Field Excursions Research Articles

Review of ethnomedicinal plant Helicteres isora Linn. and its traditional uses in India

This paper provides information on the ethnomedicinal and traditional uses of the medicinal plant Helicteres isora. Ethnomedicine has been used as a starting point in drug discovery, specifically pharmacological techniques. India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge of health care. A large number of plants, plant extracts, decoctions, and pastes are mostly used by tribal peoples for the treatment of various diseases. The uses of different plant parts by the local peoples in different aspects have been studied by several workers. The whole plant of Helicteres isora has excellent medicinal properties from ancient times. The parts of a plant that have been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine include roots, leaves, seeds, and fruits. Different types of pharmacological activities found are antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, brain oxidant potency, etc. Helicteres isora is a rich source of antioxidants, carbohydrates, proteins, Fiber, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. The plant also exhibits the activity of demulcent and astringent activities. Every part of the medicinal uses of Helicteres isora Linn., having the above activities. In this study, we investigated the traditional uses of Helicteres isora plants. Ethnomedicinal data were collected by using semi-structured and open- ended questionnaires. Field excursions with expert lecturers and traditional healers were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to present data.

Tour guides as facilitators of learning under field trips

ABSTRACT Students embark on museum field trips with the goal of having enjoyable and educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. This study investigated how museum tour guides helped primary school children in Zimbabwe learn school curriculum content while on field excursions. The study employed qualitative research approaches where a sample of conveniently chosen 320 school children, 12 teachers, and 40 museum tour guides was used. It is revealed that there are three different categories of tour guides that are found in Zimbabwean museums and these are: evangelists, dictators, and benevolent demonstrators. It was discovered that students go on field trips in order to engage with and learn about the curriculum. According to the investigation, nine (9) tour guides were classified as benevolent demonstrators, ten (10) as dictators, and twenty-one (21) as evangelists. It was shown that evangelist and dictator tour guides hindered effective learning because they treated students like epistemic slaves. During field visits, benevolent demonstrators used active techniques of content delivery to encourage effective learning. According to the study’s findings, most tour guides fall short when it comes to promoting effective learning, and they should receive pedagogy and customer service training.

Reconstructing inflationary potential from NANOGrav 15-year Data: A robust study using Non-Bunch Davies initial condition

We discuss the theoretical framework behind reconstruction of a generic class of inflationary potentials for canonical single-field slow-roll inflation in a model-independent fashion. The Non-Bunch Davies (NBD) initial condition is an essential choice to determine the structure of potential and to accommodate the blue-tilted tensor power spectrum feature recently observed in NANOGrav. Using the reconstruction technique we found the favoured parameter space which supports blue tilted tensor power spectrum. The validity of the EFT prescription in inflation is also maintained through the use of a new field excursion formula while keeping the necessary and sufficient conditions on the sub-Planckian field values in check. We find that the reconstructed potential display inflection point behaviour, which has deeper connection with high energy physics.

Sediment dynamics of a major piedmont glacier: the Salzach Glacier in the North Alpine Foreland

Abstract. The foreland basins of the European Alps were repeatedly covered by major piedmont glaciers during Quaternary glacial maxima. The Salzach Glacier was the easternmost of a series of large Pleistocene piedmont glaciers entering the North Alpine Foreland through major Alpine valleys. It covered an area of more than 1000 km2 during at least four glacial maxima. The slightly elevated molasse bedrock provides a high potential for preservation of glacial landforms and offers an ideal setting to explore the erosional and depositional dynamics of a major glacier piedmont lobe. This field excursion guide leads to some selected key sites representing deposits of glacial advance, relative equilibrium, and ice lobe collapse.

A multiverse outside of the swampland

A multiverse can arise from landscapes without de Sitter minima. It can be populated during a period of eternal inflation without trans-Planckian field excursions and without flat potentials. This multiverse can explain the values of the cosmological constant and of the weak scale. In the process of proving these statements, we derive a few simple, but counterintuitive results. We show that it is easy to write models of eternal inflation compatible with the distance and refined de Sitter conjectures. Secondly, tunneling transitions that move fields from a lower-energy vacuum to a higher-energy vacuum and generate baby universes are possible, and occur during eternal inflation. Finally, we relax the assumption of no de Sitter minima and show that this more standard multiverse can be populated by Coleman-de Luccia transitions in about 100 e-folds of inflation. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Kaluza–Klein Schwinger Effect

Abstract We show that electric fields in compactified spaces may produce Kaluza–Klein (KK) particles even when the energy of the electric fields is smaller than the KK scale. As an illustrative example, we consider a charged massless complex scalar coupled to U(1) gauge theory in $\mathbb {R}^{1,3}\times {\mathbb {S}}^1$ and discuss the effect of background gauge potential along a compact direction. The electric field produces the charged KK particle nonperturbatively, which we call the KK Schwinger effect. We quantitatively show that KK modes can be produced even when the electric field energy is far below the KK scale. The mechanism is rather general and similar phenomena would occur in any compactification models when a gauge potential along a compact direction evolves in time and experiences a large enough field excursion. We also discuss the subtlety of 4D effective theory truncated by KK modes at an initial time, when the electric field is turned on.

Contribution to Egypt’s Flora: new records from Nile Islands, South Valley, Egypt

The rate at which people are introducing species to formerly uninhabited places shows no signs of slowing down. Wild plants can roam freely across international borders. From September 2021 to June 2023, 45 field excursions were made to Egypt’s southern Nile Islands in the Aswan Governorate to undertake vegetation surveys. Depending on the literature reviewed and herbaria consulted during this study, three plant taxa, as well as one additional genus (Macroptilium), found during these field excursions were not previously recorded in the Egyptian Flora. These new records are Acanthospermum hispidum (Asteraceae), Geranium carolinianum (Geraniaceae), and Macroptilium atropurpureum (Fabaceae). These plants are classed as noxious weeds that harm agriculture. A complete description, occurrence and distribuion maps, plant photos and illustrations are provided. This study underlines the importance of carrying out extensive and ongoing research on the flora of Aswan’s Nile Islands to have a better knowledge of flowering plant distribution patterns. In addition, it might be regarded as a great starting point for expanding floristic knowledge of this interesting territory and its surroundings.

Birdwatching: A field-based unit or short course

I taught Birdwatching for the Indiana Academy’s 2023 May Term. The latitude and flexibility of a standalone course provided opportunities for creative student expression. The focus was on recreational observation of birds with a modest introduction to the science of ornithology. Students gained skills in bird identification, interpretation of behavioral observations, and ecological study design. The only textbook was a field guide. Students were instructed to install and use the free mobile app Merlin. We met each morning for a total of 10 class sessions, each 3-4 hours long. Topics included binocular use, bird identification by sight and sound, the eBird project, avian physiology, notetaking, bird behavior, study design, North American birds, distribution ranges, bird nests, habitat, and subspecies. We took field excursions every morning, usually on foot but with two trips by van to nearby birding hotspots. Students demonstrated their identification skills every morning in field quizzes. Each student kept a journal of field observations. Students worked in pairs to design a study on behavior and one on ecology. The instructor developed a list of questions of interest, and students collected data to answer them by observing birds in the field. Each student wrote two research reports presenting the results of these investigations. On the last day, students completed a final examination. Scores on these assessments indicated that the student learning outcomes were achieved by most students. This course could be adapted as a unit at the end of a spring semester course in biology or zoology.

An Ethno-Pharmacological Study of Wound Healing Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, India

Ethno-pharmacology is "the multidisciplinary scientific investigation of the biologically active substances that are customarily used." As a result, the ethno-pharmacological approach is founded on a corpus of research encompassing pharmacology, chemistry, and botany, among other fields. The research was conducted in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari areas. Fifteen families and a total of eighteen therapeutic plants with ethno-pharmacological potency, particularly in wound healing, were identified at the study site. In the research areas, extensive field surveys were carried out between March 2021 and February 2023. On field excursions, native knowledge of wild medicinal plants was gathered through conversations, questionnaires, and in-person interviews. Plants were arranged according to their scientific names, families, common names, and parts that were utilised to cure or promote wound healing. In the survey, the dominant families of plants like Amaranthaceae, Liliaceae, and Fabaceae had two (02) species of medicinal importance, particularly for wound healing treatment. The Dhamtari region's rural inhabitants have traditionally utilised native flora for primary healthcare and the treatment of a variety of ailments. On the other hand, hardly much was recorded regarding traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. The Dhamtari people of the countryside claimed that as society developed, newer generations became less interested in the traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. Therefore, before they become extinct and are no longer available, it is imperative to document ethno-medicinal plants that can heal wounds. In order to properly conserve plants and traditional knowledge for the future, this ethno-botanical database will be valuable to scientists, naturalists, planners, policymakers and chemists.

Herpetofaunal Diversity of Şanlıurfa Province (southeastern Turkey) with Comments on the Taxonomic Status of <i>Platyceps karelini</i> in Turkey

In this study, we report the amphibians and reptile species from Şanlıurfa Province. We conducted fieldwork for 60 days between 2016 – 2018 and additionally, we used the observation data from previous field excursions during the period from 2005 to 2016. A total of 53 amphibians and reptiles (six anurans, three chelonians, one amphisbaenian, twenty-one lizards, and twenty-two snake species) were reported from Şanlıurfa Province. A colubrid snake Platyceps ventromaculatus previously reported for the Turkey is misidentified P. karelini confirming that P. ventromaculatus does not occur in Turkey.

High-resolution U-channel paleomagnetic secular variation and magnetic field excursions from ocean drilling program site 1233 (MIS 1–4; 0–71 ka)

This paper presents new u-channel paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) data for ODP Site 1233 (Chile margin) for the last 70 ky. This is the highest-resolution, long-term PSV record ever recovered. The u-channel study has carried out detailed af demagnetization of the natural remanence (NRM) and developed a characteristic remanence (ChRM – final PSV direction) for each sampling horizon. The u-channel rock magnetic studies have measured magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanence (ARM) with af demagnetization and used them to normalize the NRM and develop a new, detailed relative paleointensity record. The paleomagnetic record contains three excursions: the Mono Lake Excursion, the Laschamp Excursion, and the Greenland/Norwegian-Sea Excursion. These excursions have nominal sampling intervals of 5–8 years. Both the Mono Lake and Greenland/Norwegian-Sea Excursions involve short duration intervals of excursional directions (<300 years). The excursions are distinctly different from similar excursion records from other parts of the World. The Laschamp Excursion exhibits a full local reversal of the field with fast (<200 yr) movement to/from reversed directions and ∼ 500 years of full reversed polarity directions. This pattern is distinctly different from Laschamp excursion records from other parts of the World. We have carried out a statistical analysis of the Site 1233 u-channel PSV record. Notable specific features of that analysis include documentation that the field spends >1/3 of its time with anomalously large amplitude directional variability (high angular dispersion). These intervals occur at∼25–45 ka and 55–65 ka. These intervals have lower-frequency (more sluggish) directional variability and are associated with lower than average paleointensity.

Paleomagnetic secular variation and revised chronostratigraphy of Bering Sea (IODP expedition 323) deep-sea sediments (MIS 5)

This study presents new high-resolution, full-vector paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) records from IODP Expedition 323 Sites U1339, U1343, U1344, and U1345 in the Bering Sea (51°N-60°N) during Marine Isotope Stage 5 (71–130 ka). The chronology of the records has been determined by oxygen isotope stratigraphy with an age uncertainty of ∼±2000 years. The data come from shipboard paleomagnetic measurements of deep-sea sediments with accumulation rates of 26–54 cm/ky. The sample interval in the composite records is 5 cm with a time resolution of ±100–200 years. The composite PSV records for each site were developed by correlation and analysis of 3–4 paleomagnetic records from individual holes at each site. The composite records are a combination of the best correlatable PSV data from each site. We have been able to significantly correlate the PSV records from all four sites. We have identified 56 inclination features (highs/lows) and 54 declination features (east/west extremes) in all the records. Relative paleointensity has been determined by normalizing the sediment natural remanence, after 20-mT af demagnetization, to magnetic susceptibility. This normalization process is complicated by environmental variability, thus our relative paleointensity records are limited to large-scale correlations among the four sites. We correlated our relative paleointensity records to the global PISO-1500 paleointensity record that is itself dated by oxygen isotope stratigraphy. We can identify 6 key intensity highs/lows in our composite records and the PISO-1500 record that provide additional dating isochrons for our records. There are three short magnetic field excursions recorded with replication at these four sites – The youngest excursion occurred at 100 ± 2 ka and is associated with the Fram Strait Excursion. Two older excursions occurred at 116 ± 2 ka and 119.5 ± 2 ka. We associate both of these with the Blake Event. All three of the excursions have very short time intervals (∼200–400 yrs) with somewhat out-of-phase inclination and declination variability. All three of these are Class I excursions. We have studied the statistical characteristics our composite records by calculating the 3ky and 9ky averaged inclinations, declinations, unit vectors, and relative paleointensity over 71–130 ka after removing all excursional directions. The averaged inclinations and declinations are consistent among the four sites. The averaged angular dispersion is bimodal in its overall pattern. Most of the time angular dispersion is low (∼±10°–12°) except for three shorter intervals that have significantly higher angular dispersion (∼±24–30°) and lower paleointensities. The high angular dispersion intervals are associated with the three short excursional intervals. The timing and pattern of interrelated high angular dispersion, low paleointensity, and excursions is synchronous with the PSV pattern recorded during MIS 5 in the central North Atlantic Ocean. We think this defines a distinctive low-intensity/low-energy state for the geomagnetic field.

Connecting flux vacua through scalar field excursions

Connecting flux vacua through scalar field excursions

40 Two-week agriculture institute prepares Mississippi teachers to improve agricultural literacy in classrooms

Abstract Agriculturally rich communities in Mississippi, particularly those with high minority populations, suffer from significant educational disparities, resulting in a median poverty rate 7.8% higher than the national average. Persistent unequal opportunities within the public school system, and a limitation of youth having access to advanced coursework and technology create challenges in improving the welfare of Mississippi communities. Despite being grossly underpaid, teachers in Mississippi remain passionate about agriculture education, often utilizing their personal finances to provide students with opportunities to succeed. Thus, an immersive learning agriculture science professional development program was created for 5th-12th grade classroom teachers. The objective was to improve the quality of education for students by advancing the ability of teachers to foster understanding and practices in agriculture literacy. Teachers (n = 20; cohort 1, n = 12; cohort 2, n = 8) participated in a 2-wk summer institute. Teachers received continuing education credits for their teaching license, a stipend to alleviate associated costs, and supplies for their classroom. The teachers learned agriculture content (e.g., animal, plant, and soil sciences), engaged in hands-on learning labs (e.g., anatomy and immunology), participated in field excursions (e.g., animal handling), received literary instruction, and discussed teacher leadership. To determine if program outcomes were achieved, participants completed surveys (n = 3), interviews (n = 3), and submitted lesson plans (n = 2). Post-institute survey results of participating teachers indicated they were eager to implement their new knowledge in their classrooms, including but not limited to fetal pig dissections, reproductive tract anatomy, blue’s the clue, DNA extraction, carousel activity, mind mapping, and glow germ activity. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA was performed on pre- and post-survey knowledge assessment across both cohorts. Regarding agriculture content, self-assessment knowledge scores of both cohorts increased significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) during the post-survey. Both cohort 1 and 2 teachers responded with a score of 80% or higher to: “On an assessment where I had to, “Explain general livestock reproduction and reproductive management practices”; “Explain how a cow's immune system is similar to humans” and, “Explain why farmers work diligently to prevent disease”. In addition, cohort 2 teachers responded with a score of 80% or higher to: “On an assessment where I had to, “Accurately label the anatomical organs of a fetal pig”; “Correctly explain the basic function of fetal pig organs” and, “Explain pregnancy detection in animal science.” This professional development program successfully reached Mississippi teachers, equipping them with tools to increase agriculture literacy. The potential impact of this program extends to encourage more youth to pursue careers in agriculture, foster a more informed consumer base, and mitigate poverty rates within the state. Funding provided by USDA-NIFA-AFRI Education and Workforce Development proposal number 2021-67037-34210/1025666.

No rose on this one?

This study explores how material qualities of tools contribute to shape information practices of observing, documenting, identifying and reporting species in biodiversity citizen science. Through participant observation and trace ethnography, information practices enacted during a field excursion at a World Heritage Site in south-eastern Sweden are investigated in relation to reported data submitted to the species observation system Artportalen. The study, which adopts a theoretical lens comprising the analytical concepts of epistemic objects and inscriptions, finds that the participants’ situated questioning, discussion, documenting and comparison of species through tool use establishes the observations as projections of knowledge claims. These projections are subsequently constrained but also appended as they are reported as data via Artportalen. As material qualities are generally made invisible, the reported data are augmented by the observation system when merged with other reports to aggregated data. The study extends knowledge concerning how biodiversity citizen science field excursions are conducted by understanding information practices and their outcomes as entangled activities characterised by negotiations in relation to material tools rather than as streamlined processes. Consequently, the results expand knowledge of the messy practices carried out to produce biodiversity citizen science data.Keywords: Botany, biodiversity, citizen science, information practices, materiality

Synchrony between dipole and quadrupole during magnetic field reversals and excursions

In contrast to reversals, excursions of the geomagnetic field can occur at lower convection intensities in the Earth’s core. Since in such geodynamo regimes the behavior of the magnetic field is still quasi regular, a reduction of the dipole field during an excursion may indicate a global failure of the dynamo process. As a consequence, it is possible that during the excursion, not only the dipole component, but also the higher harmonics of the field decrease. This hypothesis is tested in a three-dimensional (3D) dynamo model.

Synchrony between Dipole and Quadrupole During Magnetic Field Reversals and Excursions

—In contrast to reversals, geomagnetic field excursions can occur at lower convection intensity in the Earth’s core. Since in such geodynamo regimes the magnetic field behavior is still quasi regular, a reduction in the dipole field during excursion may indicate a global failure in the dynamo process. As a consequence, it is possible that during the excursion, not only the dipole component, but also higher harmonics of the field decrease. This hypothesis is tested in a 3D (3D) dynamo model.

Plumbing System Architecture and Differentiation Processes of the Nyiragongo Volcano, DR Congo

ABSTRACT The Nyiragongo volcano is one of the most alkali-rich volcanic centres on the planet (Na2O + K2O generally &amp;gt;10 wt.%, agpaitic index up to 1.34), characterized by a semi-permanently active lava lake which hosts silica-undersaturated (SiO2 &amp;lt; 40 wt.%), low viscosity lavas. To improve our understanding of this unique magmatic system, we present a set of 291 samples, acquired during new field excursions between 2017 and 2021. The major and trace element composition of all samples was measured, revealing a lithological range extending from primitive picrites (Mg# 82) erupted from parasitic cones to a variety of highly evolved nephelinites, leucitites, and melilitites erupted from the main edifice as recently as 2002, 2016, and 2021. We measured major and trace element compositions from the full spectrum of minerals present in all sampled lithologies. From these we calculated that the main magma reservoirs feeding Nyiragongo are at approximately 9–15 and 21–33 km depth, in agreement with recent seismic observations. Fractional crystallization modelling using observed mineral compositions and proportions was performed to quantitatively link the lithologies to specific residual liquid fractions assuming evolution from an olivine-melilite parental melt. Our modelling indicates that fractionation and cumulate formation in deep chambers reduces the remaining melt fraction to ~60%, after which melts are injected into upper, liquid dominated magma chambers where fractionation and accumulation of clinopyroxene, melilite, and feldspathoids dominates. Characterisation of mineral textures and geochemistry reveals high crystal mobility in a repeatedly recharging plumbing system split between liquid-dominated, evolved magma chambers and more solid-dominated, primitive mushes, decreasing in liquid fraction with depth.

Pedagogy Designing With Augmented Reality: a Paradigm Shift in Educational Approaches

With Augmented Reality (AR) emerging as a revolutionary tool that reshapes conventional learning paradigms, the fusion of technology and education has given rise to creative educational approaches. This essay offers a thorough examination of augmented reality's place in education, highlighting its potential to improve pedagogy, engage students, and fundamentally alter the educational landscape. The essay starts by defining augmented reality as a link between the real and virtual worlds that provides an immersive and interactive learning experience. It explores the many uses of augmented reality, including anatomy classes with 3D interactive models and historical reenactments that take pupils back in time. These case studies show how augmented reality encourages participation, improves comprehension, and contextualizes learning materials. The fundamental ideas that underpin successful AR-enhanced schooling are presented in this study. It places a strong emphasis on scaffolding learning experiences, interaction, contextual relevance, and alignment with learning objectives. The difficulties of deploying AR are also discussed, giving educators ideas for a successful integration. These difficulties include technology infrastructure, educator training, content quality, and economic considerations. The research focuses on the potential of augmented reality to foster active learning. The relationship between augmented reality (AR) and active learning is examined, emphasizing the ways in which AR supports collaborative activities, problem-solving, and individualized learning paths. By imagining the role that augmented reality (AR) will play in future education, including personalized learning, virtual field excursions, mixed reality collaboration, and AI-driven adaptive learning, the essay demonstrates the revolutionary power of AR. The ethical challenges surrounding AR in the classroom are also covered, with a focus on the importance of addressing data protection, digital literacy, and responsible technology use. In order to prepare students for the challenges of a connected world while nurturing a lifetime love of learning, the study finishes by presenting augmented reality as a cornerstone of educational design. In essence, this article offers a thorough analysis of Augmented Reality's effects on education, highlighting its potential to transform pedagogy, improve learning opportunities, and influence the direction of education in the future. Educators are given a comprehensive grasp of how to use augmented reality to build immersive, successful learning environments by looking at case studies, design principles, difficulties, and future prospects

Correspondence between Cosmic-Dust-Enriched Sediment Horizons and Geomagnetic Field Excursions

The relationship between spikes in cosmic dust fluxes onto the Earth’s surface (mainly represented by native metal particles) and the behavior of the polarity of the main geomagnetic field has been studied. For this, a search was carried out for horizons of paleodeposits with a high concentration of cosmic dust (exceeding the background concentration by more than an order of magnitude). Such increased concentrations of cosmic dust particles were found in peat deposits corresponding to the Etrussia excursion (2.5–3 ka), as well as in ancient Cretaceous and Paleogene marine deposits. In total, we discovered five horizons with a thickness up to 1 m hosting a high concentration of cosmic dust. Measurements of the paleo‒and petromagnetic parameters of samples selected based on the thickness of sedimentary strata showed that the beginning of accumulation of these horizons coincided with geomagnetic field excursions. In this case, sediment enrichment in dust particles could have lasted somewhat longer than a geomagnetic field excursion. Evidence was obtained that Earth collisions with dense fluxes of cosmic dust could have coincided with short-term disturbances in the polarity of the geomagnetic field, but this had no lasting effect on the geodynamo.