Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources, Indices, and Related Activities in Colombia

In Colombia, a country with great climatic diversity, the water balance is affected in one way or another by climate change depending on the region. Thus, there may be increases and decreases in precipitation and, in all cases, a huge increase in temperature. This document presents some studies carried out in different areas of the country regarding the effects of climate change on water resources, including its influence on hydroelectric power generation, some changes in the water balance in arid areas, and the opportunity to ensemble climate change scenarios. Likewise, it outlines a possible future water supply-demand relationship, where supply is associated with a change in the water balance and demand with some crops, activities, and sectors that need water to survive. This allows to estimate some future status indices to see the overall picture of climate change in connection with the country’s water resources.
SPORE RELEASE IN ACROCHAETIUM SP. (RHODOPHYTA) IS BACTERIALLY CONTROLLED 1

The facultative red algal epiphyte Acrochaetium sp. liberated spores preferentially and recruited more successfully in laboratory cultures when its host Gracilaria chilensis C. J. Bird, McLachlan et E. C. Oliveira was present. The same effect was also induced by cell‐free medium from G. chilensis, suggesting it contained a molecular signal. Antibiotics prevented spore release in Acrochaetium sp. , even when G. chilensis was present, suggesting a prokaryotic origin of the signal. Simultaneous application of N‐butyl‐homoserine‐lactone (BHL) restored the spore‐release capacity, which demonstrated that spore release was not directly inhibited by the antibiotics and indicated that bacterially generated N‐acyl‐homoserine‐lactones (AHLs) regulate spore release. An involvement of AHL was further indicated by the fact that two different halofuranone inhibitors of AHL receptors also inhibited spore release when they were applied at relatively low concentrations. Of seven different AHLs tested, only BHL induced the effect. However, BHL was only active at relatively high concentrations (100 μM), and it was not detected in spore‐release‐inducing medium of G. chilensis. Another water‐soluble AHL or an AHL structure analog is therefore probably the active compound in G. chilensis cultures. The data presented demonstrate that life cycle completion in Acrochaetium sp. strongly depends on bacteria, which are not always present in sufficient numbers on the alga itself. Exogenous bacteria that are associated with G. chilensis or with other potential substrates may therefore trigger timely spore liberation in Acrochaetium sp. , provided that the necessary concentration of AHL is reached. This first finding of AHL perception in a red alga confirms that AHL signalling is more widespread among eukaryotes than was thought until recently. However, spore release of a second red alga, Sahlingia subintegra (Rosenv.) Kornmann, was unaffected by AHL, and the reaction observed is therefore not universal.
Potato resistance to soft-rot erwinias is related to cell wall pectin esterification

Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica (Eca) is the causal agent of blackleg and tuber soft rot in Scotland. Most potato tubers are latently infected with Eca, a rot developing only under anaerobic conditions when oxygen-dependant active or induced resistance mechanisms (phenolics, suberisation and phytoalexins) are inhibited.
Impact of early activity on flipped classroom performance prediction: A case study for a first‐year Engineering course

This article addresses the problem of performance prediction in a flipped learning course on digital systems. The course is a part of a first‐year Engineering degree offered at a public university. The extent to which failure at the end of the course can be anticipated is analyzed by examining the students' behavior related to academic activities. This prediction will be made by considering whether students perform different activities as instructed. The timeframe is also limited to the early stages of the course. Although anticipating results at early stages on the basis of behavioral aspects makes it possible to redress the behavior of at‐risk students, at the same time, it also introduces limitations for potential models. As there are no assessments during the early period, no course activity grades will be available for modeling purposes. In this study, different data mining techniques will be used, which will offer better results. Results will be analyzed in terms of the performance of at‐risk students and compared with previous research studies. Models will also provide information about factors of relevance for the academic success of the course.
Balanopsammia wirtzi, a new genus and species of coral (Anthozoa: Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae)) from the Cape Verde Islands: a comparative study with the Mediterranean Cladopsammia rolandi

espanolSe describe un nuevo genero y especie de escleractinia perteneciente a la familia Dendrophylliidae, denominada Balanopsammia wirtzi, de las islas de Cabo Verde. Esta nueva especie puede crecer de forma solitaria o formar colonias con los calices densamente dispuestos. Presenta los septos organizados siguiendo el Plan de Portuales, manteniendose dicha disposicion desde la etapa juvenil hasta la adulta. Una primera impresion puede llevar a clasifi- carla dentro del genero Balanophyllia, pero la capacidad de formar colonias nos indica que debemos explorar otras posibilidades. Esta nueva especie ha permanecido confundida al menos desde la decada de los sesenta con la especie mediterranea Balanophyllia italica. B. wirtzi se ha localizado en las islas Sao Tiago y Sal pero debe estar presente tambien a lo largo del resto de las islas del archipielago caboverdiano. Vive desde los charcos intermareales bien renovados, pero es mas comun en la zona submareal somera incrustando pequenas grietas y cavidades hasta 10 m de profundidad; es especialmente conspicuo en paredes verticales bien sombreadas y parcialmente cubiertas por algas calcareas incrustantes. Aefectos comparativos, se aporta un estudio completo del cnidoma y datos sobre la distribucion ecologica de Cladopsammia rolandi en las mediterraneas Islas Eolias, estudiando una poblacion grande loca- lizada en el techo de una cueva EnglishA new genus and species of scleractinia belonging to Dendrophylliidae family recorded from Cape Verde is described in this paper. Balanopsammia wirtzi develop Portuales Plan in their septa from the juvenile to the adult stage and can grow solitary or forming colonies with densely calyces arrangement as well. In a first sight the species can be tentatively included into the genus Balanophyllia, but its colonial way of growing advices us to explore other possibilities. In the Cape Verde Archipelago, the new species had been previously confused with the mediterranean Balanophyllia italica. We recorded B. wirtzi from Sao Tiago ad Sal although its presence in the other islands is expected but not confirmed. It is intertidal in pools with good water movements and especially shallow waters species down till 1 m and widely spread in crevices and small cavities. It is conspicuous in upper part of vertical walls, particularly in shadow places among calcareous algae. The study of a cave in Eolie Islands at the Mediterranean make possible to include some data on a huge population of Cladopsammia rolandi growing on a ruff cave through the time as well as to compare the morphology and the cnidae of both Denrophylliidae studied.
A Neural Network‐Based Model for Daytime Vertical E×B Drift in the Indian Sector

Observations of ionospheric vertical E×B drift are limited in the Indian sector. In this paper, we present an artificial neural network‐based model for inferring ionospheric daytime vertical E×B drift using ground‐based magnetometer and radar observations in the Indian sector. We have used E×B drift estimated using 150‐km echoes observed by the Gadanki mesosphere‐stratosphere‐troposphere radar and the difference in ground magnetic fields (ΔH) observed from Tirunelveli (magnetic latitude 0.4°N) and Alibag (magnetic latitude 13.0°N), providing a measure of electrojet current. We have used a feed forward neural network with error back propagation to train the network and estimated E×B drifts for the period 2006–2011. The model successfully reproduces the radar‐observed vertical E×B drifts. The model E×B drifts are also found to agree exceedingly well with those measured using the CINDI onboard the C/NOFS. The model seasonal mean drifts are found to differ considerably from those of Scherliess‐Fejer model. The neural network‐based model presented here is first of its kind from the Indian sector, presenting local time, day‐to‐day, and seasonal variations of daytime equatorial F region E×B drifts during magnetically quiet conditions. Results and the potential of the model for studying equatorial electrodynamics in the Indian sector are presented.
Seed and seedling dynamics of certain acacia species as affected by herbivory, grass competition, fire, and grazing system.

The influence of herbivory, grass competition and grazing system on emergence, growth and survival ofAcacia seedlings in burnt and unburnt areas was investigated in their first growing season, from September 1997 to May 1998. The study was aimed at determining possible reasons for the increase in woody plant density in semi-arid savannas, specifically the effect of excluding small-mouthed herbivores from domestic and livestock systems, and switching from continuous grazing to rotational grazing systems. The effect of fire intensity and maximum fire temperature on seed viability, germination and mortality, specifically with regard to back versus head fires and seed size , were investigated. Variability among species in the number of seedlings emerging generally resembled differences in viability. Emergence ofAcacia karroo and Acacia tortilis was poorer than that ofAcacia nilotica under grass competition. Emergence was lower in burnt and open areas, the latter depending on Acacia species. Herbivory did not affect seedling emergence, in both domestic and wildlife systems. Seedling survival and growth was adversely affected by small-mouthed herbivores in both domestic and livestock systems , whilst large-mouthed herbivores exerted no direct effects on woody seedlings, except to a small degree by trampling. Seedlings showed better growth and survival under low grass competition, which also resulted in greater leaf-to-height ratios , indicating that grass interference with irradiance affects woody seedlings. This effect appeared to be greater for cattle and rotational grazing, and for burning, in domestic and wildlife systems respectively. Woody seedling establishment was also better in burnt areas. Whilst seedling growth was better under rotational than continuous grazing, survival was not significantly different. Grass competition influenced seedling establishment to a greater extent than herbivory, whilst burning made a greater impact than grass competition. Seed mortality in response to maximum fire temperature was inversely related to seed size, and trends in seed germination and mortality, although very variable, appeared to be influenced by threshold fire intensities and maximum temperatures. Back fires had hotter maximum temperatures and fire intensities at ground level than head fires, which result in greater seed mortality following fire. Based on the current study it is likely that the removal of grass competition, burning, and a change from continuous to rotational grazing systems, and small-mouthed to largemouthed herbivores, will result in an increase in woody seedling establishment. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CHAPTER
Complete mitogenomes of two non-orb-weaving spiders, Pardosa astrigera and Agelena labyrinthica

Abstract We performed high-throughput sequencing on the complete mitogenomes of two non-orb-weaving spiders, Pardosa astrigera (wolf spiders; Lycosidae) and Agelena labyrinthica (funnel weaver; Agelenidae). The two mitogenomes contain 14,520 bp and 14,772 bp, and a GC content of 22.5% and 25.5%, respectively. The two mitogenomes contain 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNAs, and one control region. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated 13 PCGs revealed the clear classification of the two families, based on the data of this study.
Advanced functional polymer materials

The research on advanced functional polymers is being driven by the fast-growing demand for new functional materials that can be used in revolutionary technologies. Polymers can be endowed with functions by using certain special preparation methods or by introducing functional groups or fillers into materials. These functions are either intrinsically possessed by materials or actuated by external stimuli. In this review, we present an overview of the recent developments made in the research hotspots of functional polymers, encompassing polymerization methodologies, luminescent polymers, photovoltaic polymers, other electronic and optical polymers (including low-k polyimides and second-order nonlinear optical polymers), biorelated polymers (particularly those for biomedical applications), supramolecular polymers, stimuli-responsive polymers, shape-memory polymers, separation polymer membranes, energy storage polymers, and covalent organic framework polymers. The concepts, design strategies at the molecular level, preparation methods, classifications, properties, potential applications, and recent progress made in such polymers are summarized. Challenges and future perspectives of each type of functional polymers are also addressed, including research efforts regarding the design and fabrication of functional polymers for serving the increasing demand for new materials.
Defect Engineering in Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts: Insight into Intrinsic Carbon Defects

Functionalized carbon nanomaterials, as significant options for renewable energy systems, are widely utilized in diversified electrochemical reactions in virtue of property advantages. The inevitable defect sites in architectures greatly affect physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials, thus defect engineering has recently become a vital research orientation of carbon‐based electrocatalysts. The intentionally introduced intrinsic carbon defect sites in the frameworks can directly serve as the potential active sites owing to the altered surface charge state, modulated adsorption free energy of key intermediates, as well as diminished bandgap. Furthermore, the synergistic sites between intrinsic defects and heteroatom dopants/captured atomic metal species can further optimize the electronic structure and adsorption/desorption behavior, making carbon‐based catalysts comparable to commercial precious metal catalysts in electrocatalysis. With pressing research demands, the common configurations, construction strategies, structure–activity relationships, and characterization methods for intrinsic carbon defect‐involved catalytic centers are systematically summarized. Such theoretical and experimental evidences of intrinsic defect‐induced activity can reveal the active centers and relevant catalytic mechanism, thereby providing necessary guidance for the design and construction of highly efficient carbon‐based electrocatalysts and promoting their commercial applications.
Experimental Study of Fracture Propagation: The Application in Energy Mining

Hydraulic fracturing has been widely used in recent years as a key technology to improve energy mining efficiency in petroleum and geothermal industries. Laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments recently were completed in six large-scale 300 × 300 × 300 mm rock specimens to better understand this complex process of hydraulic fracturing. When injection flow rate increases from 5 to 30 mL/min. The fracture initiation pressures and breakdown pressures increase, the propagation times and post-fracturing pressures decrease. The fracture geometries are observed and analyzed, mean injection power is proposed and results show that it could be used to roughly estimate the fracture total lengths. Moreover, the fracture permeabilities based on the pressure data are calculated and linearly ascend with the increase of injection flow rates. These results can provide some reasonable advice for implementing hydraulic fracturing reservoir simulations and improving energy production efficiency on application to field-scale operation.
Theoretical research on p‐type doping two‐dimensional GaN based on first‐principles study

By using first principles, the p‐doping mechanism of two‐dimensional GaN with buckled structure is discussed in detail under various doping configurations, including different doping elements, positions, and concentrations. The research implies that difference in electronegativity between three doping elements: Be, Zn, Mg and two‐dimensional GaN results in a significant change in atomic structure and charge distribution. When Be, Zn, and Mg atoms are doped at Ga position, doping process in two‐dimensional GaN is easier because their formation energies are 1.684, 4.630, and 3.390 eV, respectively, which are lower than doped at N position. In addition, Ga doping site is more favorable for p‐type doping because bandgap and work function of two‐dimensional GaN are reduced and it would convert into p‐type semiconductor when a Ga atom is replaced by dopants.
Failure of Regeneration of Sensory Nerve Fibers Following Neonatal Denervation and Crush Lesion in Rats

The effects of chronic neonatal denervation and a crush lesion on the regenerative capacity of sensory nerve fibers were studied in rats. After 50 weeks of postnatal denervation, the amplitudes of compound action potentials (CAPs) of Aαβ-, Aδ- and C- fibers were reduced to 14.3%, 18.2% and 37.4%, respectively (P < 0.005). Similarly, after a crush lesion, the amplitudes of CAPs were reduced to 34.3%, 38.8% and 51.6%, respectively (P < 0.005). The conduction velocities, thresholds and maximum strength of stimulation of nerve fibers were normal. Neurogenic plasma extravasation into the skin due to antidromic nerve stimulation was reduced to 27.5% and 30.3% after postnatal denervation and the crush lesion, respectively (P < 0.005). These results indicate that neonatal sensory nerve injury induces permanent neurodegeneration of peripheral sensory nerve fibers as demonstrated by the inhibition of afferent conduction property and efferent neurogenic plasma extravasation response.
Evaluation of Energy Balance in Tropical and Temperate Crossbred Dairy Cows at Post-Partum Transition Stage: A Case Study

Objective of the present study was to assess the energy balance of tropical (Sahiwal x Jersey) and temperate (Friesian x Jersey) crossbred dairy cows in Sri Lanka using serum metabolic profile. The study consisted of tropical and temperate crossbred dairy cows which were at post-partum transition stage, and were from two medium-scale farms in low country dry zone, and mid country intermediate zone, respectively. Each cow was bled (0800 hours) on the day of data collection and serum metabolic profile was assessed. Milk production, body weight and body condition score (BCS) of cows were recorded whereas, dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy contents of the mixed rations fed to cows in both farms were analysed. Results revealed that, serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea and calcium contents were significantly (P
Threatened Categories of Four Nepeta L. (Lamiaceae) Species Endemic to the East Anatolia

Four Nepeta L. species endemic to East Anatolia, Nepeta baytopii Hedge & Lamond, N. crinita Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham, N. obtusicrena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Hedge and N. sorgerae Hedge & Lamond, are examined. The areas of these species are quite limited. According to "The Red Book of Turkey" the threatened categories of these species are N. baytopii, EN; N. crinita, EN; N. obtusicrena, LR(cd) and N. sorgerae, Lr(cd).
Canopy structure explains the relationship between photosynthesis and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in crops

Abstract Remote sensing of far-red sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has emerged as an important tool for studying gross primary productivity (GPP) at the global scale. However, the relationship between SIF and GPP at the canopy scale lacks a clear mechanistic explanation. This is largely due to the poorly characterized role of the relative contributions from canopy structure and leaf physiology to the variability of the top-of-canopy, observed SIF signal. In particular, the effect of the canopy structure beyond light absorption is that only a fraction (fesc) of the SIF emitted from all leaves in the canopy can escape from the canopy due to the strong scattering of near-infrared radiation. We combined rice, wheat and corn canopy-level in-situ datasets to study how the physiological and structural components of SIF individually relate to measures of photosynthesis. At seasonal time scales, we found a considerably strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.4–0.6) of fesc to the seasonal dynamics of the photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUEP), while the estimated physiological SIF yield was almost entirely uncorrelated to LUEP both at seasonal and diurnal time scales, with the partial exception of wheat. Consistent with these findings, the canopy structure and radiation component of SIF, defined as the product of APAR and fesc, explained the relationship of observed SIF to GPP and even outperformed GPP estimation based on observed SIF at two of the three sites investigated. These results held for both half-hourly and daily mean values. In contrast, the total emitted SIF, obtained by normalizing observed SIF for fesc, improved only the relationship to APAR but considerably decreased the correlation to GPP for all three crops. Our findings demonstrate the dominant role of canopy structure in the SIF-GPP relationship and establish a strong, mechanistic link between the near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRV) and the relevant canopy structure information contained in the SIF signal. These insights are expected to be useful in improving remote sensing based GPP estimates.
Can catalase and exopolysaccharides producing rhizobia ameliorate drought stress in wheat

Catalase and exopolysaccharides producing ability of rhizobia increases its survival in arid and semiarid climates. Rhizobial exopolysaccharides activity increases root colonization and nutrient or water holding capacity of the rhizosphere. For the reason, a series of experiments were conducted to sort out efficient rhizobial isolates (belonging to Lens culinaris L., Vigna radiata L. and Cicer arietinum L. cultivated in Chakwal (arid) and Faisalabad (semiarid) areas which can ameliorate the impact of water deficit stress on wheat seedlings. Among 35 isolates, Rhizobium leguminosarum (LR-30), Mesorhizobium ciceri (CR-30 and CR-39), and Rhizobium phaseoli (MR-2) improved the growth, biomass and drought tolerance index of the wheat seedlings under PEG-6000 simulated drought. Selected isolates were producers of indole acetic acid, which enhanced the root length of the seedlings to dilute the drought impact. However, isolates LR-26, MR-17 and CR-34 remained deleterious for seedling growth whether drought was applied or not. In conclusion, rhizobial capability to survive under drought and improving seedling growth under drought is a good criterion to select beneficial bacteria for rescuing wheat seedlings growth under water deficit conditions. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers