in part, by increased stomatal control of water loss (inferred from carbon isotope discrimination) and by increased sapwood to leaf area ratios. Similar differences, but less pronounced, were found in codominant species at higher elevations. 3. Leaf specific hydraulic conductivity was negatively correlated with mean cavitation pressure. When species were separated into pines and non-pines, sapwood specific conductivity and mean cavitation pressure were also negatively correlated within each of the two groups. 4. Our results indicate that within the evergreen conifers examined, greater resistance to water stress-induced cavitation is not required for survival in more xeric habitats, and that there is a trade-off between xylem conductance and resistance to cavitation.
Evaluating the effects of crab meal, Carophyll Red, and Carophyll Yellow in laying hen diets on egg yolk pigmentation and production performance

A total of 480 Babcock White Leghorn hens (65 wk of age) were randomly assigned to one of five diets [wheat-based control (C), 10 g t–1 Carophyll Red® (CR), 20 g t–1 Carophyll Yellow® (CY), 10 g t–1 CR + 20 g t–1 CY (CR + CY), 80 kg t–1 crab meal (CM)] for 60 d. There was no effect of treatment on egg production. There was an increase in red pigmentation (a* score) on day 45 among treatments supplemented with CR, CR + CY and CM when compared with C and CY. The laying hen was capable of depositing the natural carotenoid supplied by the CM into the egg yolk. Key words: Laying hen, crab meal, carotenoids, astaxanthin, yolk pigmentation
Territory structure of the Robin Erithacus rubecula outside the breeding season

On the basis of radio-tracking data from 51 individuals, the space use of Robins Erithacus rubecula outside the breeding season was non-uniform and multinuclear. On average, territorial Robins spent 78% of their time in one or more resource patches represented by bushes, which accounted for only 1% of a convex polygon encompassing each range. A suite of range polygons was developed to quantify range structure. One of these polygons showed similar size to, and high overlap with, defended-area polygons and so was a good estimate of territory. In addition, the area of bushes in each polygon suggested Robins occupied constant resource territories. There was undefended neutral ground between territories, which, although seldom visited, was crossed to achieve intrusions. Over the short term (days), Robins showed high fidelity to the resource patches they defended. Over the longer term (months), most individuals showed some degree of range shift. It is concluded that if the information concerning territories is to be maximized, empirically derived sampling protocols should be used when measuring territory parameters.
An MPC Approach for Grid-Forming Inverters: Theory and Experiment

Microgrids (MGs) interest is growing very fast due to the environment urgency and their capability to integrate renewable energy in a flexible way. In particular, islanded MGs in which distributed energy resources (DERs) are connected to the infrastructure with power electronic converters have attracted the interest of many researchers of both academia and industry because management, control and protection of such systems is quite different from the case of traditional networks. According to their operation mode, MGs that power electronic converters can be divided into grid-forming, grid-feeding and grid-supporting inverters. In particular, grid forming inverters are asked to impose voltage and frequency in the MG. This paper aims to propose a model predictive control (MPC) based approach for grid-forming inverters in an islanded MG. The MPC strategy is implemented because of its capability to define the optimal control actions that contemporarily track the desired reference signals and accounts for equality and inequality constraints. The overall problem formulation (objective function and relevant constraints) is described step by step and considers the specificity of the considered DC source. The proposed approach allows for the obtaining of very good results in terms of readiness against disturbances, even if it requires being fed only by local measurements. In order to validate the developed method, this paper proposes an experimental validation of the designed MPC controller in order to show its correct operation on a real system in a power hardware in the loop set-up using a rapid control prototyping approach.
Planktonic Ciliates: Their Distribution, Abundance, and Relationship to Microbial Resources in a Monomictic Lake

The abundance, biomass, vertical distribution, and seasonal succession of planktonic ciliates were studied over a 13-mo period in a small monomictic lake. Measurements made concurrently of bacterial abundance (attached and free), chlorophyll a, and pheopigments were analyzed for correlations with the biomass of the major protozoan species and total protozoan biomass. Ciliate community structure varied primarily between periods of winter mixis and summer stratification. Oligotrich, tintinnid, and peritrich ciliates dominated the community during mixis (November to March). Vertical distributions tended to be uniform except for some species containing algal symbionts which occurred primarily in the photic zone. A more diverse community occurred during stratification. At this time species either tended to be restricted to the epilimnion or had sharply defined metalimnetic or hypolimnetic maxima. With the development of anoxia in the hypolimnion (June), bacterivorous scuticociliates reached high densities in t.
Composition, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC.

The essential oils from the aerial parts of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC. , a traditional medicinal plant growing in China, were obtained by hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Fifteen monoterpenes, six sesquiterpenes, three monoterpenoid acetates with two aromatic compounds and two others were identified among twenty-eight compounds, representing 99.69% of the total oils. Eucalyptol (20.62%), Borneol (15.32%), Eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol (13.81%), Sabinol (9.75%), β-Terpineol (6.86%), trans-Pinocarvyl acetate (6.13%) and α-Terpineol (5.35%) were the major seven compounds in the essential oils. The essential oils displayed significant in vitro antimicrobial activities againstBacillus subtilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus1 and Staphylococcus aureuswith minimum inhibitory concentration values range of 125 to 250 μg/ml. The in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation methods. The oils showed a remarkable free radical scavenging activities, as evidenced by the low IC50 value for DPPH radical (275.7 μg/ml) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (induced by FeSO4, H2O2 and CCl4) with IC50 values of 393.6, 562.8 and 297.2 μg/ml, respectively. Key words: Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC. , antioxidant activities, antimicrobial activities, essential oils.
On the Anatomy of the Trematode Hypoderœum conoideum Bloch, 1782, together with Attemps at Elucidating the Life‐cycles of Two other Digenetic Trematodes

Summary. I The morphology, anatomy, and histology of Hypoderœum conoideum Bloch is described in detail, including an account of the experimental infestation of ducklings with the encysted worms. II A variation in the number of circumoral spines is accounted for by the suggestion that possibly all the cercariae developing from a single miracidium exhibit this same variation. III The cyst of Cercaria cambrensis I. , Wright, has been obtained by the experimental infestation of tadpoles, and these cysts, and also those of Cercaria limbifera Seifert fed to ducklings with negative results. IV Cercaria pygocytophora Brown has been recorded as occurring in Lymncea pereger and L. palustris.
Examining disruption of pheromone communication in Choristoneura rosaceana and Pandemis limitata using microencapsulated (Z)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate applied in a laboratory flight tunnel

Pheromone‐based mating disruption of lepidopteran pests (Tortricidae) of pome fruits using hand‐applied dispensing systems has become standard management practice for many producers in western North America. Sprayable microencapsulated (MEC) pheromone formulations that enable the application of pheromone controls with other orchard sprays and assist in the development of multispecies mating‐disruption systems are currently under development. Responses of male Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) and Pandemis limitata (Robinson) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to calling females in clean air, and air treated with their major pheromone component (Z)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z11‐14:OAc), released from a 3M sprayable pheromone formulation containing proprietary 3M Phase I microcapsules, applied at doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg of active ingredient (ai) m−2 to the upwind end of a flight tunnel (equivalent to field rates of 10, 100, and 1000 g ai ha−1) were compared in laboratory flight tunnels. In both species, disorientation was found to be dose‐dependent, because relative to male orientation to calling females in clean air, the orientation of male P. limitata was disrupted 23.3, 46.3, and 71.3%, and orientation by male C. rosaceana was disrupted 31.6, 37.7, and 45.8% by treatment doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg m−2, respectively. Latency of male responses to calling females in a background of Z11‐14:OAc relative to responses in clean air was also dose‐dependent. Albeit short, the disruption lasted 26, 74, and 218 h in P. limitata and 30, 54, and 174 h in C. rosaceana at each application rate, respectively. Disruption by pheromone treatment was greater in P. limitata than in C. rosaceana. This difference may be correlated with species’ differences in the pheromone release rates of females. Mechanisms of disruption invoked by this 3M MEC pheromone formulation are discussed in relation to issues of its longevity and observed differences in the effects against the two species. It appears possible to evaluate relative activity of MEC pheromones in a laboratory setting which may aid in development of new formulations for mating disruption.
Photoemission Spectroscopy Characterization of Halide Perovskites

Controlling the surface and interface properties of halide perovskites (HaPs) materials is key to improve performance and stability of HaP‐based optoelectronic devices such as solar cells. Here, an overview is given on the use of different photoemission spectroscopy (PES) techniques as a tool kit to investigate chemical and electronic properties of surfaces and interfaces in research on HaP compounds. The primary focus of the article is X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES), ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES), highlighting the importance of good practices during PES measurements. Starting from the working principles of PES, critical measurement conditions are discussed. In particular, the exposure of the HaP surface to vacuum and high energy radiation can cause accelerated ageing, degradation, and also ionic migration in the sample. The impact of these changes on the electronic and chemical properties is discussed, followed by an analysis of the specific challenges encountered when performing PES measurements of HaPs. These include the deviation from pristine surface conditions, determination of “soft” band edges, and assessment of band bending. The review concludes by emphasizing good practices for PES measurements of HaP samples and outlining the scope of operando type measurements to capture the transient behavior of HaPs in the experiment.