Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical and mid-infrared neon abundance determinations in star-forming regions

We employed observational spectroscopic data of star-forming regions compiled from the literature and photoionization models to analyse the neon ionic abundances obtained using both optical and mid-infrared emission-lines. Comparing Ne++/H+ ionic abundances from distinct methods, we found that, in average, the abundances obtained via IR emission-lines are higher than those obtained via optical lines by a factor of 4. Photoionization models with abundance variations along the radius of the hypothetical nebula provide a possible explanation for a large part of the difference between ionic abundances via optical and infrared emission-lines. Ionization Correction Factor (ICF) for the neon is obtained from direct determinations of ionic fractions using infrared emission-lines. A constant Ne/O ratio (logNe/O \approx -0.70) for a large range of metallicity, independently of the ICF used to compute the neon total abundance is derived.
Structure community of aquatic insects associated with different macrophytes in ornamental lakes in a savanna region , Southeastern Brazil

Aquatic macrophyte communities in lentic systems provide many ecological niches, which contribute to the wealth of aquatic biodiversity. This study analyzed the community structure of aquatic insects associated with different macrophytes in ornamental lakes in a Savanna area in the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. We identified 39 genus distributed into 18 families, 656 specimens in total. Chironomidae was the richest and most abundant family, representing 69% of the collected insects. Other collected aquatic insects showed small relative participation (<5%) in the phytophilous community. Our results revealed that different habits of macrophytes in ornamental lakes can harbor different insect structure communities. Variations on the abundance of insects, observed especially in submersed macrophytes, may have occurred due to aspects such as fluctuation of water level in the ornamental lakes. Other important aspects are the morphological structure of the macrophytes. Some macrophytes are more complex with intricate leaves and roots, sheltering a slightly more abundant and rich community. Functional traits of macrophytes are important factors influencing the spatial distribution of aquatic insect communities in ornamental lakes.
Global perspectives on animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture and food production in the tropics

This first module provides some insight into the need for better use of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the context of projected demand for food in developing countries until 2020. Worldwide, 850 million people do not have enough to eat; a livestock revolution is currently underway to meet the nutritional needs for improvement of the livelihood of poor people. The module provides the background, facts and reasons for increased attention to improved utilisation and the maintenance of AnGR in developing countries. It also provides a list of some key literature. References and links are made to web resources [blue] and to other parts of this resource [burgundy]. Some case studies on breed resources and other relevant components of this resource (CD and the web version) help illustrate the issues presented. Contents
Hidden and Non Measurable Trade Policies: The Case of State Controlled Firms

A hot issue in trade negotiations concerns the existence of stateowned firms and state subsidies. Disputes between the US and the EU and the issue of the recognition of the status of a market economy to China are often the epitome of that. In Germany the giant Volkswagen is state controlled, in China almost 1/3 of firms are state controlled and loom in almost all industries often with relevant or even dominant market shares. State enterprises maximize home social welfare. When they export or compete with foreign producers at home their specific objective function make them a useful vehicle for disguised trade policies. We investigate trade cases with oligopoly and state or quasi state owned firms. Increasing returns to scale come into the picture in some instances. Dumping and foreclosure of the domestic market emerge explaining both the possibility of having home prices higher or lower than export prices. Possible counteracting policies can be devised and an example of a production subsidy is presented.
Effective Biological Treatment of Landfill Leachates by Means of Selected White Rot Fungi

In the present study, autochthonous and allochthonous fungal strains were tested towards landfill leachate. The efficacy of the treatment was monitored following the decolourisation percentage, the chemical oxygen demand and the toxicity. Among the tested strains, Porostereum spadiceum showed the best activity (40 % of decolourisation in one week). Fungal treatment showed a complete spectrum of action, being able also to significantly reduce the wastewaters toxicity.
Identification of sources of seedling resistance to Phytophthora capsici in Cucumis melo

The employment of genetic resistance to minimize yield losses induced by Phytophthora capsici remains unexplored in melon (Cucumis melo). A diverse collection of melon accessions was evaluated against P. capsici isolates at the seedling stage. In the first screening assay, 105 accessions were evaluated using isolate PCpe-04 obtained from cucumber (Cucumis sativus). In a second assay, 31 accessions displaying high levels of resistance in the first assay were challenged with a distinct isolate (PCpe-09 also from cucumber). In a third assay, a subset of 14 selected accessions was re-evaluated using isolates PCpe-09 and PCmo-07 (from strawberry). In the last screening, seven accessions with high levels of resistance across all assays were challenged with five isolates from representative host species [PC-Vagem (snap bean), PCp-129 (Capsicum chinense), PCp-155 (C. annuum), PCpe-09 and PCmo-07] to assess their reaction against a varied sample of P. capsici isolates. For two accessions (CNPH-093 and L040), all plants remained free of symptoms after inoculation with all five isolates. Accessions WMR-29, CNPH 084, CNPH 088 and CNPH 092 were also free of symptoms to all isolates, except PCmo-07. These large-spectrum resistance sources might be useful for breeding programs aiming to incorporate resistance against P. capsici in elite melon lines.
Placental pathology in low birth weight babies a prospective observational study

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) babies are more common in developing countries like India. The placenta is an organ which connects fetus to mother during intrauterine life. Any change in the mother reflects on placenta and thus on the fetus. Materials and Methods: In this study placenta from LBW were evaluated. We included 50 fresh placentae. Gross examination including weight, shape, thickness, feto-placental ratio was calculated. Later, histo-morphological study of all placentae was done. The extent of placental lesions which can influence the birth weight of the baby or adverse fetal outcome were correlated. Results: Out of 50 placentae studied, there was significant reduction in placental weight and dimension. Irregular shape of placenta was seen in 13 cases and most of the plscenta (27 cases) showed paracentral insertion of umbilical cord. On gross, infarction [56%], subchorionic fibrin [64%], intervillous fibrin [52%] were noted. On microscopy, cytotophoblast hyperplasia [52%], stomal fibrosis [48%], fibrinoid necrosis [100%], synnctial knots [32-68%], hypovascular villi [44%] were noted. Conclusion: All major gross and microscopic changes in the low birth weight placentas pointed towards reduced blood flow to the placenta resulting in chronic placental insufficiency. The severity of placental abnormalities expressed as cumulative number of placental lesions is a significant risk factor for LBW babies. Morphological examination of the placenta conducted in the present study proved to be a useful adjunct to the clinical examination in finding the pathogenetic mechanisms during pregnancy resulting in LBW babies and can be helpful in the planning and management of future pregnancies.
An Inverted-U Relation Between Spatial Error and Force Requirements in Rapid Limb Movements: Further Evidence for the Impulse-Variability Model

Earlier we showed that there is an inverted-U relation between the force produced and the within-subject variability in that force. This finding is used together with a simple model to predict that the spatial inconsistency (in the vertical plane) of a rapid horizontal arm-swing movement should show an inverted-U relationship with the force requirements employed. Three experiments examined this prediction. The first two involved changes in the mass to be moved at a fixed movement time; the third involved the variation in movement time with constant mass. In all three studies as the force requirements of the response were increased, increased inconsistency occurred in the spatial dimension, but only to about 60%70% of the subject's maximum. Further increases in force re-requirements (from increased mass or decreased movement time) resulted in decreased spatial variability. These findings are not consistent with the general ideal of speed-accuracy trade-offs, but they are predictable from a modified impulse-variability model for rapid programmed actions.
Intravital imaging of cell signaling in mice

Cell signaling is mostly studied in in vitro 2D-cell culture models that lack the complex in vivo environment provided by neighboring cells, soluble secreted factors and non-cellular matrix components. Given that many environmental factors control cell signaling, it comes as no surprise that in vitro observations often poorly correlate with in vivo observations. Recent developments in intravital imaging techniques have made it possible to visualize and study cell signaling in individual cells within living animals. Here, we review intravital imaging techniques based on fluorescence microscopy and give examples of how these techniques are being used to study cell signaling.
Community medicine learning - medical student’s perspective

Background: The goal of teaching Community Medicine in undergraduate medical curriculum is to ensure that medical graduates acquire competencies needed to solve common health problems of the community. This study aims to determine the perceptions of medical students in learning Community Medicine as part of their MBBS curriculum and to assess their preference of the subject for post-graduate studies.Methods: This study was conducted among third year MBBS students of a private Medical College. Universal sampling method was adopted and data was collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. A three-point Likert scale was used to assess the perceptions of the medical students in learning Community Medicine. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of 183 students, 166 students participated in the study of which 42.8% were males and 57.2% were females. Nearly 89% of students agreed that learning community medicine during MBBS is very essential. About 83.7% felt more field visits or practical assignments need to be added to the curriculum to enhance students’ interest in the subject. Community medicine was preferred for post-graduation by only 12% of students. Interest in clinical specialties, limited career growth and less social recognition was the main reasons quoted by the students for not choosing the specialty for post-graduation.Conclusions: Learning Community Medicine is essential to produce community oriented primary health care physicians. Community Medicine as a future career option was found to be limited among the medical students. More exposure is needed on the wide career opportunities available after post-graduation. Community Medicine learning should be made more interesting, highlighting its importance in public health, primary health care & family medicine services.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Perinatal Risk Factors

Infants presenting PDA (100; 31.4%) had a lower mean BW ( 914,19 versus 1257,44 grams; p<0.001) and a lower mean GA (27.06 versus 29.77 weeks; p<0.0001). Using univariate logistic regression, both lower BW [OR: 0.99; CI (95%): 0.995-0.997] and lower GA [OR: 0.68; CI (95%): 0.61-0.75] were important risk factors for PDA. Other factors increasing the risk of PDA were: lower Apgar scores at one [OR: 0.77; CI (95%): 0.68-0.86] and five minutes [OR:0.73;CI (95%): 0.62-0.86]; need for resuscitation in the delivery room [OR: 13.1;CI(95%):3.11-55.1]; surfactant administration [OR:8.12;CI(95%):4.13-15.95]; higher CRIB score [OR:1.17;CI(95%): 1.11-1.24], and higher SNAPPEII score [OR: 1.03; CI (95%): 1.02-1.04]. The logistic multivariate regression model using all these variables identified BW [OR: 0.997; CI (95%): 0.9960.998] and surfactant treatment [OR: 3.99; CI (95%): 1.903-8.386] as the only risk factors contributing with statistical significance. The analysis of the ROC curve showed a predictive positive value of 82%. Discussion: The most important risk factors were the use of surfactant and BW, the latter increasing by 23%, the risk of PDA for fewer 100 grams. Although surfactant treatment leads to improved respiratory outcomes and survival in VLBW infants, it increased the risk of PDA by an almost fourfold.
Factors Affecting Participation of Preservice Teachers in E-Democracy.

This study aimed to reveal the factors associated with the participation of preservice teachers in e-democracy. It was designed as a correlational study and 1,519 preservice teachers from a teacher preparation program in Turkey participated in it by completing a 54-item questionnaire. As a result, three major factors for involvement in e-democracy emerged: knowledge and environment, ethics, and anxiety. In addition, two types of participation were revealed: anonymous and onymous. The results of the study showed that anonymous participation correlates positively with Political Knowledge, and negatively with Current State of Politics and Digital Integrity. Those who have mobile technologies with internet connection are more likely to participate anonymously in e-democracy. On the other hand, Onymous participation, correlates positively with Fear of Self-expression, and negatively with Political Knowledge and Digital Citizenship. Males were shown to be more prone to both types of participation than females. Internet usage frequency was a common variable triggering both types of participation. The paper ends with recommendations for
Compensatory Growth Response in Oreochromis mossambicus Submitted to Short-Term Cycles of Feed Deprivation and Refeeding

This study was designed to determine compensatory growth response of short-term starvation and refeeding cycles on Oreochromis mossambicus juveniles. A total of 360 juveniles were randomly divided into 12 tanks in triplicate groups. The control group (C) was fed three times a day to satiation. The feeding regimes of the other groups were designed as follows: 2 days deprivation /2 days refeeding (2DD2DRF), 2 days deprivation /3 days refeeding (2DD3DRF), and 2 days deprivation /4 days refeeding (2DD4DRF). After 60 days, only fish in 2DD4DRF group presented partial compensatory growth; no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the final weight (FW), and specific growth weight (SGR) compared to the control. Hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and condition factor (CF) was not affected by these feeding regimes. Furthermore, improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were observed in 2DD4DRF fish, among groups. Feed intake (FI) was significantly lower (P<0.05) in starved fish compared to C. Meanwhile, muscle crude protein and lipid content in 2DD2DRF, and 2DD3DRF groups was significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to C and 2DD4DRF group. Compensatory growth response in 2DD4DRF presents possibilities for economic optimization in O. mossambicus production.
XMM-Newton observations of Extremely Red Objects and the link with luminous, X-ray obscured Quasars

We present the results of a deep (about 80 ks) XMM-Newton survey of the largest sample of near-infrared se- lected Extremely Red Objects (R − K > 5) available to date to KS 4 × 10 −15 erg cm −2 s −1 ) and near-infrared magnitude probed by the present observations, the fraction of AGN (i.e. X-ray de- tected) among the ERO population is small (∼3.5%); conversely, the fraction of EROs among hard X-ray selected sources is much higher (∼20%). The X-ray properties of EROs detected in our XMM-Newton observation indicate absorption in ex- cess of 10 22 cm −2 in a large fraction of them. We have also considered additional samples of X-ray detected EROs available in the literature. X-ray spectral analysis of the highest S/N sources unambiguously indicates that large columns of cold gas (even >10 23 cm −2 ) are the rule rather than the exception. The X-ray, optical and near-infrared properties of those X-ray se- lected EROs with a spectroscopic or photometric redshift nicely match those expected for type 2 quasars, the high-luminosity, high-redshift obscured AGNs predicted in baseline XRB synthesis models. A close correlation is detected between X -a nd K-band fluxes. For the AGN EROs this is consistent, under reasonable assumptions, with the relation established locally be- tween the host galaxies and their central black holes. This suggests that the majority of EROs are powered by massive black holes accreting, on average, at about 0.03−0.1 of the Eddington limit.
An Experimental Study on the Impact(s) of Emotional Intelligence Enhancement on Answering Cloze Test among Iranian University Students

The current study was after investigating the tentative link(s) between enhancing Emotional Intelligence (EI) and progress in performance in cloze test among Iranian university students. For this purpose, 39 students in treatment and control group completed the "Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire" and answered a cloze test as pre-test; afterwards, they received instructions on EQ and strategies to enhance it. At the end of the course, the same cloze test was administered as post-test. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test. The analysis of the data revealed that there is a significant difference in the progress of students' score in cloze test in two groups. The results help understand how students’ emotional intelligence enhancement influences cloze test scores and also possibly in a broader scale, testing.
Spatial and temporal variability in Phormidium mats and associated anatoxin-a and homoanatoxin-a in two New Zealand rivers

Toxic benthic cyanobacterial proliferations in freshwater are becoming increasingly prevalent, and associated animal poisonings are being reported with greater regularity. Despite this, few studies have investigated spatial and temporal variations in freshwater mat-forming Cyanobac- teria and their associated toxin production. Some sections of the Hutt and Wainuiomata rivers (lower North Island, New Zealand) contain extensive Phormidium sp. proliferations that sometimes produce anatoxin-a (ATX) and homoanatoxin-a (HTX). The percentage coverage of Phormidium sp. , ATX and/or HTX concentrations and a suite of physicochemical parameters were monitored at 8 sites for 12 mo. The percentage coverage of Phormidium mats was greater in the summer months and these correlated with warmer water temperatures and stable river flows. Flows in excess of 3 times the mean resulted in the removal of Phormidium mats. There was no correlation between the presence/absence of Phormidium mats and water-soluble nutrients. The presence and concentration of ATX and/or HTX and their degradation products, dihydroanatoxin-a and dihydrohomoanatoxin-a, was highly variable across all sites and over time. Anatoxin-a and HTX occurrence was restricted to periods of warm water temperatures (above 13.4°C) and below average river flows.
Evaluations of the Spitzenkandidaten: The Role of Information and News Exposure in Citizens’ Preference Formation

The 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections were characterised by a novel element in European Union (EU) politics. For the first time, the major European party families put forward top candidates for President of the European Commission, the so-called Spitzenkandidaten . This paper tests whether this innovation had the potential to—at least partially—alleviate the alleged accountability deficit. We rely on original survey data to assess citizens’ preferences for each of the main Spitzenkandidaten : Jean-Claude Juncker, Martin Schulz, and Guy Verhofstadt. Our research is guided by three questions: what explains whether citizens formulate a preference for a certain Spitzenkandidat ? Which factors are responsible for variations in such preferences? And, are these explanations moderated by citizens’ political awareness? We show that three factors enable citizens to formulate a preference for the Spitzenkandidaten : news exposure, general EU political information, and campaign-specific information about the Spitzenkandidaten . Furthermore, we demonstrate that only the most knowledgeable citizens are able to use party cues in their evaluations of the Spitzenkandidaten . The implications of our findings are discussed with reference to the EU’s democratic deficit debate.
Impacts of Climate Change on Corn and Soybean Yields in China

Using a unique county-level panel on crop yields and daily weather dataset over the past decade, we estimate the impact of climate change on corn and soybean yields in China. Our results suggest the existence of nonlinear and asymmetric relationships between corn and soybean yields and climate variables. We find that extreme high temperatures are always harmful for crop growth. Moreover, the rapid expansion of corn and soybean acreages at both intensive- and extensive margins had detrimental effects on corn and soybean yields. Using estimated coefficients, we estimate changing climate conditions over the study period has led to an economic loss of $220 million in 2009 alone in China’s corn and soybean sectors. Corn yields in China are predicted to decrease by 2-5% under the slowest warming scenario and by 5-15% under the fastest warming scenario by the end of the century. The reductions in soybean yields are found to be more pronounced, about 5-10% and 8-22%, respectively.