NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Comparing undergraduate research experiences before, during, and after the COVID-19 quarantine: The successful adaptation of the BUILD PODER Summer JumpStart program.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many in person undergraduate research experiences (UREs) to pivot to remote online training. To investigate how the COVID-19 quarantine disrupted student URE outcomes over time, the current study examines Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Promoting Opportunities for Diversity in Education and Research (PODER) URE outcomes across different platforms (in-person, remote, and hybrid models) by comparing student survey data from 2019 to 2021. Participants consisted of three cohorts: 2019 (n = 26 students), 2020 (n = 33), 2021 (n = 34). The BUILD PODER Summer JumpStart program (SJS), which aims to increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by recruiting mostly underrepresented students, was conducted in person in 2019, remotely in 2020 and using a hybrid model in 2021. All students completed an online survey on the first and last day of the four-week SJS program. We used one-way and mixed ANOVA models to analyze Cohort, Time (pre-test vs. post-test scores), and interaction of Cohort and Time for Research Self-Efficacy, Sense of Belonging, Mentor Relationship, Mentee Knowledge, Health, Stress, and Student Program Satisfaction measures. Despite the platform changes, student scores increased significantly over time for all measures. There was a significant main effect of Time for Research Self-Efficacy, Sense of Belonging, Mentor Relationship, Mentee Knowledge, Health Assessment, and Stress Management. Findings indicate that URE programs that are implemented remotely and using a hybrid format can provide students with experiences similar to in-person URE programs. In addition, remote UREs may provide added benefits compared to in-person programs. For instance, remote UREs could engage more historically minoritized students, who may experience barriers to access, such as work/family commitments, financial constraints, and geographic limitations

Misure di dispersione di polarizzazione su impianti sottomarini per lunghe distanze

p. 651-657Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). Biblioteca Centrale / CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle RichercheSIGLEITItal

Multi-scale path-level analysis of jaguar habitat use in the Pantanal ecosystem

Jaguars (Panthera onca), like other apex predators, are highly susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation given their low demographic potential and large habitat area requirements. Across their range, the Pantanal is considered critical for the jaguar's long-term conservation. Here we provide the first multi-scale path selection function model for jaguars, and the first empirically-based movement model covering the entire Pantanal ecosystem. Out of eight investigated variables, six were related to jaguar habitat use in the Pantanal: terrain roughness, human population density, grassland, percentage of tree cover, flooded habitats and shrubland. The results of scale optimization revealed that jaguars responded primarily to landscape variables at broad scales (32 km) of habitat availability, with only one variable (grassland) influencing jaguar path selection at a finer scale (4 km). Jaguar habitat use was positively associated with flooded habitats and densely forested areas and negatively associated with grassland, terrain roughness, and human population density, with the latter having the strongest negative effect on jaguar movement. The prediction map suggested that only 9.3% of the total suitable jaguar habitat in Pantanal is protected by Conservation Units. Among the most suitable areas, the largest continuous habitats were located in the northwestern portions of the Pantanal, which corresponds to the interfluvial areas between Corixo Grande and Cuiaba rivers. Our results suggested that the implementation of already proposed North Pantanal Conservation Unit Mosaic in this area would be highly valuable for jaguar conservation. This study provides a foundation for future research to delineate and prioritize core areas and corridors for jaguars in the region

Experiments on 40 Gb/s transmission with wavelength conversion: results from the IST ATLAS project

In this article we report the main experimental results obtained in the framework of the IST ATLAS project regarding the transmission at 40 Gb/s over long terrestrial links, including the frequency conversion of a signal. We report the single-channel 40 Gb/s transmission over a link 500 km long with an amplifier spacing of 100 km, both with G.652 fibers and G.653 fibers by periodically compensating the chromatic dispersion with dispersion-compensating fibers. We report the single-channel transmission at 40 Gb/s, also, after the wavelength conversion of a channel with both PPLN and semiconductor optical amplifier devices. In particular, 500 km distances are obtained with PPLN wavelength conversion and 300 km distances with semiconductor optical amplifiers. Some results have been reported for electronic devices operating at 40 Gb/s