Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond light: Physical, geological, and geochemical parameters as possible submersed aquatic vegetation habitat requirements

When determining the suitability of a certain area as a habitat for submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV), light and parameters that modify light (epiphytes, total suspended solids, chlorophyll concentration, nutrients) are the first factors to be taken into consideration. As a result, in the past 10 years, light has been the major focus of SAV research. Even so, we are still unable to explain why SAV often occurs in one area but is absent just a few meters away. Recent studies have shown that SAV may not occur in areas where light levels are adequate but other parameters like wave energy and sulfide concentrations are excessive. It is time to look beyond light when determining SAV habitat requirements. This paper summarizes the impact that physical (waves, currents, tides, and turbulence), geological (sediment grain size and organic matter), and geochemical (mainly sulfide) parameters may have on SAV habitat suitality. Light remains an integral part of the discussion but the focus shifts from maximum depths of distribution (determined mainly by light) to the range SAV can colonize between the maximum and minimum depths of distribution (determined mainly by physical forces). This paper establishes minimum depths of occurrence resulting from the effects of tides and waves, preferred ranges in particle size, organic content, and sulfide, as well as lilfide, as well as limits on currents and waves as related to the capacity to stay rooted at one extreme and diffusive boundary layer constrains at the other.
The ‘ghost of settlement past’ determines mortality and fecundity in the barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides

Intraspecific competition is common in many organisms. For many sessile marine invertebrates high settlement densities can lead to competition with conspecifics that can affect the probability of mortality, morphology, and reproductive output. This work aims to determine the affect of recruit density on shell morphology and fecundity and the temporal nature of intraspecific competition for the acorn barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides. Two tile arrays were used; experiment 1 was deployed at the start of the settlement season (43,264 recruits, 4.1% survivorship to adult), experiment 2 was deployed in the middle of the season (5,454 recruits, 42.8% survivorship). Experiment 2 displayed density dependent mortality between recruits and juveniles and adults, whereas no relationship was found for exp. 1. Experiment 2 had higher egg production per individual, but also higher egg production per area of tile compared to exp. 1. A negative relationship was found between recruit density and egg production, however during the summer period, this relationship switched to a positive relationship between juvenile density and egg production, due to high mortality on tiles with high recruit density. Cumulative population density (CPD) was calculated as the cumulative mean density of barnacles per cm -2 of tile and was used as an index of intraspecific competition. There was a linear negative relationship between mass of eggs per individual and CPD. However, CPD over the summer period more fully explained egg production per individual. A time window was identified when cumulative intraspecific competitive effects were shown to have a strong negative effect on egg production and an increase in mortality, causing a flip from density independent fecundity to density dependent fecundity. These results suggest that recruit density is an important driver of subsequent population processes.
Growth of Avocado Plants Under Saline Conditions

ABSTRACT Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an important multipurpose tree crop. A study was conducted to investigate the growth and gas exchange characteristics of avocado seedlings growing under different salinity levels. Plants were grown in 4.5 liter plastic pots containing soil were subjected to 0 (control), 15, 30, 45 and 60 mM NaCl salinity treatments. Growth, net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), water use efficiency (WUE) and chlorophyll (chl) concentration decreased in response to increasing salt concentration. Substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci) and chloride content increased as salt concentration increased. The findings from this study demonstrate that salinity inhibits growth and gas exchange of avocados.
A population-based threshold model describing the relationship between germination rates and seed deterioration

The time required for germination increases prior to the loss of viability as seeds deteriorate during siorage. We have developed a population-based threshold model that can quantify and predict seed germination times and percentages after various ageing periods under constant conditions. The model assumes that each seed has a maximum potential lifetime, the values of which vary in a normal distribution among individual seeds, and that the time to germination of a particular seed is inversely proportional to the remaining difference between the accumulated ageing period and the maximum lifetime of that seed. This model described with reasonable accuracy the germination time-courses of lettuce (Lactuca saliva L.) seeds after increasing periods of controlled deterioration at 10% moisture content (fresh weight basis) and 40 °C. In seeds of high initial quality, two phases of deterioration were detected, a relatively slow phase before significant loss of viability occurred and a more rapid phase once viability began to decline. Prehydration and redrying treatments that shortened the time to germination also reduced or eliminated the initial lag phase before the loss of viability began. Seed germination rates after different ageing periods can be normalized on a common 'ageing-time' scale, emphasizing the continuous and progressive nature of deteriorative processes in seeds. The model predicted, and the data confirmed, that there was a critical imbibition time after which no additional normal seedlings would germinate. This critical imbibition time for a given seed lot was independent of the ageing period. The maximum lifetime threshold model, in conjunction with previous population-based models of seed viability during storage, can provide a quantitative description of seed germination rates and normal or abnormal seedling percentages throughout the storage life of a seed lot.
Scaffolding Problem Solving in Teaching and Learning The DPACE Model - A Design Thinking Approach

Problem solving is a basic skill needed to function effectively in the working environment. Teachers are no exception to this professional demand. It is of utmost importance for teacher education programs to prepare pre-service teachers with this fundamental competency. The DPACE model is a preliminary effort by two teacher educators to enhance the problem-solving skills among pre-service teachers. The model was developed using the design thinking approach with reference to Vygotsky’s constructivism and grounded by questions as scaffolds to facilitate internalization of knowledge that teachers need to assist them in addressing and expanding their problem-solving boundaries. The main structure of the model consists of five domains developed with reference to computational thinking concepts. Each domain consists of open-ended questions formulated according to Bloom’s ordering of cognitive skills, taking pre-service teachers progressively toward better understanding of the problem and creating an efficient solution. This model was applied among 62 pre-service teachers enrolled in the TSLB3152 course at the Teacher Education Institute International Languages Campus, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In total, 86.67% of the respondents reported that the DPACE model helped them in their problem-solving task and almost 78% of them scored an A grade in their coursework tasks facilitated using the DPACE model. Efforts are needed to further refine the questions and field test the model in other courses or situations with the hope that this ongoing teacher education effort will create a paradigm shift in the quest toward mastery of 21st century skills among pre-service teachers.
Causes for Silk Delay in a Lowland Tropical Maize Population

A shortened anthesis-to-silking interval (ASI) in maize (Zea mays L.) is associated with tolerance of stresses which occur around flowering. It is not known of this reflects differences in tassel and ear initiation dates, or in rates of development and growth. We examined these characteristics in selection cycles 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 (designated C x , where the subscript indicates the cycle number) of the lowland tropical maize population 'Tuxpeno Sequia', which was selected recurrently for drought tolerance and whose selection cycles differ for ASI [. ]
Factors influencing occupational accidents: a multidimensional analysis in the electricity sector

Abstract: Occupational accidents are a public health problem; therefore, it is necessary to conduct research that contributes to accident prevention and health promotion. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the main factors influencing work accidents at an electric power company. A survey of 1,027 in-house and outsourced employees of a large electric utility was conducted. The participants included injured and non-injured professionals. Organizational, personal/behavioral, and work/task factors were found to have statistically significant effects on work accident occurrence. As an academic and managerial contribution, the identification of the main factors that influence work accidents in the electric sector favors the development of strategies and actions for its control and mitigation.
Adaptive Image-Based Leader–Follower Formation Control of Mobile Robots With Visibility Constraints

This article addresses the problem of leader–follower formation control of mobile robots using only onboard monocular cameras that subjected to visibility constraints. An adaptive image-based visual servoing control strategy was proposed following the prescribed performance control methodology. First, the leader–follower visual kinematics in the image plane and an error transformation with predefined performance specifications are presented. Then, an adaptive control law with online estimating the inverse height between the optical center of camera and the single feature point attached to leader is designed to ensure the global stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, the applicability and performance of the proposed control scheme are demonstrated by the numerical simulations and hardware experiments. Compared with other formation control schemes, our solution relies only on onboard visual sensors without communication, since it does not need the relative angle/distance between the robots, or the velocity of the leader. Moreover, it guarantees the prescribed transient and the steady-state performance besides the visibility constraints.
The relationship bewteen rainfall , lion predation and population trends in African herbivores.

The relationship between rainfall, lion predation and population trends in African herbivores, with special emphasis on buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, was studied in the central district of the Kruger National Park between 1968 and 1992. The study commenced at the end of a dry cycle, and moved into a 10-year wet cycle that was followed by another 10-year dry cycle. Populations of the herbivores reacted differently to these cycles: those of wildebeest and zebra fluctuated inversely with rainfall, whereas those of buffalo and the other herbivores fluctuated directly with rainfall to a greater or lesser degree. The proprtions in which some species were represented in lion kill samples followed a similar trend, with wildebeest and zebra being more vulnerable in the wet cycle and buffalo and waterbuck being more vulnerable in the dry cycle. Simulations of the buffalo, wildebeest and zebra populations suggest that buffalo are more heavily influenced by predation during population declines than are the other two species, followed by wildebeest, with zebra experiencing the smallest influence. The driving force in the ecosystem, however, appeared to be rainfall.
Chemiluminescence of Cypridina luciferin analogues. Part 1. Effect of pH on rates of spontaneous autoxidation of CLA in aqueous buffer solutions

From the pH–rate profile of autoxidation of the Cypridina luciferin analogue {2-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3(7H)-one, CLA}, CLA was found not to react with ground-state molecular oxygen at a measurable rate, while the conjugate base of CLA was found to react with molecular oxygen with a second-order rate constant of 0.434 ± 0.001 dm3 mol–1 s–1 at 25 °C. No chain reaction process contributed in the autoxidation of CLA. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed to reduce the rate of the autoxidation to a small extent in the reaction with low-pH buffers, while SOD did not affect the reaction in buffers of pH higher than 7. The intimate radical pair (CLA˙O2˙–) is proposed to be the primary product of the reaction.
Circularly‐polarised origami‐inspired folding patch antenna sub‐array

: This work discusses the design of a microstrip patch antenna and its use as an orientation-agnostic radiator in an origami-inspired folding antenna array. The antenna is based on a perturbed circular patch design that is impedance matched to reside in a radial feed network for a 2 × 2 array. This 2 × 2 array can be switched to provide sum and difference pattern behaviour. Both the feed network and the ground plane are modified to enable folding of the structure according to the Miura-ori pattern. The performance of a circularly polarised array is evaluated for a comprehensive range of fold angles to evaluate the impact of physical reconfiguration. Results for a simulated and fabricated circularly polarised array are provided for a 3 GHz design.
Recommendation of an ideal mixed fluid preparation to be used as partial parenteral nutrition in surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: This study was conducted to assess the role of Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) and a specially prepared “mixed fluid formula” used as PPN in sick surgical neonates. Methods: This single institution based Randomised Control Trial was performed in Surgical NICU of a tertiary care Centre. Surgical neonates who required bowel rest for >3 days like Esophageal Atresia (22), Duodenal Atresia (38), Jejuno-Ileal Atresia (50), Necrotising Enterocolitis (29) and others (11), were chosen. As a CONTROL population half (75) neonates were allowed maintenance fluid only (Isolyte P) and rest (75) were given a combination of maintenance fluid (Isolyte P) and PPN (specially prepared mixed fluid). This mixed fluid each 100 ml was prepared with 65ml Isolyte P, 15 ml 25% Dextrose, 10 ml Normal Saline, 7 ml Astymin 3, 2 ml Multivitamin and 1 ml Injection KCl. Fluid was continued till enteral feeding was established. Results: Neonates according to their body weight were divided in three groups <1 kg (50), 1-2.5 kg (71) and >2.5 kg (29) and their post-operative outcome was assessed as Clinical Positive/Negative and Laboratory Positive/Negative. Results were separately assessed in 3 body weight groups under “Control” and “Study” which showed both Clinical and Biochemical improvement in “Study group”. Conclusions: The composition of mixed fluid, its nutritional value, calorie supplementation, compatible osmolarity for peripheral venous administration and most importantly its easy and cost-effective preparation were assessed thoroughly and we recommend this “mixed fluid” preparation as a very useful PPN for sick surgical neonates.
The time and frequency standard system for FAST receivers

This paper reports on the time and frequency standard system for the Five-hundred meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), including the system design, stability measurements and pulsar timing observations. The stability and drift rate of the frequency standard are calculated using 1-year monitoring data. The UTC-NIM Disciplined Oscillator (NIMDO) system improves the system time accuracy and stability to the level of 5 ns. Pulsar timing observations were carried out for several months. The weighted RMS of timing residuals reaches the level of less than 3.0 μs.
Functions of HKT transporters in sodium transport in roots and in protecting leaves from salinity stress

Excessive sodium (Na+) accumulation in plants due to soil salinity is toxic to most higher plants including crop plants. Many genes encoding Na+ permeable transporters/channels have been identified for the last 15 years, based on genetic approaches, genome-sequencing projects and functional complementation screening using yeast mutants. The HKT-type transporter/channel class is one of the best characterized Na+ permeable membrane proteins in plants. Interestingly, most Na+ permeable proteins including HKT-type transporters/channels in plants were shown or deduced to play a protective role against salinity stress. A Na+ selective transporter/channel in rice (Oryza sativa), OsHKT2;1, however, has recently been proven to function in “nutritional Na+ absorption” in K+-starved roots rather than functioning in a protective role under salinity stress. Here we review findings on the HKT-type transporters/channels, mainly focusing on the function of OsHKT2;1 that is tightly regulated by K+/Na+ homeostatic mechanisms of rice plants. We also discuss functions of Arabidopsis thaliana AtHKT1;1 and rice OsHKT1;5 in protecting plant leaves from over-accumulating toxic Na+ concentrations during salinity stress by removing Na+ from the xylem sap.
Collaborative tactics for nestsite selection by pairs of blue footed boobies

The dual concern model suggests that pairs of animals can use four different behavioural strategies to resolve disputes that arise when making joint decisions. Based on their reproductive biology, we predicted that mated pairs of blue footed boobies would use one of these strategies, collaboration, when deciding on a location for their nest. Many of the behaviour tactics diagnostic of collaboration were observed in boobies. For instance, nestsite selection was accompanied by extensive exchanges of a specialized communication signal (nestpointing), rates of nestpointing at a given site were strongly related to the likelihood that a pair would select that site for their nest, couples in which the male and female 'disagreed' about the merits of an initial site went on to investigate additional sites together ('expanding the pie'), individuals pointed at maximal rates at a site only after their partner had already pointed at that same site ('feeling out procedures'), and both sexes appeared to have 'veto power' over potential nestsites, in the sense that a site was virtually never accepted for the nest if one of the two partners failed to point at that site prior to clutch initiation. These results support the hypothesis that mated pairs of blue footed boobies may use collaborative tactics when selecting a nestsite; descriptive accounts suggest that similar tactics may occur in other birds in which mated pairs jointly decide on the location for their nest.
Fabrication and characterization of a novel wound scaffold based on polyurethane added with Channa striatus for wound dressing applications

Abstract Wound healing is a complex process and it involves restoration of damaged skin tissues. Several wound dressings comprising naturally made substances are constantly investigated to assist wound healing. In this research, a new wound dressing based on polyurethane (PU) supplemented with essence of Channa striatus (CS) fish oil was made by electrospinning. Morphological study depicted the reduction in fiber diameter than PU with the addition of fish oil (0.552 ± 0.109 μm for 8:1 v/v% and 0.519 ± 0.196 μm 7:2 v/v%) than the pristine PU (0.971 ± 0.205 µm). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of fish oil in the composite as identified through increasing peak intensity. Fish oil resulted in the hydrophilic behavior (88 ± 3 (8:1 v/v) and 70 ± 6 (7:2 v/v)) as revealed in the contact angle analysis. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the superior thermal behavior of the wound dressing patch compared to the PU. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis insinuated a decrease in the surface roughness of the pristine polyurethane with the added fish oil. Coagulation assays signified the delay in the blood clotting time portraying its anti-thrombogenic behavior. Hemolytic assay revealed the less toxic nature of the developed nanocomposites with the red blood cells (RBC’s) depicting its safety with blood. Hence, polyurethane nanofibers supplemented with fish oil made them as deserving candidates for wound dressing application.
The Swiss agri-environmental programme and its effects on selected biodiversity indicators

In Switzerland, parallel to agri-environmental measures which apply directly to the field management, farmers had to convert at least 7% of their land to ecological compensation areas – ECA. Major ECA are extensified grassland, traditional orchards, hedges, and wild flower strips. In 2000, the situation shows that farmers practise the agri-environmental scheme all over Switzerland with a total of 120,000 hectares of different types of ECA. The introduction of ECA throughout the country's agricultural area can be seen as a large scale landscape restoration experiment. Its biological effects are evaluated in a monitoring programme. In a case study area of about 6 km2, in 1997, biodiversity indicators (spiders, carabid beetle and butterflies) were recorded following a stratified sampling design. Every field in the area was categorised and digitised. Habitat and landscape features that influence the indicators are analysed as well as the role of the ECA in this context. Hypothetical influencing factors are tested with the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and partial CCA, and are categorised as follows: (1) habitat (habitat type, plant species richness); (2) landscape (habitat heterogeneity, variability, diversity, proportion of land use types in classes); and (3) space (geographical coordinates). The correlative models developed for spider and carabid beetle assemblages revealed that the most important factor is the habitat type (directly influenced by management practices). However, for spiders, land use types like ECA and natural areas in the surrounding landscape are significant factors too. The model developed for butterflies shows that species assemblages are sensitive to the habitat type and plant species richness but not to landscape features.
Stock Market’s Reaction to Self-Disclosure
of Environmental Administrative Penalties:
an Empirical Study in China

For a listed company the information about self-disclosing its environmental penalty will provide investors with reliable sources to observe its environmental situation. This study, employing the event study method, examines the stock market’s reaction before and after its environmental penalty announcement. The impacts of environmental penalties on companies’ abnormal returns during the observation period are evaluated as well. The findings reveal that the accumulative abnormal returns of penalized companies will drop before the environmental penalty announcements. Besides, selfdisclosing the environmental penalty will ease the negative impacts on their abnormal returns, and the disclosure of detailed rectification measures and the impacts of penalty in the announcements will increase their abnormal returns as opposed to bring further damage to their stock market returns. Our results suggest that the self-disclosure of penalty information prevents the decline of stock market returns, which implies that self-disclosure has a positive effect on companies’ reactions in terms of