Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Articulations of inferiority: From pre-colonial to post-colonial paternalism in tourism and development among the indigenous Bushmen of Southern Africa

ABSTRACT In southern Africa, the indigenous Bushmen (San) have for long been positioned as an inferior group. First, in pre-colonial paternalist relationships that included slavery and several types of serfdom. Next, they had an inferior position under colonial paternalism (‘baasskap’) originating at white settler farms and last, they experience inferiority again in relation to the contemporary, mostly black, elites, including state officials. This paper addresses this historical pattern: through ethnographic results and examples from the literature it relates this process to contemporary post-colonial paternalist relations of various groups of Bushmen, particularly in tourism and development programmes. I argue that, despite dominant discourses about bottom-up approaches by the tourism industry, NGOs and the state, tourism and development also provide for a continuation of paternalist relations, in which articulations of inferiority come from ‘above’ and ‘below’, thereby often perpetuating Bushmen’s inferiority. Moreover, I suggest that this perpetuation is not confined to tourism and development only; an important discourse that underscores inferiority to a degree is the hegemonic global articulation of ‘indigeneity’, which subtly emphasises indigenous peoples’ inferiority.
Study of the Water Quality Index and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon for a River Receiving Treated Landfill Leachate

Rising solid waste production has caused high levels of environmental pollution. Population growth, economic patterns, and lifestyle patterns are major factors that have led to the alarming rate of solid waste production. Generally, solid wastes such as paper, wood, and plastic are disposed into landfills due to its low operation and maintenance costs. However, leachate discharged from landfills could be a problem in surfaces and groundwater if not adequately treated. This study investigated the patterns of the water quality index (WQI) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) along Johan River in Perak, Malaysia, which received treated leachate from a nearby landfill. An artificial neural network (ANN) was also applied to predict WQI and PAH concentration of the river. Seven sampling stations were chosen along the river. The stations represented the upstream of leachate discharge, point of leachate discharge, and five locations downstream of the landfill. Sampling was conducted for one year starting July 2018. Physicochemical parameters, namely pH, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammoniacal nitrogen, total suspended solids, and dissolved oxygen, were used to compute the water quality index (WQI). PAH concentrations were determined by liquid–liquid extraction of water samples followed by an analysis using gas chromatography. Results showed that WQI of Johan River was under Class III where intensive treatment was required to make it suitable for drinking purposes. The highest recorded PAH concentrations were fluoranthene (333.4 ppb) in the dry season and benzo(a) pyrene (93.5 ppb) in the wet season. A correlation coefficient (Rp) for a model prediction based on WQI-ANN and TEC-ANN (toxicity equivalent concentration) in the wet and dry seasons was 0.9915, 0.9431, 0.9999, and 0.9999, respectively. ANN results showed good model performance with Rp ≈ 0.9. This study suggested that ANN is a useful tool for water quality studies.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Professional Practice in the Northern Territory, Australia

This commentary article describes the clinical context in the Northern Territory, Australia, and the concerns and changes in practice brought forth by COVID-19. We provide an overview of the local response, which has included a shift to telepractice, and discuss the merits and potential issues of telepractice service provision in remote and very remote Australia.
Depth-Wise Separable Convolution Neural Network with Residual Connection for Hyperspectral Image Classification

The neural network-based hyperspectral images (HSI) classification model has a deep structure, which leads to the increase of training parameters, long training time, and excessive computational cost. The deepened network models are likely to cause the problem of gradient disappearance, which limits further improvement for its classification accuracy. To this end, a residual unit with fewer training parameters were constructed by combining the residual connection with the depth-wise separable convolution. With the increased depth of the network, the number of output channels of each residual unit increases linearly with a small amplitude. The deepened network can continuously extract the spectral and spatial features while building a cone network structure by stacking the residual units. At the end of executing the model, a 1 × 1 convolution layer combined with a global average pooling layer can be used to replace the traditional fully connected layer to complete the classification with reduced parameters needed in the network. Experiments were conducted on three benchmark HSI datasets: Indian Pines, Pavia University, and Kennedy Space Center. The overall classification accuracy was 98.85%, 99.58%, and 99.96% respectively. Compared with other classification methods, the proposed network model guarantees a higher classification accuracy while spending less time on training and testing sample sites.
The influence of spatially heterogeneous anthropogenic change on bill size evolution in a coastal songbird

Natural history collections provide an unparalleled resource for documenting population responses to past anthropogenic change. However, in many cases, traits measured on specimens may vary temporally in response to a number of different anthropogenic pressures or demographic processes. While teasing apart these different drivers is challenging, approaches that integrate analyses of spatial and temporal series of specimens can provide a robust framework for examining whether traits exhibit common responses to ecological variation in space and time. We applied this approach to analyze bill morphology variation in California Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis). We found that bill surface area increased in birds from higher salinity tidal marshes that are hotter and drier. Only the coastal subspecies, alaudinus, exhibited a significant increase in bill size through time. As with patterns of spatial variation, alaudinus populations occupying higher salinity tidal marshes that have become warmer and drier over the past century exhibited the greatest increases in bill surface area. We also found a significant negative correlation between bill surface area and total evaporative water loss (TEWL) and estimated that observed increases in bill size could result in a reduction of up to 16.2% in daily water losses. Together, these patterns of spatial and temporal variation in bill size were consistent with the hypothesis that larger bills are favored in freshwater‐limited environments as a mechanism of dissipating heat, reducing reliance on evaporative cooling, and increasing water conservation. With museum collections increasingly being leveraged to understand past responses to global change, this work highlights the importance of considering the influence of many different axes of anthropogenic change and of integrating spatial and temporal analyses to better understand the influence of specific human impacts on population change over time.
Computer models of saliency alone fail to predict subjective visual attention to landmarks during observed navigation

ABSTRACT This study aimed to understand whether or not computer models of saliency could explain landmark saliency. An online survey was conducted and participants were asked to watch videos from a spatial navigation video game (Sea Hero Quest). Participants were asked to pay attention to the environments within which the boat was moving and to rate the perceived saliency of each landmark. In addition, state-of-the-art computer saliency models were used to objectively quantify landmark saliency. No significant relationship was found between objective and subjective saliency measures. This indicates that during passive observation of an environment while being navigated, current automated models of saliency fail to predict subjective reports of visual attention to landmarks.
Patterns of expression of lipid-transfer protein gene in organs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

1865–1877. The patterns of lipid-transfer protein PsLTP1 ( P inus s ylvestris l ipid transfer p rotein 1 ) gene expression in the vegetative and generative organs of Scots pine have been stu died by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was found that PsLTP1 gene expression is tissue-specific and it changes during ontogenetic de -velopment. Effect of phytohormones on PsLTP1 expression level in Scots pine seed lings has been investigated.
Block Wise Spatial Distribution and Mapping of Cationic Micronutrients in Soils of Jhargram District of West Bengal

Aims: This investigation is aimed to conduct a delineation study to know the spatial distribution of available cationic micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in red and lateritic soils of Jhargram district of West Bengal and their relationship with soil chemical properties. Study Design: Spatial distribution. Place and Duration of Study: Geo-referenced 253 surface soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were collected from eight blocks (Gopiballavpur1, Gopiballavpur2, Nayagram, Jhargram, Sankrail, Jambani, Binpur2 and Binpur1) of Jhargram district of West Bengal, India during 20172018. Original Research Article Das et al.; IJECC, 10(10): 111-122, 2020; Article no.IJECC. 61579 112 Methodology: Grid based detailed block wise soil sampling has been carried out in long term crop growing fields of Jhargram district of West Bengal.The collected soil samples were analyzed and their cationic micronutrient status were depicted through nutrient index and fertility maps. Geographical information system (GIS) is an important tool to identify the risk areas. In our study Arc Info GIS has been used to prepare the spatial distribution maps of available cationic micronutrients and soil chemical properties (pH and organic carbon) of different blocks of this district. Results: The pH, organic carbon content, available Zinc, Copper, Iron and Manganese content in soils were in the range of 3.68-7.6, 0.15-2.01 (%), 0.56-5.52, 2.4-11.76, 31.6-208.4 and 6.32-99.74 mg kg, respectively, with the mean value of 4.97,0.64 (%),2.21, 5.75, 114.68 and 41.87 mg kg respectively. The lowest zinc content has been recorded from the soils of Gopiballavpur2 block. Conclusion: The calculated NIV and spatial distribution maps clearly indicated that there is no deficiency of Iron, Manganese and Copper in this region. Zinc status did not resemble with other cationic micronutrient status which was mostly low to medium with some patches of deficiencies. Soil pH has significant positive relation with Iron. Copper has significant positive relation with soil organic carbon.
Let’s not just “talk” about it: reflections on women’s career development in hospitality

Purpose This paper aims to provide an action-orientated reflection for promoting gender equality in hospitality, based on Bradley’s (2013) approach that considers the operation of gender in the “production” and “reproduction” spheres of social life. To that end, it reflects on women’s career development in hospitality based on the Western perspective. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage thematic analysis of a public research seminar on gender issues in tourism and hospitality were used to explore issues of women’s career development within the intertwining spheres of “production” and “reproduction”. Findings Three themes, namely, culture of an open dialogue, bringing men into the equation and educating the future workforce, emerged from data to propose new insights on “what can be done” about gender equality in tourism and hospitality, including practical suggestions for transformations of gender relations in organisations. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes new knowledge on women’s career development in the hospitality industry by proposing recommendations to address gender gaps including fostering a culture of an open dialogue based on an inclusive listening environment, recommending changes to organisational policies and culture and integrating the subject of gender into tourism and hospitality curriculum. Originality/value By proposing a sociological perspective of gender in hospitality employment informed by Bradley (2013), this study challenges the traditional masculinity and the long-standing gender labour division through education, organisational and daily practices thus tackling fundamental gender issues.
New records of the Mediterranean land snail Massylaea vermiculata (O. F. Müller, 1774) in Hungary and Slovakia

The Mediterranean Massylaea vermiculata (O. F. Müller) is reported from Slovakia for the first time (two sites), and from Hungary for the first time since the 1980 record. There is a reason to suspect the existence of further, yet undetected, specimens or even populations in Central Europe. Based on the dynamics of similar invasions of terrestrial molluscs, we expect that in 2–3 decades the species may become locally abundant and widespread in both the Hungarian and the Slovak capitals.
Antioxidants From the Class of Polyphenols, NAC and Vitamin C Act Differently on Amyloid Fibril Formation by Two Human Cystatins: Stefin B and Cystatin C.

We compare the effect on amyloid fibril formation by two homologous proteins from the family of cystatins, human stefin B (stB) and cystatin C (cysC) in presence of 3 polyphenols: curcumin, resveratrol and quercetin and 2 non-phenolic anti-oxidants: vitamin C (VitC) and N-acetyl cystein (NAC). Some of the experimental data have already been presented, here we compare, further discuss and highlight the results. The amyloid fibril formation was followed by ThT fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation reaction depended on anti-oxidant class and concentration. The fact that different effect of polyphenols was observed with the two cystatins; Cur acted inhibitory on stB but not on cysC fibril formation, could be explained if the 3 polyphenols would not bind to the same binding site in the fibrils core. Other differences are pointed out and discussed. Synergistic effects of VitC and chosen polyphenols on amyloid fibrilllation of human stB have been explored and are reported here for the first time. Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 13 October 2020 doi:10.20944/preprints202010.0274. v1 © 2020 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Bothrops jararaca (Reptilia, Serpentes, Viperidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome, containing 17,526 bp, was determined from the pitviper Bothrops jararaca. It is the first mitogenome for the most medically important genus of snake in Latin America. This mitogenome has common snake mitochondrial features such as a duplicated control region that has nearly identical sequences at two different locations of the mitogenome and a translocation of tRNA-Leu (UUR). Besides, we found a translocation of the tRNA-Pro compared to Colubridae snakes. Finally, an unusual possible duplication containing a tRNA-Phe was observed for the first time and may represent a marker of the genus.
The functional role of 14-3-3 proteins in plant-stress interactions

14-3-3 proteins are important components in signal transduction pathways affecting multiple plant functions by mediating protein-protein interactions through post-translational modification via phosphorylation. Homodimers or heterodimers of 14-3-3 proteins bind to other proteins inducing site-specific targeting and alteration of the conformation of client proteins, which is an essential regulatory element for plant function and response. This protein family is involved in a wide range of cellular functions including the regulation of hormonal induction in response to stress stimuli, mediation of symbiotic relationships between the plant host and symbionts, as well as the mediation of functions between cellular components and enzymes. Identification of the function and mechanism of 14-3-3 proteins in plants offers insight into how crops can be made more efficient via the manipulation of these proteins.
The role of alpha-tocopherol in the protection of tomato plants against abiotic stress

The ability of energy conversion by the photosynthetic machinery under stress and its capacity to adjust to an ever-changing environment is crucial for plant survival. The photosynthetic light reactions occur at the photosystems in the thylakoids of chloroplasts. The photosystems are composed of proteins in a specific lipid environment. It includes not only membrane lipids but also lipophilic pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and prenylquinones (plastoquinone, phylloquinone, tocopherol). Apart from their respective roles in light harvesting and electron transport, carotenoids and prenylquinones have important antioxidant properties and protect plant cells against reactive oxygen species. The focus of this work is to understand how plants resist and adapt to environmental stress in particular high light, high temperature and the combination of the two. Lipid metabolism takes places in plastid subcompartments, at the level of envelopes, at thylakoid microdomains called plastoglobules. Plastoglobules are involved in various essential biosynthetic metabolic pathways and accumulation of prenylquinone molecules. In this thesis, we use tomato as the model system to address the role of (prenyl) lipids synthesis and remodelling to protect photosynthetic function under stress. After an introduction on the implication of photosynthetic machinery in lipid metabolism, in Chapter 2 we summarized recent advances in plastoglobule research and their findings on biosynthesis and metabolism of Vitamins E and K1. Then in Chapter 3, we investigate the question of how the photosynthetic machinery is protected against heat stress. Amongst many hundreds of compounds that change under heat stress, we identified α-tocopherol and plastoquinone as the most significantly increased antioxidants. This finding suggests a new role for these two prenylquinones in protecting the photosynthetic apparatus against temperature stress. In Chapter 4, through a joint effort, we provided valuable information on the metabolic fluxes and biosynthesis of Vitamin E in tomato. Finally, in Chapter 5, we intended to identify molecules that contribute to the protection against combined high temperature and high light stress. To perturb α-tocopherol levels we used the tomato vte5 knock down-line. The data indicate that VTE5 protects against combined high light and high temperature stress and does so by supporting α-tocopherol production. Overall, this
The benefits and negative impacts of citizen science applications to water as experienced by participants and communities

Citizen science is proliferating in the water sciences with increasing public involvement in monitoring water resources, climate variables, water quality, and in mapping and modeling exercises. In addition to the well‐reported scientific benefits of such projects, in particular solving data scarcity issues, it is common to extol the benefits for participants, for example, increased knowledge and empowerment. We reviewed 549 publications concerning citizen science applications in the water sciences to examine personal benefits and motivations, and wider community benefits. The potential benefits of involvement were often simply listed without explanation or investigation. Studies that investigated whether or not participants and communities actually benefitted from involvement, or experienced negative impacts, were uncommon, especially in the Global South. Assuming certain benefits will be experienced can be fallacious as in some cases the intended benefits were either not achieved or in fact had negative impacts. Identified benefits are described and we reveal that more consideration should be given to how these benefits interrelate and how they build community capitals to foster their realization in citizen science water projects. Additionally, we describe identified negative impacts showing they were seldom considered though they may not be uncommon and should be borne in mind when implementing citizen science. Given the time and effort commitment made by citizen scientists for the benefit of research, there is a need for further study of participants and communities involved in citizen science applications to water, particularly in low‐income regions, to ensure both researchers and communities are benefitting.
The Distribution of Campaniform Sensilla on the Appendages of Mindarus Species (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

ABSTRACT: The proprioceptive function of a campaniform sensillum is to perceive stresses and changing forces on the cuticle, facilitating insect locomotion including walking and flight. In the aphid genus Mindarus (Hemiptera: Aphididae), campaniform sensilla are often clustered in groups and are found at specific locations on the insect's appendages. Ring-shaped, approximately 5µm in diameter, these sensilla are found in predictable numbers on the pedicel (1), the trochanter (4), the femur (2–4), and the distitarsus (1). Those situated on the wings are variable in number and size. The wing sensilla form five identifiable groups: four on the forewing and one on the hindwing, with an average of 4 or 6 sensilla per group. Light and electron scanning microscopy was conducted to reveal their external anatomical detail. The pattern and distribution of campaniform sensilla does not appear to inform Mindarus taxonomy.
Teaching during a pandemic: Using high‐impact writing assignments to balance rigor, engagement, flexibility, and workload

Abstract The COVID‐19 pandemic has created new challenges for instructors who seek high‐impact educational practices that can be facilitated online without creating excessive burdens with technology, grading, or enforcement of honor codes. These practices must also account for the possibility that some students may need to join courses asynchronously and have limited or unreliable connectivity. Of the American Association of Colleges and University's list of 11 high‐impact educational practices, writing‐intensive courses may be the easiest for science faculty to adopt during these difficult times. Not only can writing assignments promote conceptual learning, they can also deepen student engagement with the subject matter and with each other. Furthermore, writing assignments can be incredibly flexible in terms of how they are implemented online and can be designed to reduce the possibility of cheating and plagiarism. To accelerate the adoption of writing pedagogies, we summarize evidence‐based characteristics of effective writing assignments and offer a sample writing assignment from an introductory ecology course. We then suggest five strategies to help instructors manage their workload. Although the details of the sample assignment may be particular to our course, this framework is general enough to be adapted to most science courses, including those taught in‐person, those taught online, and those that must be able to switch quickly between the two.