Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the use of rhodamine WT for the characterization of stream hydrodynamics and transient storage

Recent advances in fluorometry have led to increased use of rhodamine WT as a tracer in streams and rivers. In light of this increased use, a review of the dye's behavior in freshwater systems is presented. Studies in the groundwater literature indicate that rhodamine WT is transported nonconservatively, with sorption removing substantial amounts of tracer mass. Column studies document a two‐step breakthrough curve in which two structural isomers are chromatographically separated. Although the potential for nonconservative transport is acknowledged in the surface water literature, many studies assume that sorptive losses will not affect the characterization of physical transport processes. A literature review and modeling analysis indicates that this assumption is valid for quantification of physical properties that are based on the bulk of the tracer mass (traveltime), and invalid for the characterization of processes represented by the tracer tail (transient storage attributable to hyporheic exchange). Rhodamine WT should be considered nonconservative in the hyporheic zone due to nonconservative behavior demonstrated for similar conditions in groundwater. As such, rhodamine WT should not be used as a quantitative tracer in hyporheic zone investigations, including the study of long flow paths and the development of models describing hyporheic zone processes. Rhodamine WT may be used to qualitatively characterize storage in large systems, where there are few practical alternatives. Qualitative investigations should rely on early portions of the tracer profile, making use of the temporal resolution afforded by in situ fluorometry, while discarding later parts of the tracer profile that are adversely affected by sorption.
Application of EIA/SEA system in land use planning: Experience from Serbia

This paper discusses the experience and current status of EIA/SEA procedures and assessment methodologies in Serbia, aiming to propose strategies that can lead to effective integration of the SEA in spatial planning. Institutional and practical problems with regard to the regulations of EIA/SEA were considered. Experience from the past decade shows that implementation of EIA system in Serbia has not been effective as expected. New legislation on EIA and SEA is harmonized with corresponding EU Directives. First steps in the application of the SEA show that the main issues are screening, scooping and decision making. According to the research results, it is suggested that extra evaluation processes should be incorporated into current assessment procedures to improve their scientific validity and integrity.
Comparison of advanced methodologies for diatom identification within dynamic coastal communities

Diatom community composition has a critical influence on global ocean health and ecological processes. Developing accurate and efficient methods for diatom identification under dynamic environmental conditions is essential to understanding the implications of diatom community changes. Two developing methods for identifying and enumerating phytoplankton, cell imaging and molecular sequencing, are experiencing rapid advancements. This study aims to compare diatom taxonomic composition results within natural assemblages derived from rapidly advancing methods, FlowCam imaging and metabarcoding of the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene, with traditional light microscopy cell counting techniques. All three methods were implemented in tandem to analyze changes in dynamic diatom assemblages within simulated upwelling experiments conducted in the California upwelling zone. The results of this study indicate that, summed across all samples, DNA sequencing detected four times as many genera as morphology‐based methods, thus supporting previous findings that DNA sequencing is the most powerful method for analyzing species richness. Results indicate that all three methods returned comparable relative abundance for the most abundant genera. However, the three methods did not return comparable absolute abundance, primarily due to barriers in deriving quantities in equal units. Overall, this study indicates that at the semi‐quantitative level of relative abundance measurements, FlowCam imaging and metabarcoding of the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene yield comparable results with light microscopy but at the qualitative and quantitative levels, enumeration metrics diverge, and thus method selection and cross‐method comparison should be performed with caution.
Zooplankton composition present in Krishnagiri reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India.

The present investigation made an attempt to study the zooplanktonic community of Krishnagiri reservoir, which is constructed across the Ponnaiyar river basin near Periyamuttur village about 10 Km from Krishnagiri town in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Faunistic ecological research on zooplankton communities was carried out during January 2006 to December 2006. A list of taxa of zooplankton along with their quantitative compositions was studied. Examination of the water samples revealed a total of 23 species comprised of zooplankton.
Dinosaur stampede in the Cretaceous of Queensland

Numerous and well-preserved trackways in mid-Cretaceous sediments of West Central Queensland, Australia, are attributed to a stampede of small to medium-sized bipedal dinosaurs - both herbivores (ornithopods) and minor-league predators (coelurosaurs). The tracks of a single large predator (carnosaur) suggest a reason for the stampede. These trackway data permit calculation of sustained running speeds for the coelurosaurs and ornithopods.
Stable Isotopes in Pocket Gopher Teeth as Evidence of a Late Matuyama Climate Shift in the Southern Rocky Mountains

Abstract Previous work in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado and northern New Mexico at the Hansen Bluff and SAM Cave localities has allowed reconstruction of the paleoclimate in the region during the interval from ∼0.6 myr to ∼2.6 myr. Surface exposures at Hansen Bluff have been correlated to deep-sea oxygen isotope core stages 18–23 and one of the glacial periods contained therein to the oldest “Nebraskan” till in southwestern Iowa. Deposits in SAM Cave correlate to Hansen Bluff on the basis of paleomagnetics, climate interpretation, and microtine rodent biochronology. In this paper, carbon and oxygen stable isotope data of herbivorous rodent teeth are used as indicators of change in the predominance of C3, C4, and CAM plants and of changes in temperature and precipitation. Taken together with other previously analyzed data from these localities, the evidence indicates a shift in the severity of glacial events that is mainly related to the hydrologic characteristics of the climate. This shift may have been caused by broad regional uplift that may have been instrumental in shifting global climate cycles from the 41,000-yr Matuyama cycles to the Brunhes 100,000-yr-dominated cycles.
Controlling bacterial biofilm formation by native and methylated lupine 11S globulins

The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the 11S globulins isolated from lupin seeds (Lupinus termis), and its methylated derivative (M11S), were investigated against seven pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The MIC of 11S ranged from 0.1 to 4.0 μg/ml against 0.025 to 0.50 μg/ml for M11S, excelling some specific antibiotics. The MICs of M11S were 40–80 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-positive bacteria and 2–60 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria. One MIC of 11S and M11S highly reduced the liquid growth of all tested bacteria during 24 h at 37°C. They also inhibited biofilm formation by 80%−86% and 85%−94%, respectively (gram-positive), and 29%−44% and 43%−50%, respectively (gram-negative). M11S prevented biofilm formation by gram-positive bacteria at minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), 0.025–0.1 μg/ml against 0.1–0.5 μg/ml for gram-negative bacteria, i.e., 4–20 times and 4–7 times anti-biofilm inhibitory action compared with 11S, respectively. Biofilm formation of two bacteria revealed no adhered cells on glass slides for 24 h at 37°C, i.e., was entirely prevented by one MBIC of 11S and M11S. Scanning electron microscopy indicated microbial biofilm deformation under the action of 11S and M11S, indicating their broad specificity and cell membrane-targeted action.
QUALIDADE DO ACOLHIMENTO COM CLASSIFICAÇÃO DE RISCO NO SERVIÇO DE URGÊNCIA

Objetivo: Avaliar as dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado do acolhimento com classificação de risco realizado nas Unidades de Pronto Atendimento. Método: Trata-se de pesquisa exploratória, com abordagem quantitativa, coletados via formulário eletrônico, dividido em duas partes: caracterização do profissional e aplicação do “Instrumento para Avaliação do Acolhimento com Classificação de Risco”. Resultados: Com base na avaliação por pontuação média em cada dimensão envolvendo os serviços, apenas um deles, alcançou a pontuação de titulação satisfatória na dimensão Processo, com 26,83 e 26,52 para dimensão Resultado. Já no ranking médio total, todas as dimensões receberam titulação precária, de acordo com o escore aplicado. Conclusões: Embora os resultados tenham apontado a dimensão Processo e Resultado como satisfatórios para um dos serviços, ainda não é capaz de sugerir qualidade, o que requer melhorias em todas as dimensões, com destaque para treinamentos periódicos aos enfermeiros que desempenham o acolhimento com classificação de risco.
Comparative Analysis of Chemical Profile and Biological Activity of Juniperus communis L. Berry Extracts

Researchers are looking for the most effective ways to extract the bioactive substances of Juniperus communis L. berries, which are capable of displaying the greatest range of biological activity, namely antimicrobial potential “against phytopathogens”, antioxidant activity and nematocidal activity. This study provides detailed information on the chemical activity, group composition and biological activity of the extracts of juniper berries of 1- and 2-year maturity (JB1 and JB2), which were obtained by using different solvents (pentane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and 70% ethanol) under various extraction conditions (maceration and ultrasound-assisted maceration (US)). Seventy percent ethanol and acetone extracts of juniper berries were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and they contained monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, steroids, fatty acid esters and bicyclic monoterpenes. The antimicrobial activity was higher in the berries of 1-year maturity, while the acetone extract obtained via ultrasound-assisted maceration was the most bioactive in relation to the phytopathogens. Depending on the extraction method and the choice of solvent, the antioxidant activity with the use of US decreased by 1.5–1.9 times compared to the extracts obtained via maceration. An analysis of the nematocidal activity showed that the sensitivity to the action of extracts in Caenorhabditis elegans was significantly higher than in Caenorhabditis briggsae, particularly for the acetone extract obtained from the juniper berries of 1-year maturity.
Co-Occurrence of Wing Deformity and Impaired Mobility of Alates with Deformed Wing Virus in Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Simple Summary Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a major honey bee pathogen found throughout the world. DWV, in association with the varroa mite, causes wing deformity, a shortened abdomen, and neurological impairments, leading to the mortality of millions of honey bee colonies worldwide. At least 12 ant species have been shown to harbor DWV, including the red imported fire ant, one of the most invasive and detrimental pests in the world. To date, there have been no reports in the literature of DWV causing symptoms in ants. In this study, we observed the classic honey-bee-like symptoms of deformed wings in laboratory and field colonies of the red imported fire ants and verified the presence and replication of DWV. This is the first report of the co-occurrence of DWV-like symptoms and DWV in ants. However, more research is needed to determine whether DWV is indeed the causative agent of DW syndrome in S. invicta. Abstract Deformed wing virus (DWV), a major honey bee pathogen, is a generalist insect virus detected in diverse insect phyla, including numerous ant genera. Its clinical symptoms have only been reported in honey bees, bumble bees, and wasps. DWV is a quasispecies virus with three main variants, which, in association with the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, causes wing deformity, shortened abdomens, neurological impairments, and colony mortality in honey bees. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is one of the most-invasive and detrimental pests in the world. In this study, we report the co-occurrence of DWV-like symptoms in S. invicta and DWV for the first time and provide molecular evidence of viral replication in S. invicta. Some alates in 17 of 23 (74%) lab colonies and 9 of 14 (64%) field colonies displayed deformed wings (DWs), ranging from a single crumpled wing tip to twisted, shriveled wings. Numerous symptomatic alates also exhibited altered locomotion ranging from an altered gait to the inability to walk. Deformed wings may prevent S. invicta alates from reproducing since mating only occurs during a nuptial flight. The results from conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of DWV-A, and viral replication of DWV was confirmed using a modified strand-specific RT-PCR. Our results suggest that S. invicta can potentially be an alternative and reservoir host for DWV. However, further research is needed to determine whether DWV is the infectious agent that causes the DW syndrome in S. invicta.
Development and Psychometric of a Physical Literacy Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (16 - 18 Years of Age): A Mixed-Method Study

Background: Despite many studies on children’s physical literacy, less attention has been paid to adolescents’ physical literacy. Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and assess the psychometric features of a questionnaire for measuring physical literacy in 16 - 18-year-old Iranian adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted in Tehran and employed a two-step mixed method. In the first part, the concept of adolescents’ physical literacy was identified using a content analysis approach. At this stage, 15 specialists and eleven 16 - 18-year-old adolescents were selected by the convenient sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. In the Second part of the study, in order to describe the psychometric properties of the tool, its validity, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest), and factor analysis were assessed. Results: In the first stage, the analysis of the data obtained from the interviews emerged a definition for the concept of adolescents’ physical literacy as a set of skills to acquire, comprehend, and assess information and self-care skills to make the right decision and promote physical activities. In the second step, according to the qualitative analysis of the opinions of specialists and adolescents, as well as the review of the existing literature, the initial questionnaire was developed consisting of 62 questions in the dimension of physical literacy, which was subsequently abridged to 40 questions as some questions were omitted due to conceptual similarities. After the content was validated and the recommended corrections were made, the tool’s questions were further reduced to 34 items. In exploratory factor analysis, these 34 items were loaded into 5 factors, which, in total, represented 61.60% of the observed changes. However, based on the research team’s decision, the items of Factor 5 were transferred to Factor 2 due to conceptual similarities. Finally, a 34-item questionnaire with 4 factors was developed. The reliability of the tool was approved by α = 0.93, and the test-retest method with two-week intervals indicated appropriate reliability for the questionnaire (ICC = 0.97). Conclusions: The adolescents’ physical literacy questionnaire with 34 items and 4 dimensions was approved as a valid and reliable tool to measure adolescents’ physical literacy.
A new class of oxygen isotopic fractionation in photodissociation of carbon dioxide: Potential Implications for atmospheres of Mars and Earth

Photodissociation of CO2 by ultraviolet light (λ = 185 nm) generates CO and O2, which are unusually enriched (more than 100‰) in 17O. The dissociation takes place through a spin forbidden process during transition from a singlet to a triplet state, the latter lying on a repulsive potential energy surface. The 17O isotopic enrichment is a primary process associated with this transition and could be due to near resonant spin‐orbit coupling of the low energy vibrational levels of the 16O12C17O molecule in the singlet state with those of the triplet state near the zone of transition. In contrast, photodissociation at shorter wavelengths (λ < 160 nm) involves no spin violation and produces CO and O2 which are fractionated in a conventional mass dependent fashion. The proposed explanation is further supported using 13C enriched CO2; in this case the products are enriched in both heavy isotopes but about 100‰ more in 18O. The 17O enrichment in CO and O2 generated by CO2 photolysis in a range of UV wavelengths may be a useful tracer in delineating processes in the atmospheres of Earth and Mars.
Late Oligocene post‐obduction granitoids of New Caledonia: A case for reactivated subduction and slab break‐off

Abstract In southern New Caledonia, Late Oligocene granodiorite and adamellite are intruded into an ultramafic allochthon emplaced in the Late Eocene period. Previous studies of these granitoids proposed an origin associated with the melting of the underlying continental crust, but our new data show that these high‐K to medium‐K calc‐alkaline granitoids display the geochemical and isotopic features of volcanic arc magmas uncontaminated by crust‐derived melts. These magmas were probably generated in a post‐Eocene and pre‐Miocene subduction, the geophysical traces of which have been detected along the western coast of New Caledonia. Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic ratios indicate derivation from an almost isotopically homogeneous mantle wedge, but in contrast, some variation in trace element ratios uncorrelated to differentiation is indicative of source heterogeneity. Prominent heavy rare earth element (HREE) depletion of some of the younger granitoids may be the result of an equilibrium achieved with garnet‐bearing subcrustal material (granulite) found as xenoliths, while a relative Nb, Ta and Hf enrichment, irrespective of crystal fractionation, may be related to either a modest contamination by previously underplated mafic material, heterogeneous hydration of the mantle wedge, or mixing with uplifted Nb‐rich mantle. Post‐obduction slab break‐off can be proposed to have played a role in sublithospheric mantle mixing and the subsequent heterogeneity. The Late Oligocene subduction described here may be tentatively extended southward into northern New Zealand allochthons.
Bench-Scale Biopile Hydrocarbons Removal Optimization Using the Response Surface Methodology and Simultaneous Optimization

Nowadays, the generation of vast volumes of oily sludges is associated with industrial operations such as production, pretreatment, processing, water separation, and storage tank maintenance. Biopiles can be more efficient than other techniques for removing hydrocarbons in sludges, but their removal efficiency depends on operating variables. The goal of this study was to determine the best operating variable ranges at the bench scale to simultaneously optimize hydrocarbons removal in a biopile prototype. This research was conducted within the framework of a Cuban project and used an experimental protocol that integrates several standardized methods and engineering procedures into a series of steps. A Box-Behnken design was implemented for three factors and two response variables: the mass of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) removed and the final concentration of TPH. A simultaneous optimum was obtained for an initial TPH concentration of 39 278 mg·kg-1 and contents of texturizer and moisture of 6,45 and 25,95%, respectively. The obtained variable ranges ensure a compromise solution that maximizes the mass of TPH removed and keeps the contaminant concentration under the Cuban disposal regulations. The results have been used to set up the biopiles at a pilot scale as a subsequent stage of the project.
Temperature-insensitive strain measurement using a microwave photonic filter based on chirped fiber Bragg gratings

A temperature-insensitive strain sensor based on a microwave photonic filter (MPF) is proposed. A Mickelson interferometer, formed by two identical chirped fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), together with a broadband optical source, a phase modulator, a dispersion compensation fiber, and a photodetector, forms the MPF. Due to the dispersion effect of chirped FBG, the wavelength shift caused by strain will result in changes in signal transmission latency, which will then cause a drift on the central frequency of the MPF. An experiment was conducted to validate the proposed scheme. Experimental results show that frequency shift of MPF in response to strain with a sensitivity of 2.0 GHz is obtained for a measurement range of 0~1.8 mε. Besides, the system keeps stable within a temperature range from 30 °C to 100 °C.
Vehicle detection using multimodal imaging sensors from a moving platform

A modular vehicle detection system, using a two-stage hypothesis generation (HG) and hypothesis combination (HC) approach is presented. The HG stage consists of a set of simple algorithms which parse multi-modal data and provide a set of possible vehicle locations. These hypotheses are subsequently fused in a combination stage. This modular design allows the system to utilise additional modalities where available, and the combination of multiple information sources is shown to reduce false positive detections. The system uses Thales' high-resolution long wave infrared polarimeter and a four-band visible/near infrared multispectral system. Vehicle cues are taken from motion ow vectors, thermal intensity hot spots, and regions with a locally high degree of linear polarisation. Results using image sequences gathered from a moving vehicle are shown, and the performance of the system is assessed with Receiver Operator Characteristics.