Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of genetically modified maize MIR604 for renewal authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐013)

Abstract Following the submission of application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐013 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Syngenta Crop Protection NV/SA, the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) was asked to deliver a scientific risk assessment on the data submitted in the context of the renewal of authorisation application for the insect‐resistant genetically modified maize MIR604, for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation within the EU. The data received in the context of this renewal application contained post‐market environmental monitoring reports, a systematic search and evaluation of literature, updated bioinformatic analyses, and additional documents or studies performed by or on behalf of the applicant. The GMO Panel assessed these data for possible new hazards, modified exposure or new scientific uncertainties identified during the authorisation period and not previously assessed in the context of the original application. Under the assumption that the DNA sequence of the event in maize MIR604 considered for renewal is identical to the corrected sequence of the originally assessed event, the GMO Panel concludes that there is no evidence in renewal application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐013 for new hazards, modified exposure or scientific uncertainties that would change the conclusions of the original risk assessment on maize MIR604.
Combined effects of organic matter and pH on acute toxicity of cadmium to Paronychiurus kimi (Collembola): development of response surface model.

A second-order central composite design was employed to investigate the effect of organic matter (OM) content and soil acidity (pH) on the cadmium toxicity to Paronychiurus kimi (Lee), a collembolan species native to Korea. Two independent variables, OM and pH, were adjusted from 0 to 10% (in total dry wt) and 4.5 to 7.0, respectively. Cadmium concentrations tested were 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg dry soil. The toxic effects that cadmium exerted on P. kimi (28-day median lethal concentration (LC50s)) varied significantly with different combinations of OM content and pH. The second-order response surface model was appropriate for describing combined effects of OM and pH on the cadmium toxicity to P. kimi. Linear effects (OM and pH) were predominant contributors accounting for ≈70% of the total variance of cadmium toxicity to P. kimi. No significant quadratic (pH × pH) and interaction (OM × pH) effects were observed; therefore, the final second-order response surface model could be reduced as follows: 28-day LC50 of cadmium (mg/kg) = –94.87 + 26.69 × OM + 16.64 × pH – 1.82 × OM2. Validation of the developed response surface model using 4 soil media with different OM content and pH resulted in a significant correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.97) between predicted and observed 28-day LC50. Based on physico-chemical properties of the test media, developed models can be used to explain the variation of cadmium toxicities at various environmental conditions and may improve current environmental risk assessment procedures of metals.
Evaluating habitat suitability and spectral heterogeneity models to predict weed species presence

The aim of this study is to analyze whether the presence of weed species resistant to herbicides is related to landscape heterogeneity and environmental variables. C3 and C4 weed species, such as Chenopodium album, Conyza canadensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, Papaver rhoeas, Sorghum halepense, Echinochloa crus-galli and Lolium rigidum, are studied in two differing bioclimatic countries, Greece and Germany. Given the difficulties of field-based data collection, the use of remote sensing for estimating spatial patterns is as a powerful tool. To compare species presence with spatial heterogeneity, the Normal Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used. A number of tools were applied such as regression models, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Logistic regression, Rank - abundance diagrams and Variograms of NDVI values. Moreover, to relate species distribution with environmental and bioclimatic variables Habitat Suitability (HS) models were produced. To make predictions of species future distribution, based on bioclimatic data, GARP models were used. Landscape area around species is highly heterogeneous. The species studied are related with low vegetated areas and are neither generalists nor specialists in their environment. The core factors affecting species distribution are mean temperature, and secondarily annual precipitation, in Greece, whereas altitude and bioclimatic conditions, in Germany. Weeds tend to move to higher altitudes, minimizing their population size, in future climatic conditions. However, C3 summer annual weeds, in Germany, and C3 winter annual weeds, in Greece, seem to be tolerant to climatic changes, and expand to new territories. The response of species range due to climatic changes, seems to be species-specific. Further study is needed to come up with prediction models of weed species future distribution
A derivation of the macroscopic solute transport equation for homogeneous, saturated, porous media: 2. Reactive solutes at low concentration

The macroscopic transport equation for a reactive solute at low concentration in a homogeneous, saturated, porous medium is derived on the basis of a rigorous cumulant expansion applied to the equation of mass balance for the solute both in the liquid phase and in the solid phase. The derivation includes a detailed consideration of the molecular-kinetic picture of adsorption. The commonly neglected fact that all adsorption phenomena in natural porous media also are exchange phenomena is emphasized, as is the important distinction between uniform and nonuniform adsorbing surfaces. For the uniform case, where there is only one type of adsorption site on the solid matrix, the expression for the macroscopic transport equation is identical in form with the standard dispersion-convection equation incorporating a first-order kinetic adsorption model. For the nonuniform case, where there is more than one type of adsorption site, the macroscopic transport equation derived in this paper and the conventional dispersion-convection equation are no longer identical. The difference between the two equations is discussed briefly.
Effects of natural environmental conditions on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in jaguars (Panthera onca) in Belize

We performed immunoassay and environmental validations to assess the effects of natural environmental exposure of jaguar faeces on glucocorticoid metabolites. Glucocorticoid concentrations were stable for 5 days with the corticosterone RIA. Scat aging by morphology was unreliable. Environmental validation is needed to determine field sample collection protocols for elusive species.
Short Text Messages to Motivate HIV Testing Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Study in Lima, Peru

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify features and content that short message service (SMS) should have in order to motivate HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. Methods: From October, 2010 to February, 2011, we conducted focus groups at two stages; six focus groups were conducted to explore and identify SMS content and features and two additional focus groups were conducted to tailor SMS content. The text messages were elaborated within the theoretical framework of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and the Social Support Theory. Results: A total of 62 individuals participated in the focus groups. The mean age of participants was 28 years (range 18-39). We identified important features and content items needed for the successful delivery of text messages, including: a) the use of neutral and coded language; b) appropriate frequency and time of delivery; c) avoiding mass and repetitive messages; and d) use of short, concise and creative messages. Although in Peru receiving text messages is usually a free service, it is important to remind participants that receiving messages will be free of charge. Conclusion: Text messages can be used to promote HIV testing among Peruvian MSM. It is important to consider adequate frequency, message content and cost when delivering messages to promote HIV testing in this population.
Gravity-driven continuous thin film flow over topography

This thesis is directed primarily at a systematic theoretical investigation of gravity-driven thin film flow over various topographical features, the effect of inertia being of particular interest. The problem is solved using a hierarchy of models based, in order of decreasing complexity, on (i) the full Navier-Stokes system of equations; (ii) a depth averaged form of the latter; (iii) the lubrication equations. Every effort has been made to solve the underlying discrete equation set in each case efficiently using state-of-the-art solution strategies, thus guaranteeing accurate and mesh-independent predictions. The solution of models (ii) and (iii) centres on the use of a multigrid methodology together with automatic, error controlled, time-stepping and the proper treatment of any associated nonlinear advective terms. A discrete analogue of model (i), for both two- and three-dimensional flows, is obtained using a finite element formulation with the free surface parametrised via the method of spines and the system solved using a parallel multifrontal method together with a memoryefficient out-of-core storage approach. A comprehensive set of results is presented for flow over both one- and twodimensional topography, generated using models (ii) and (iii); the predictions obtained are contrasted with each other and compared with existing related experimental data. The free-surface disturbance arising for the problems investigated is revealed to be influenced significantly by the presence of inertia which leads to an increase in the magnitude and severity of the resulting capillary ridge, surge and trough formations present. A complementary exploration, using model (i) is undertaken which reveals the attendant internal flow structure. It shows that two-dimensional flow over spanwise topography and three-dimensional flow over localised trench topography can lead to different internal, inertia dependent, flow topologies; findings that are consistent with previously reported results for the well-known lid-driven cavity problem. Finally, the effect of a normal electric field on the free-surface disturbance generated by inertial thin film flow over topography is investigated using model (ii) coupled with a Fourier series separable solution of Laplace’s equation for the electric potential. Results for both two- and three-dimensional flow reveal that a significant electric field strength can be used to effectively planarise the free-surface capillary ridges and depressions that arise. The two-dimensional solutions obtained are consistent with those reported elsewhere for the case when inertia is neglected and highlight the importance attached to choosing an appropriate means of embodying the latter. Furthermore, the novel results generated for three-dimensional flow demonstrate that as Reynolds number increases, larger electric field strengths are required to planarise the associated free-surface disturbance.
Assessment of radar‐derived snow depth over Arctic sea ice

Knowledge of contemporaneous snow depth on Arctic sea ice is important both to constrain the regional climatology and to improve the accuracy of satellite altimeter estimates of sea ice thickness. We assess new data available from the NASA Operation IceBridge snow radar instrument and derive snow depth estimates across the western Arctic ice pack using a novel methodology based on wavelet techniques that define the primary reflecting surfaces within the snow pack. We assign uncertainty to the snow depth estimates based upon both the radar system parameters and sea ice topographic variability. The accuracy of the airborne snow depth estimates are examined via comparison with coincident measurements gathered in situ across a range of ice types in the Beaufort Sea. We discuss the effect of surface morphology on the derivation, and consequently the accuracy, of airborne snow depth estimates. We find that snow depths derived from the airborne snow radar using the wavelet-based technique are accurate to 1 cm over level ice. Over rougher surfaces including multiyear and ridged ice, the radar system is impacted by ice surface morphology. Across basin scales, we find the snow-radar-derived snow depth on first-year ice is at least ∼60% of the value reported in the snow climatology for the Beaufort Sea, Canada Basin, and parts of the central Arctic, since these regions were previously dominated by multiyear ice during the measurement period of the climatology. Snow on multiyear ice is more consistent with the climatology.
Enhanced Polonium Concentrations in Aerosols from the Gulf Oil Producing Region and the Role of Microorganisms

This study provides the first data set of 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations in the organic and inorganic components of several particle size classes of aerosols collected at two sampling stations in Kuwait. The 210Po concentrations in the aerosols (Bq/g) were similar in all of the particle size classes, but as most (91%) of the aerosol load was made of fine fraction particles of PM0.39–2.5 µm, most of the 210Po activity was carried by this aerosol fraction. At the two sampling stations, the 210Po/210Pb activity concentration ratios in the aerosols were similar, stable around the year, and averaged 1.5 (range 1.2–1.9), much higher than the typical activity concentration ratios of these radionuclides in unmodified (background) aerosols, with Po/Pb < 0.1. The aerosol enrichment in 210Po was likely originated from the oil industry, specifically by gas flaring and oil refining in the Gulf region. Radionuclide analysis in the organic and inorganic components of aerosols showed that the 210Po concentration in the organic component was one order of magnitude higher than the 210Po concentration in the inorganic component, in contrast with 210Pb, which displayed similar concentrations in both organic and inorganic aerosol components. The 210Po carrying organic component of aerosols was investigated and it was found to be largely composed of microorganisms with high microbial and fungi diversity, with the phyla Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota being dominant among the bacteria and with Zygomycota being dominant among the fungi. Therefore, we are facing an active concentration process of the atmospheric 210Po carried out by microorganisms, which underlies the 210Po enrichment process in the organic component of aerosols. This bioconcentration of polonium in bioaerosols was unknown.
Predicted changes in suitability and agro climatic factors due to climate change for yam production in Nigeria

Out of about 600 species known, six are grown in Nigeria: (D. rotundata (white Guinea yam), D. alata (water yam), D. cayenensis (yellow yam), D. dumetorum, (trifoliate yam), D. bulbifera (aerial yam), and D. esculenta (Chinese yam). However, the most important food species are D. rotundata, indigenous to West Africa, and D. alata introduced from Asia to Africa during the sixteenth century. The variety most cultivated and consumed is D. rotundata and it also has the highest market value owing to the superior suitability of its tubers for preferred food uses in West Africa. Yam constitute an important source of food and income and play a major role in socio-cultural life for a wide range of smallholder households. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer with an estimated 35 million tonnes in 2008 grown on 3.1 million ha (FAO, 2011).
Terrestrial laser scanning in geology: data acquisition, processing and accuracy considerations

Terrestrial laser scanning, or lidar, is a recent innovation in spatial information data acquisition, which allows geological outcrops to be digitally captured with unprecedented resolution and accuracy. With point precisions and spacing of the order of a few centimetres, an enhanced quantitative element can now be added to geological fieldwork and analysis, opening up new lines of investigation at a variety of scales in all areas of field-based geology. Integration with metric imagery allows 3D photorealistic models to be created for interpretation, visualization and education. However, gaining meaningful results from lidar scans requires more than simply acquiring raw point data. Surveys require planning and, typically, a large amount of post-processing time. The contribution of this paper is to provide a more detailed insight into the technology, data collection and utilization techniques than is currently available. The paper focuses on the workflow for using lidar data, from the choice of field area and survey planning, to acquiring and processing data and, finally, extracting geologically useful data. Because manufacturer specifications for point precision are often optimistic when applied to real-world outcrops, the error sources associated with lidar data, and the implications of them propagating through the processing chain, are also discussed.
Integration Of SASS Ku-band Imagery And Avhrr Imagery For Historical Tropical Forest Inventory

Introduction Currently there is an extended international effort to inventory and monitor the global rain forests. Because of persistent cloud cover in the tropical rain forest regions, active microwave imagery such as ERS-1 S A R is preferred over high-resolution visible and near infrared spaceborne sensors. Nevertheless, because many rain forests cover such vast regions, AVHRR imagery and its derivative vegetation indices are frequently utilized for medium or low-resolution monitoring where comprehensive highresolution imaging would create unmanageable data volumes, or would be cost prohibitive. However, AVHRR suffers from the same cloud cover problem as its higher resolution counterparts in humid regions of the world. Clearly an active microwave instrument with a 1-12km resolution would be desirable in providing global coverage of tropical forest regions under these conditions, but no active microwave instrument designed to provide land coverage at this resolution has never flown neither are any planned for the future. The research described below reports initial progress to integrate and compare AVHRR vegetation index images with historical SASS imagery reconstructed to comparable resolutions. The study area incorporates several states in Brasir! and includes tropical forest, savanna, grassland, and secondary vegetation formations. First, we will briefly describe the SASS data source and reconstruction process. We will next describe the AVHRR data source and processing required to integrate the vegetation index set with the reconstructed SASS data. We then proceed to compare the vegetation index values and backscatter response of sixteen different vegetation formations found in the study area. Finally, we offer conclusions and directions for further research.
Genetically tunable frustration controls allostery in an intrinsically disordered transcription factor

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) present a functional paradox because they lack stable tertiary structure, but nonetheless play a central role in signaling, utilizing a process known as allostery. Historically, allostery in structured proteins has been interpreted in terms of propagated structural changes that are induced by effector binding. Thus, it is not clear how IDPs, lacking such well-defined structures, can allosterically affect function. Here, we show a mechanism by which an IDP can allosterically control function by simultaneously tuning transcriptional activation and repression, using a novel strategy that relies on the principle of ‘energetic frustration’. We demonstrate that human glucocorticoid receptor tunes this signaling in vivo by producing translational isoforms differing only in the length of the disordered region, which modulates the degree of frustration. We expect this frustration-based model of allostery will prove to be generally important in explaining signaling in other IDPs.
Alterations in Soil Chemical Properties Induced by Continuous Rice Cultivation: A Study on the Arid Nile Delta Soils of Egypt

Changes in soil chemical properties resulting from continuous rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation on the Nile Delta soils of Egypt were examined. The eight soil profiles characterized for this study were designated as 0 (crop rotation without rice), 1 (crop rotation with rice after every 2 years), and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 representing continuous rice cultivation for 2, 4, 8, 12, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Sampling was conducted at 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–80 cm depths for each profile and samples analyzed for a suite of chemical properties. Soil pH, salinity indicators [electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP)], as well as soluble and exchangeable cations and anions such as chloride and sulfate, all tended to decrease with years of continuous rice cultivation, with a number of significant (p < 0·05) differences observed. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased with years of continuous rice cultivation, with a 12% increase observed between 2‐ and 20‐year continuous rice cultivation systems. Principal component analysis conducted on soil properties within the continuous rice cultivation systems (profiles 2–7) revealed two possible components, namely F1 (pH, EC, ESP, and soluble Na+, Mg2+, K+, Cl−, and SO4−2) and F2 (clay, organic matter, and CEC), which could be broadly associated to soil salinity and soil fertility, respectively. Findings suggested possible alterations in soil chemical properties by continuous rice cultivation practices on these Nile Delta soils of Egypt, Africa. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of strategies for the management and research of foliar pathogens on Eucalypt plantations : using Mycosphaerella as a case study

Foliar pathogens are capable of severely reducing the productivity and stem form of eucalypt trees in plantations. Mycosphaerella is one of the most severe defoliating pathogens to eucalypts worldwide. In Australia Mycosphaerella leaf disease (MLD) has produced episodes of severe defoliation in Tasmania, Gippsland and south-west Western Australia. Mycosphaerella is one of the most researched pathogens of eucalypts, however the majority of studies have concentrated on the taxonomy of pathogens and investigating their geographical and host ranges. In this thesis, MLD has been chosen as a model system to develop and apply new technologies to researching foliar pathogens. Research was conducted in the four main areas of disease assessment, growth impacts, molecular detection and resistance mechanisms. with and co-ordination of chemical treatments. Thanks to Inez Tommerup for her invaluable input into the project.