Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking biodiversity and ecosystems: towards a unifying ecological theory

Community ecology and ecosystem ecology provide two perspectives on complex ecological systems that have largely complementary strengths and weaknesses. Merging the two perspectives is necessary both to ensure continued scientific progress and to provide society with the scientific means to face growing environmental challenges. Recent research on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has contributed to this goal in several ways. By addressing a new question of high relevance for both science and society, by challenging existing paradigms, by tightly linking theory and experiments, by building scientific consensus beyond differences in opinion, by integrating fragmented disciplines and research fields, by connecting itself to other disciplines and management issues, it has helped transform ecology not only in content, but also in form. Creating a genuine evolutionary ecosystem ecology that links the evolution of species traits at the individual level, the dynamics of species interactions, and the overall functioning of ecosystems would give new impetus to this much-needed process of unification across ecological disciplines. Recent community evolution models are a promising step in that direction.
A comparative study on permissiveness toward euthanasia: Religiosity, slippery slope, autonomy, and death with dignity

This study explores explanations for the approval of euthanasia by assessing differences among individuals and countries, using four main arguments used by opponents and proponents in the public debate over euthanasia. We performed multilevel analysis on data from thirty-three countries, obtained from the European Values Study 1999/2000 and the World Values Survey 2000; we enriched these data with country-specific information. First, our results supported the hypothesis based on the religion argument: religious people and people living in a religious context are more strongly opposed to euthanasia. In addition, Protestants and people living in Protestant countries have more favorable attitudes toward euthanasia than do Catholics and people living in Catholic countries. Second, we found support for the hypothesis derived from the slippery slope argument: fear that euthanasia will be abused resulted in people from vulnerable groups and people living in countries with low-responsive health care systems being more opposed to euthanasia. Third, as the autonomy-hypothesis predicted, highly educated people and people who highly value autonomy as well as people living in a country with a stronger than average attachment to autonomy show a more favorable attitude toward euthanasia. Fourth, while the death with dignity argument predicts that people who witness unbearable suffering in their personal or national environment are more favorable toward euthanasia, our results show only weak support. Furthermore, cross-level interaction tests showed that national contexts are, to some extent, able to decrease the differences between groups in society in terms of their response to euthanasia.
Understanding the Adsorption of CuPc and ZnPc on Noble Metal Surfaces by Combining Quantum-Mechanical Modelling and Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Phthalocyanines are an important class of organic semiconductors and, thus, their interfaces with metals are both of fundamental and practical relevance. In the present contribution we provide a combined theoretical and experimental study, in which we show that state-of-the-art quantum-mechanical simulations are nowadays capable of treating most properties of such interfaces in a quantitatively reliable manner. This is shown for Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) and Zn-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) on Au(111) and Ag(111) surfaces. Using a recently developed approach for efficiently treating van der Waals (vdW) interactions at metal/organic interfaces, we calculate adsorption geometries in excellent agreement with experiments. With these geometries available, we are then able to accurately describe the interfacial electronic structure arising from molecular adsorption. We find that bonding is dominated by vdW forces for all studied interfaces. Concomitantly, charge rearrangements on Au(111) are exclusively due to Pauli pushback. On Ag(111), we additionally observe charge transfer from the metal to one of the spin-channels associated with the lowest unoccupied π-states of the molecules. Comparing the interfacial density of states with our ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) experiments, we find that the use of a hybrid functionals is necessary to obtain the correct order of the electronic states.
Properties of Bread Dough with Added Fiber Polysaccharides and Phenolic Antioxidants: A Review

During breadmaking, different ingredients are used to ensure the development of a continuous protein network that is essential for bread quality. Interests in incorporating bioactive ingredients such as dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic antioxidants into popular foods such as bread have grown rapidly, due to the increased consumer health awareness. The added bioactive ingredients may or may not promote the protein cross-links. Appropriate cross-links among wheat proteins, fiber polysaccharides, and phenolic antioxidants could be the most critical factor for bread dough enhanced with DF and phenolic antioxidants. Such cross-links may influence the structure and properties of a bread system during baking. This article presents a brief overview of our current knowledge of the fate of the key components (wheat proteins, fibers, and phenolic antioxidants) and how they might interact during bread dough development and baking.
Thalamic terminal fields of individual axons from the ventral part of the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum in Macaca mulatta

This study examined organization of the projection from the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum to the ventral lateral nucleus (VL) of the thalamus in Macaca mulatta. Small injections of biotinylated dextran amine were placed in the ventral parts of dentate nuclei. The distribution of all contralateral terminal fields in the thalamus was charted, and representative individual axons that terminated in the VL were traced in serial sections under the light microscope. These axons were reconstructed with all their branches and terminal fields in the thalamus. The geometry and size of the terminal fields as well as the number and distribution of boutons and neurons in them were analyzed. The terminal fields of all labeled axons were distributed widely over the VL either singly or in clusters. Two types of axons were found: simple axons formed only one terminal field and complex axons formed multiple terminal fields at a distance. Individual terminal fields were focal, had the form of flattened discs, and generated up to 200 boutons distributed between 10 and 29 nerve cell bodies. These findings suggest that a simple axon activates a small group of neurons at one site. The complex axons, in turn, influence similar size cell groups at different VL locations. The total number of boutons generated by a single complex axon was up to 300. Future studies should determine whether simple axons could be branches of complex axons that took off below the thalamus. The results reveal a complex organization of the input from the ventral dentate to the VL that only partially fits into the traditional concept of somatotopic organization of the nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:412–428, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic Value of Ginkgo biloba in Reducing Symptoms of Decline in Mental Function

The Chinese tree Ginkgo biloba or “maiden hair tree” is extensively cultivated for the exploitation of the medicinal properties of its leaves. From these, a well‐defined extract designated “EGb 761” has been developed, which was commercialized initially as Tanakan, Tebonin and Rokin; a similar product, Kaveri (LI 3170), also exists. The major therapeutic applications for these products are “cerebral insufficiency”, other cerebral disorders, neurosensory problems and peripheral circulatory disturbances. Four primary concepts of action have been proposed to explain the pharmacotherapeutic benefits of EGb761; these are: vasoregulatory, cognition‐enhancing, stress‐alleviating, and gene‐regulatory. These actions are believed to be realized through the principal active ingredients, flavonoids and the terpenoids ginkgolides and bilobalide acting simultaneously in concert, combination and synergy, so‐called polyvalent action.
Labor Market Competition, Perceived Threat, and Endorsement of Economic Discrimination against Foreign Workers in Israel

The research examines the impact of labor market competition and fear of economic competition on support for economic discrimination against outgroup populations. The data, obtained from a national representative sample of 1,100 Israeli citizens, focus on attitudes toward foreign workers in Israel. The findings revealed by the analysis lead to the following conclusions. First, a considerable number of Israelis view foreign workers as posing a threat to their economic interests (i.e., wage level, employment opportunities). Second, endorsement of economic discrimination against foreign workers is substantial. The analysis lends firm support to socio-psychological explanations of discrimination, suggesting that fear of economic competition (i.e., perceived threat) is more pronounced among the disadvantaged, subordinate, and vulnerable populations; and that support of economic discrimination against foreign workers is affected first and foremost by perceived threat. Further analysis provides considerable support for the split labor market model. It reveals that most of the effect of socioeconomic and employment status on the endorsement of discrimination is mediated via perceived threat of economic competition. The effect of ethnicity on endorsement of discrimination, however, is not consistent with the split labor market model. Other things being equal, Jews-the superordinate ethnic group in Israel-express higher support of economic discrimination than Arabs-the subordinate ethnic group. These findings are understood and discussed within the context of Israel as an ethno-national state.
Grief, Loss, and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Grief, Loss, and Sexually Transmitted Infections By Erin Blase, LSW Research Chair: Jessica Toft, Ph.D., MSW Committee Members: Benjamin Wolf, MSW, LICSW; Jan Boehlke Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) affects people of all ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. Being diagnosed with an STI has implications across the lifespan. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of grief and loss on having a sexually transmitted infection and how these effects manifest across the lifespan of an individual. Using a mixed-methods design, ten individuals responded to an anonymous Qualtrics survey and answered a series of questions related to grief, loss, and having an STI. Data was analyzed using descriptive and open-coding techniques from the survey responses and then linked to the existing literature. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents experienced some type of loss related to having an STI, as well as stigma from society. Also, the findings indicated that several of the respondents experienced some type of positive growth and change as a result of being diagnosed with an STI. These findings outline the need for further research in this area to develop effective social work intervention strategies on a micro, mezzo, and macro level. Running head: GRIEF, LOSS, AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS 3
Linking Melt Dynamics With Topological Phases and Molecular Structure of Sodium Phosphate Glasses From Calorimetry, Raman Scattering, and Infrared Reflectance

A score of especially dry and homogeneous (Na2O)x(P2O5)100-x glass compositions over a wide range, 0 50%), Tg(x) mildly decreases with increasing x, as pyrophosphate units decouple from the backbone and glasses segregate. Raman scattering measurements show that the fraction of the local structural species, f(Q3(x)), f(Q2(x)) and f(Q1(x)) track the mean-field behavior based on glass stoichiometry (x), as noted earlier from 31P NMR experiments. Raman scattering also shows that the Q2 structural species always display a triad of modes, a majority mode and two satellite modes that serve as topological defects. For the two highest frequency optic modes, Infrared specular reflectance measurements show that the frequency difference between the Longitudinal Optic (LO) and Transverse Optic (TO) response displays a global minimum in the IP. The local minimum of molar volumes, a global minimum in the LO-TO mode splitting, a fragility window that coincides with the reversibility window, each observation provides persuasive evidence of the singular role of the IP in present glasses.
An investigation on non-invasive fungal sinusitis; Molecular identification of etiologic agents

Background: Fungal sinusitis is increasing worldwide in the past two decades. It is divided into two types including invasive and noninvasive. Noninvasive types contain allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and fungus ball. AFS is a hypersensitivity reaction to fungal allergens in the mucosa of the sinonasal tract in atopic individuals. The fungus ball is a different type of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis which is delineated as an accumulation of debris and fungal elements inside a paranasal sinus. Fungal sinusitis caused by various fungi such as Aspergillus species, Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and phaeohyphomycetes. The aim of the present study is to identify fungal species isolated from noninvasive fungal sinusitis by molecular methods. Materials and Methods: During 2015–2016, a total of 100 suspected patients were examined for fungal sinusitis. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed using the Messerklinger technique. Clinical samples were identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism with MspI restriction enzyme was performed for molecular identification of molds and yeasts, respectively. Results: Twenty-seven out of 100 suspected cases (27%) had fungal sinusitis. Nasal congestion (59%) and headache (19%) were the most common clinical signs among patients. Fifteen patients (55.5%) were male and 12 patients (44.5%) were female. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent fungal species (26%), followed by Penicillium chrysogenum (18.5%) and Candida glabrata species complex (15%). Conclusion: Since clinical manifestations, computed tomography scan, endoscopy, and histopathological findings are very nonspecific in AFS and fungus ball; therefore, molecular investigations are compulsory for precise identification of etiologic agents and appropriate management of these fungal infections.
Bacteriological and resistance profile in isolates of chronic suppurative ottitis media

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study the micro-flora and antibiotic pattern of the bacteria causing middle ear infection in order to provide a guideline for empirical antibiotic therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: This is a cross sectional study performed in 100 cases of middle ear infection attending the outpatient department of ENT ( CAIMS ,Karimnagar ) from September 2014 to November 2014.Patients of clinically suspected middle ear infections are included in this study. Specimens were collected under sterile precautions and processed in microbiology department. RESULTS: Among the 100 samples, there were 56 isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 33 (58.92%) was found to be a predominant pathogens followed by Staphylococci aureus 15(26.78%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 3(5.35%), CONS 2(3.57%), Proteus 2(3.57%) and Escherichia coli 1(1.78%). Among them 8 specimens were polymicrobial (14.28%). The antibiogram revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa is multiple drug resistant. Out of 33 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 were ESBL and 2 were MBL producers . Among the 15 isolates of Staphylococci aureus 3 were found to be MRSA. Among the 5 Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 is ESBL producer. CONCLUSION : Because of the variation in climate, community and inadvertent use of antibiotics , the pattern of bacterial flora vary in middle ear infection . So it is useful and helpful to identify the microorganism as it gives us the clue regarding the use of correct antibiotics.
Developing a measure of interdisciplinary competence

Calls for greater investments in interdisciplinary education and a shift to outcomes-based accreditation criteria in engineering have led to a need for a measure to assess interdisciplinary learning. The present study describes the development and testing of a survey-based, self-report measure to assess the interdisciplinary competence of undergraduate engineers. Using a nationally representative sample of 5249 undergraduates from 31 institutions, three discrete scales related to interdisciplinary competence emerged from factor analytic procedures: Interdisciplinary Skills, Recognizing Disciplinary Perspectives, and Reflective Behavior. Construct validity of the metrics is demonstrated through a description of the rigorous research and development process for the survey items. Statistical analyses indicate that scales significantly distinguish groups of students (i.e., by engineering discipline and by class standing), thus demonstrating the metrics' concurrent validity.
Linguistic and Cultural Differences in Information Categorization and Their Impact on Website Use

The Internet is increasingly used as a medium for providing medical information. Nevertheless, whether the World Wide Web is favoured over other information sources depends to a large extent on how easily the sought information can be found. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of culture, language and medical knowledge on users’ preferences of information categorization and on the evaluation and use of search cues and search options. Results from a laboratory experiment with 141 Malaysian, British, Russian, and German test subjects revealed significant differences but also commonalities between these groups. As a consequence of their limited medical knowledge, all groups exhibited a preference for visual cues over verbal cues. Outcomes suggest furthermore that culture mainly influences the users’ preferences in information categorization as well as their attitudes and using behaviour, whereas language predominantly affects the users’ beliefs about ease of use and usefulness.
Enhancing retention of occupational therapists working in mental health: relationships between wellbeing at work and turnover intention.

BACKGROUND/AIM Occupational therapists working in mental health who experience burnout, low work engagement or poor job satisfaction are at risk of poor wellbeing at work and may be more likely to leave their jobs. The aim of this project was to explore factors associated with wellbeing at work and turnover intention in a sample of occupational therapists working in mental health. METHODS One hundred and three occupational therapists working in mental health in Queensland completed a survey exploring work/life balance, effort invested in work, rewards received from work, wellbeing at work (job satisfaction, burnout and work engagement) and turnover intention. Analyses were conducted to explore relationships between work/life balance, effort, reward, wellbeing at work and turnover intention. RESULTS All measures of wellbeing at work were significantly associated with turnover intention. A large proportion (33%) of the variance in turnover intention was predicted by job satisfaction. Perceptions of both work/life balance and effort invested in work, as well as perceived rewards in terms of recognition, prestige and personal satisfaction were significantly associated with work-related wellbeing scores. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Results from this study deepen the understanding of factors associated with wellbeing at work and turnover intention for occupational therapists in mental health. This knowledge will support the development of interventions aimed at reducing turnover intention and enhancing retention of occupational therapists in the mental health workforce.
Color matching for stereoscopic cinema

In a stereo camera set-up for 3D cinema, much care is taken to ensure that the cameras are both the same model and use identical parameter values. But an imperfect adjustment, the use of beam splitters, as well as unavoidable differences in the characteristics of the cameras and lens systems, often cause visible differences in color among the two views. Many of these differences appear to be local and therefore cannot be fully removed by common color matching approaches, which are typically global methods. We propose a simple yet effective method for local color matching, that operates in three steps. First, one view is chosen as the target and morphed so that it becomes locally registered with the source view, the one whose colors will be modified. Next, color matching is performed on the source view by aligning each local histogram with the corresponding local histogram in the warped target view. Finally, Poisson editing [9] is applied on the source regions which have no correspondence in the target. For several professional, high quality examples of 3D sequences, we show that our algorithm outperforms four different conventional color matching approaches.
Cortical processing of near‐threshold tactile stimuli in a paired‐stimulus paradigm – an MEG study

In the present magnetoencephalography study, we applied a paired‐stimulus paradigm to study the weak cortical responses evoked by near‐threshold tactile prime stimuli by means of their attenuating effect on the cortical responses evoked by subsequently applied above‐threshold test stimuli. In stimulus pairs with adequate interstimulus intervals (ISIs), the extent of test stimulus response attenuation is related to the amplitude of prime stimulus responses, and the duration of the attenuating effect indicates how long memory traces of a prime stimulus reside in cortical areas. We hypothesized that the attenuation of test stimulus responses, studied for ISIs of 30, 60 and 150 ms, would provide insight into the temporal dynamics of near‐threshold stimulus processing in primary (SI) and secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), and reveal differences in response amplitude due to conscious perception. Attenuation of test stimulus responses in SI was observed for ISIs up to 60 ms, whereas in SII the effect outlasted the ISI of 150 ms. Differences due to conscious perception of the near‐threshold stimuli were only observed in SII with stronger attenuation for perceived than for missed near‐threshold stimuli. Applying this indirect approach to near‐threshold stimulus processing, we could show that the extent and duration of response attenuation is related to prime stimulus processing and differential temporal and functional characteristics of near‐threshold stimulus information processing in SI and SII: transient processing of basic stimulus information not sufficient for conscious perception in SI and long‐lasting activations involving conscious perception in SII.