Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Risk of Bee Pollination in Maine Wild Blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium

Abstract Recent pollinator declines highlight the importance of evaluating economic risk of agricultural systems heavily dependent on rented honey bees or native pollinators. Our study analyzed variability of native bees and honey bees, and the risks these pose to profitability of Maine's wild blueberry industry. We used cross-sectional data from organic, low-, medium-, and high-input wild blueberry producers in 1993, 1997–1998, 2005–2007, and from 2011 to 2015 (n = 162 fields). Data included native and honey bee densities (count/m2/min) and honey bee stocking densities (hives/ha). Blueberry fruit set, yield, and honey bee hive stocking density models were estimated. Fruit set is impacted about 1.6 times more by native bees than honey bees on a per bee basis. Fruit set significantly explained blueberry yield. Honey bee stocking density in fields predicted honey bee foraging densities. These three models were used in enterprise budgets for all four systems from on-farm surveys of 23 conventional and 12 organic producers (2012–2013). These budgets formed the basis of Monte Carlo simulations of production and profit. Stochastic dominance of net farm income (NFI) cumulative distribution functions revealed that if organic yields are high enough (2,345 kg/ha), organic systems are economically preferable to conventional systems. However, if organic yields are lower (724 kg/ha), it is riskier with higher variability of crop yield and NFI. Although medium-input systems are stochastically dominant with lower NFI variability compared with other conventional systems, the high-input system breaks even with the low-input system if honey bee hive rental prices triple in the future.
Starting at the Beginning: An Introduction to Coefficient Alpha and Internal Consistency

Cronbach's α is the most widely used index of the reliability of a scale. However, its use and interpretation can be subject to a number of errors. This article discusses the historical development of a from other indexes of internal consistency (split-half reliability and Kuder-Richardson 20) and discusses four myths associated with a: (a) that it is a fixed property of the scale, (b) that it measures only the internal consistency of the scale, (c) that higher values are always preferred over lower ones, and (d) that it is restricted to the range of 0 to 1. It provides some recommendations for acceptable values of a in different situations.
Application and validation of isotope dilution method (IDM) for predicting bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants in soil

Risk assessment of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) using the total chemical concentration following exhaustive extraction may overestimate the actual availability of HOCs to non-target organisms. Existing methods for estimating HOC bioavailability in soil have various operational limitations. In this study, we explored the application of isotope dilution method (IDM) to quantify the accessible fraction (E) of DDTs and PCBs in both historically-contaminated and freshly-spiked soils. After addition of 13C or deuterated analogues to a soil sample, the phase distribution of isotope-labeled and native chemicals reached an apparent equilibrium within 48 h of mixing. The derived E values in the three soils ranged from 0.19 to 0.82, depending on the soil properties and also the contact time of HOCs (i.e., aging). The isotope dilution method consistently predicted greater accumulation into earthworm (Eisenia fetida) than that by polyethylene (PE) or solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampler, likely because desorption in the gut enhanced bioavailability of soil-borne HOCs. A highly significant linear regression (R21⁄4 0.91) was found between IDM and 24-h Tenax desorption, with a slope statistically identical to 1. The IDMderived accessible concentration (Ce) was further shown to accurately predict tissue residues in earthworm exposed in the same soils. Given the relatively short duration and simple steps, IDM has the potential to be readily adopted for measuring HOC bioaccessibility in soil and for improving risk assessment and evaluation of remediation efficiency. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Streamer in air: Broadening and branching

The streamer in air starts from the stressed electrode tip under a critical electric field (E<inf>cr</inf>) of 4. 5 kV/cm. This streamer filament assumes a minimum radius (r<inf>0</inf>) of 30 μm value. This condition has been achieved at a critical low value of injected energy (U<inf>cr</inf>). As the applied electric field (E) and energy (U) increase, the radius (r) and temperature (T) of initiated filament increase as well. New deduced equations govern the control of this increase. The streamer starts in broadening and branching when U/U<inf>cr</inf> = 8, and E/E<inf>cr</inf> = VS. The filament radius changes from a minimum value of 30 μm, at atmospheric temperature 300 K, to a maximum value of 120 μηι, at temperature 19200 K. This maximum temperature will be the arc temperature, and it occurs at electric field of 36 kV/cm for breakdown in air.
Implication of LRRC4C and DPP6 in neurodevelopmental disorders

We performed whole‐genome sequencing on an individual from a family with variable psychiatric phenotypes that had a sensory processing disorder, apraxia, and autism. The proband harbored a maternally inherited balanced translocation (46,XY,t(11;14)(p12;p12)mat) that disrupted LRRC4C, a member of the highly specialized netrin G family of axon guidance molecules. The proband also inherited a paternally derived chromosomal inversion that disrupted DPP6, a potassium channel interacting protein. Copy Number (CN) analysis in 14,077 cases with neurodevelopmental disorders and 8,960 control subjects revealed that 60% of cases with exonic deletions in LRRC4C had a second clinically recognizable syndrome associated with variable clinical phenotypes, including 16p11.2, 1q44, and 2q33.1 CN syndromes, suggesting LRRC4C deletion variants may be modifiers of neurodevelopmental disorders. In vitro, functional assessments modeling patient deletions in LRRC4C suggest a negative regulatory role of these exons found in the untranslated region of LRRC4C, which has a single, terminal coding exon. These data suggest that the proband's autism may be due to the inheritance of disruptions in both DPP6 and LRRC4C, and may highlight the importance of the netrin G family and potassium channel interacting molecules in neurodevelopmental disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circumstances surrounding non‐fatal opioid overdoses attended by ambulance services

Abstract Introduction and Aims Opioid overdose fatalities are a significant concern globally. Non‐fatal overdoses have been described as a strong predictor for future overdoses, and are often attended by the ambulance services. This paper explores characteristics associated with non‐fatal overdoses and aims to identify possible trends among these events in an urban area in Norway. Design and Methods This is a retrospective analysis of non‐fatal overdoses from Bergen ambulance services from 2012 to 2013. Demographic, temporal and geographic data were explored. Results During the two years, 463 non‐fatal opioid overdoses were attended by ambulance services. Ambulance call‐outs occurred primarily during the late afternoon and evening hours of weekdays. Summer months had more overdoses than other seasons, with a peak in August. Overdoses were nearly twice as likely to occur in a public location in August (risk ratio 1.92, P = 0.042). Ambulance response times were more likely to be longer to private locations, and these victims were more likely to be treated and left at the scene. There was no difference in arrival time for drug‐related and non‐drug related dispatch. Discussion and Conclusions The temporal patterns suggest that non‐fatal overdoses occur during non‐recreational time periods. The longer ambulance response time and disposition for private addresses indicate potential opportunities for peer interventions. Our analysis describes circumstances surrounding non‐fatal overdoses and can be useful in guiding relevant, targeted prevention interventions. [Madah‐Amiri D, Clausen T, Myrmel L, Brattebø G, Lobmaier P. Circumstances surrounding non‐fatal opioid overdoses attended by ambulance services. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:288‐294]
Outcome After Thrombectomy and Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Purpose— In patients with ischemic stroke, randomized trials showed a better functional outcome after endovascular therapy with new-generation thrombectomy devices compared with medical treatment, including intravenous thrombolysis. However, effects on mortality and the generalizability of results to routine clinical practice are uncertain. Methods— In a prospective observational register-based study patients with ischemic stroke treated either with thrombectomy, intravenous thrombolysis, or their combination were included. Primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale score (0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) at 3 months. Ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the common odds ratio as treatment effects (shift analysis). Propensity score matching was applied to compare patients treated either with intravenous thrombolysis alone or with intravenous thrombolysis plus thrombectomy. Results— Among 2650 recruited patients, 1543 received intravenous thrombolysis, 504 underwent thrombectomy, and 603 received intravenous thrombolysis in combination with thrombectomy. Later time-to-treatment was associated with worse outcomes among patients treated with thrombectomy plus thrombolysis. In 241 pairs of propensity score–matched patients with a proximal intracranial occlusion, thrombectomy plus thrombolysis was associated with improved functional outcome (common odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.57), and reduced mortality (15% versus 33%; P<0.0001) compared with intravenous thrombolysis alone. Results were similar in various sensitivity analyses accounting for missing outcome data and different analytic methods. Conclusions— Results from this large prospective registry show that also in routine clinical care thrombectomy plus thrombolysis compared with thrombolysis alone improved functional outcome and reduced mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Earlier treatment was associated with better outcomes.
STEPS: a knowledge management maturity roadmap for corporate sustainability

Purpose – The paper seeks to focus on the role of knowledge management in promoting corporate sustainability in the construction industry context. It proposes a maturity roadmap – STEPS to facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management strategy.Design/methodology/approach – Two research methods were used. The first consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to the top 170 UK construction firms consisting of engineering design and construction contractor firms. The organisations were selected because they were considered the most influential organisations in the UK construction sector. The second research method involved 28 case study interviews with eight construction firms to investigate their approach to knowledge management and performance improvement. The results of the questionnaire survey and the case studies were used to develop the STEPS maturity roadmap.Findings – The paper found that knowledge management is inextricably linked to corporate sustainability, but a methodical approach is requ.
Complicated grief associated with Hurricane Katrina

Background: Although losses are important consequences of disasters, few epidemiological studies of disasters have assessed complicated grief (CG) and none assessed CG associated with losses other than death of loved one. Methods: Data come from the baseline survey of the Hurricane Katrina Community Advisory Group, a representative sample of 3,088 residents of the areas directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. A brief screen for CG was included containing four items consistent with the proposed DSM‐V criteria for a diagnosis of bereavement‐related adjustment disorder. Results: Fifty‐eight and half percent of respondents reported a significant hurricane‐related loss: Most‐severe losses were 29.0% tangible, 9.5% interpersonal, 8.1% intangible, 4.2% work/financial, and 3.7% death of loved one. Twenty‐six point one percent respondents with significant loss had possible CG and 7.0% moderate‐to‐severe CG. Death of loved one was associated with the highest conditional probability of moderate‐to‐severe CG (18.5%, compared to 1.1–10.5% conditional probabilities for other losses), but accounted for only 16.5% of moderate‐to‐severe CG due to its comparatively low prevalence. Most moderate‐to‐severe CG was due to tangible (52.9%) or interpersonal (24.0%) losses. Significant predictors of CG were mostly unique to either bereavement (racial–ethnic minority status, social support) or other losses (prehurricane history of psychopathology, social competence.). Conclusions: Nonbereavement losses accounted for the vast majority of hurricane‐related possible CG despite risk of CG being much higher in response to bereavement than to other losses. This result argues for expansion of research on CG beyond bereavement and alerts clinicians to the need to address postdisaster grief associated with a wide range of losses. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variability of methyl iodide in the Kiel Fjord

From October 2008 to November 2010, CH3I concentrations were measured in the Kiel Fjord together with potentially related biogeochemical and physical parameters. A repeating seasonal cycle of CH3I was observed with highest concentrations in summer (ca. 8.3 pmol L−1; June and July) and lowest concentrations in winter (ca. 1.5 pmol L−1; December to February). A strong positive correlation at zero lag between [CH3I] and solar radiation (R2 = 0.93) was observed, whereas correlations with other variables (SST, Chlorophyll a) were weaker, and they lagged CH3I by ca. 1 month. These results appear consistent with the hypothesis that SSR is the primary forcing of CH3I production in surface seawater, possibly through a photochemical pathway. A mass balance of the monthly averaged data was used to infer mean rates of daily net production (Pnet) and losses for CH3I over the year. The sea-to-air flux of CH3I in the Kiel Fjord averaged 3.1 nmol m−2 d−1, the mean chemical loss rate was 0.047 pmol L−1 d−1, and Pnet varied systematically from winter to summer (from 0 to 0.6 pmol L−1 d−1). Pnet was correlated at zero lag with SST, SSR, and Chla (R2 = 0.55, 0.67, and 0.73, respectively, p << 0.01). The lagged cross-correlation analysis indicated that SSR led Pnet by 1 month, whereas the strongest cross correlations with Chla were at lags of 0 to +1 month, and SST lagged Pnet by 1 month. The broad seasonal peak of Pnet makes it difficult to determine the key factor controlling CH3I net production using in situ concentration data alone.
An Automatic Scheme for Synthetic Basis Functions Method

An automatic scheme is proposed for synthetic basis functions method (SBFM) targeted at large-scale nonperiodic structures. This approach can reduce manual interventions to a large extent and is especially suitable for large-scale targets with complex shapes. First, global auxiliary sources containing the whole target is adopted in this communication and these global auxiliary sources can simplify the calculation of mutual impedance matrix in the construction of synthetic functions. Then, an automatic scheme for subblock division is proposed to decrease manual interventions and to make the preparation work of SBFM an automatic process. Finally, computational ability and accuracy of the proposed approach are validated by numerical results.
Performance of Imaging Receivers Using Convex Lens in Indoor MIMO VLC Systems

In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) indoor visible light communication (VLC) systems that employ non-imaging receivers, the bit error performance is degraded due to high spatial correlation. Imaging receivers can mitigate this degradation by concentrating the light energy, thereby reducing the correlation among the elements in the channel matrix. In this paper, we investigate the performance of the state-of-the-art MIMO VLC modulation schemes with convex lens-based imaging receivers. The MIMO modulation schemes considered include the well known spatial multiplexing (SMP) as well as other more recently proposed schemes such as generalized spatial modulation (GSM), quad-LED complex modulation (QCM), and dual-LED complex modulation (DCM). Performance gains up to 68 dB at $10^{-5}$ bit error rate are shown to be achieved with a convex lens based imaging receiver compared to a non-imaging receiver. We also study the spatial distribution of the best performing modulation scheme based on a minimum euclidean distance based metric. Results show that, with convex lens based imaging receiver, QCM and DCM outperform GSM and SMP.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in pregnancy during the years 1996‐2015 in Iceland: a nation‐wide population study

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization during pregnancy is still a major problem. Historically, anti‐D antibodies are most likely to cause severe hemolysis, but other antibodies are also important. In Iceland, postnatal RhIg prophylaxis was implemented in 1969, universal RBC antibody screening was implemented in 1978, but antenatal RhIg prophylaxis is not yet routine.
Protective Effects of L-Carnitine Against Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE Delayed graft function (DGF) is an early complication after deceased donor kidney transplantation with significant adverse effects on graft outcomes. Ischemia-reperfusion injury during transplantation is a major cause of DGF. Tissue concentrations of carnitine, an antioxidant and regulator of cellular energy supply, decrease in the kidney following ischemia-reperfusion insult. Based on promising animal data, this study evaluated the possible protective effect of L-carnitine against DGF. DESIGN This study is a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that was conducted on kidney transplantation patients in kidney transplant ward of Imam Khomeini hospital complex affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. SUBJECTS Patients older than 14 years old undergoing their first kidney transplantation from a deceased donor were evaluated for eligibility to take part in this study. Fifty-six patients were randomly assigned to L-carnitine or placebo groups. INTERVENTION During this trial, 3 g of oral L-carnitine or placebo was administered in 3 divided doses each day for 4 consecutive days starting the day before kidney transplantation (i.e., days -1, 0, 1, and 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The need for dialysis within the first week after transplantation, serum creatinine and urine output were assessed daily. After hospital discharge, patients were followed for 3 months regarding organ function. RESULTS DGF incidence did not differ between the L-carnitine and placebo groups (18.51% vs. 23.8%, respectively; P = .68). Total allograft failure within 3 months after kidney transplantation happened in 6 patients in the placebo and 1 patient in the L-carnitine group (P = .05). CONCLUSION This study showed no protective effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation against DGF occurrence recipients; however, 3-month graft loss was lower in the L-carnitine supplemented group.
Bioremediation in Fractured Rock: 2. Mobilization of Chloroethene Compounds from the Rock Matrix

A mass balance is formulated to evaluate the mobilization of chlorinated ethene compounds (CE) from the rock matrix of a fractured mudstone aquifer under pre‐ and postbioremediation conditions. The analysis relies on a sparse number of monitoring locations and is constrained by a detailed description of the groundwater flow regime. Groundwater flow modeling developed under the site characterization identified groundwater fluxes to formulate the CE mass balance in the rock volume exposed to the injected remediation amendments. Differences in the CE fluxes into and out of the rock volume identify the total CE mobilized from diffusion, desorption, and nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution under pre‐ and postinjection conditions. The initial CE mass in the rock matrix prior to remediation is estimated using analyses of CE in rock core. The CE mass mobilized per year under preinjection conditions is small relative to the total CE mass in the rock, indicating that current pump‐and‐treat and natural attenuation conditions are likely to require hundreds of years to achieve groundwater concentrations that meet regulatory guidelines. The postinjection CE mobilization rate increased by approximately an order of magnitude over the 5 years of monitoring after the amendment injection. This rate is likely to decrease and additional remediation applications over several decades would still be needed to reduce CE mass in the rock matrix to levels where groundwater concentrations in fractures achieve regulatory standards.
Effectiveness of a Low-Calorie Weight Loss Program in Moderately and Severely Obese Patients

Aims: To compare effectiveness of a 1-year weight loss program in moderately and severely obese patients. Methods: The study sample included 311 obese patients participating in a weight loss program, which comprised a 12-week weight reduction phase (low-calorie formula diet) and a 40-week weight maintenance phase. Body weight and glucose and lipid values were determined at the beginning of the program as well as after the weight reduction and the weight maintenance phase. Participants were analyzed according to their BMI class at baseline (30-34.9 kg/m2; 35-39.9 kg/m2; 40-44.9 kg/m2; 45-49.9 kg/m2; ≥50 kg/m2). Furthermore, moderately obese patients (BMI < 40 kg/m2) were compared to severely obese participants (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Results: Out of 311 participants, 217 individuals completed the program. Their mean baseline BMI was 41.8 ± 0.5 kg/m2. Average weight loss was 17.9 ± 0.6%, resulting in a BMI of 34.3 ± 0.4 kg/m2 after 1 year (p < 0.001). Overall weight loss was not significantly different in moderately and severely obese participants. Yet, severely obese participants achieved greater weight loss during the weight maintenance phase than moderately obese participants (-3.1 ± 0.7% vs. -1.2 ± 0.6%; p = 0.04). Improvements in lipid profiles and glucose metabolism were found throughout all BMI classes. Conclusion: 1-year weight loss intervention improves body weight as well as lipid and glucose metabolism not only in moderately, but also in severely obese individuals.
Witnesses’ memory for events and faces under elevated levels of intoxication

ABSTRACT Research on alcohol and witness memory has burgeoned over the last decade. However, most studies have tested participants at relatively low breath alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, unrepresentative of those encountered by officers in the field. To examine how higher intoxication levels might impair witness memory for events and faces, the current research tested participants’ ability to recall a mock crime at elevated BAC levels (>.08%). The BAC levels of bar patrons (N = 138) were recorded before witnessing a video-taped mock crime. Participants were then interviewed using free recall and cued questions and shown a six-person target-present or target-absent lineup. Results show that alcohol negatively affected both the quantity and quality of recall. Regardless of question format, alcohol also reduced the percentage of accurate information elicited from witnesses; however, only cued questions increased the percentage of inaccurate information reported. Intoxication had no effect on identification accuracy. These findings suggest that the encoding and storage systems for faces and events may be impacted differently by alcohol. Our results also highlight the importance of including higher BAC levels when examining the effects of alcohol on witness memory.