Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Trees and Forests for the Local Communities in Dry Lands of Sub-Saharan Africa

The relationships between people and their natural support systems, particularly trees and forests, in the drylands of Africa have been broken as a result of overuse. The people depend on the trees and forest resources for subsistence and income generation. Local communities are losing land and tree tenure and have limited access to valuable trees and forests that they used to have under previous customary systems. As a result, they are gradually losing also their traditional resource-based income generating systems. The forest products trade at the local markets is gradually expanding but the resources are declining. The problem may be more associated with management approaches and strategies, yet traditionally managed sustainable yield of trees, forests and grass lands as integrated with agriculture, is being negatively affected. Horizontal expansion is becoming the main approach for increasing crop production to meet increasing demand for food, income generation and export policy requirements. The result is wood removal exceeding sustainable production yield leading to forest and land degradation. Efforts to stop the process of land degradation have resulted in limited achievements but in much knowledge and experience that can facilitate designing suitable approaches to development.
HEAVY METALS IN SOIL AND VEGETATION

Samples of soil, three higher plant species (Teucrium scorodonia, Primula vulgaris, and Succisa pratensis) and two moss species (Hylocomium splendens and Rhytidiadelphus loreus) were collected in 1995 from around some of the disused buildings and surrounding area of Shallee mine, Silvermines, Co. Tipperary. The samples were analysed for lead, copper and zinc, using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results indicated high lead levels in all soil and moss samples, but copper and zinc levels were similar to levels found in uncontaminated areas. Although mosses are used extensively for monitoring the aerial heavy metal contamination, correlations were found here between lead levels in mosses and their adjacent soil. This suggests possible local aerial lead deposition.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FIELD TESTING PROTOCOL FOR THE BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SNOWBOARD JUMP LANDINGS - A PILOT STUDY

A biomechanical analysis of snowboard jump landings is yet to be published. The purpose of this work was to develop a protocol to allow the collection of meaningful data in a real snowboarding environment. A video calibration technique was developed to provide superior measurement accuracy over a standard central cube calibration. The accuracy of a snowboard mounted force plate was assessed under various loading conditions. It was concluded that its performance was satisfactory and comparable to previous designs of a similar nature. Once the test protocol was finalised, data were collected from three experienced snowboarders performing jumps. The loads applied at the lead foot were found to be of high magnitude. Based on previous cadaver research, these high loads coupled with the kinematic data revealed a potential for ankle injury during snowboard landing events.
The Allied Quarry is on Vandruff Island, located in the Rock River between the cities

emend. was palynologically re-examined for in situ microspores. Originally (Leary & Mickle 1989) this species was proposed as monosporangiate with only megaspores, but now microsporangia yielded microspores compared to the dispersed miospore genus Cingulizonates (Dybová & Jachowicz) Butterworth et al. All species of the genus Porostrobus Nathorst are, therefore, bisporangiate with in situ megaspores of the Setosisporites-type and microspores belong to the densospore group [genera Densosporites (Berry) Butterworth et al. and Cingulizonates]. The history of Porostrobus and Bothrodendrostrobus Hirmer cones is discussed with aspect of their possible relationship and ecological needs. •
Risk of Malnutrition after Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Patients with cancers arising from the gastrointestinal tract can suffer from nutritional inadequacies caused by various factors. This study investigated the risk of malnutrition after curative surgery in patients with gastric cancer (GC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) using various preoperative and postoperative nutritional screening tools. Materials and Methods: In the authors’ hospital, 407 patients (206 patients with GC and 201 patients with CRC) underwent surgery between July 2011 and June 2012. The patients from the two groups were matched using the propensity score and then analyzed the nutritional data from 170 patients (85 patients in each group), retrospectively. Results: In both groups, the postoperative nutritional status was impaired significantly compared to the preoperative status. The postoperative risk of undernutrition in CRC patients was significantly lower than that of the GC patients according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (P=0.007). At the time of hospital discharge after surgery, the incidence of a lower serum albumin level (P=0.002) and more than 5% weight loss (P=0.013) were higher in the GC group than in the CRC group. A comparison of the postoperative nutritional status among the types of surgery in each group, total gastrectomy in the GC group (P=0.015) and proctectomy with diverting stoma in the CRC group (P=0.06), were related to more than 5% weight loss. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal cancer surgery might increase the patients’ postoperative risk of malnutrition, particularly in GC surgery. Therefore, consecutive assessments of the nutritional status and appropriate nutritional support are necessary after surgery for GC and CRC. (Surg Metab Nutr 2018;9:16-25)
Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in red meat and meat products determined by VIDAS ECPT and LightCycler PCR

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in retail red meat and meat products with the Vitek Immunodiagnostic Assay System, including H7 Escherichia coli phage technology (VIDAS ECPT), and a real-time polymerase chain reaction system (LightCycler PCR; LCPCR). A total of 106 red meat and meat product samples were analyzed with VIDAS ECPT and LCPCR. VIDAS ECPT presumptive positive samples were subjected to VIDAS Immuno Concentration E. coli O157, followed by culture and serology. Among the 27 out of 72 (37.50%) red meat samples and 3 out of 34 (8.82%) red meat products that tested positive by VIDAS ECPT, 5.55% and 0.00% were confirmed positive for E. coli O157 (but not H7), respectively. Red meat and red meat product samples were 73.61% and 20.58% positive by LCPCR. The 5.55% prevalence of E. coli O157 in red meats poses a significant risk for consumers and indicates insufficient hygiene management both at the farm and during the slaughtering and meat handling processes in Turkey. This is the first report on the detection of E. coli O157 by VIDAS ECPT and LCPCR in naturally contaminated red meat and meat products.
Dietary manipulation and increase in plasma unsaturated fatty acids in sheep.

Forty three 7-month old, Barbados Black Belly × Malin crossbred sheep were used for the trial. They were allotted into three treatment groups fed varying levels of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) frond pellets and commercial sheep pellets. Treatment diets were 80% commercial pellet+20 % (% w/w) oil palm frond pellet (CON group, n=15), 50% commercial pellet+50% oil palm frond pellet (% w/w) (HAF group, n=14) and 80% oil palm frond pellet+20% (% w/w) commercial pellet (OPF group, n=14). The plasma fatty acid profiles from these animals were compared before and after 14 weeks of feeding. Results showed that total unsaturated fatty acid content in the CON group had increased by 10% (p<0.01) from the pre-treatment values. All three treatment groups had significantly different plasma n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents at the end of the trial. In fact, the CON group had significantly (p<0.01) more n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to its own initial values, and also the values from the HAF and OPF groups. However there was a significant (p<0.01) decline in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in all groups. The final total unsaturated to saturated fatty acid content ratio was significantly (p<0.01) highest in the CON group, demonstrating the high plasma unsaturated fatty acid content in these animals. This study shows the plasma unsaturated fatty acids in sheep can be increased by dietary manipulation.
The Prevalence and Major Causes of Low Vision among Children in Gaza strip, Palestine

Low vision is a serious public health problem and is significantly increasing globally in the past couple of decades. However, there is no available data in the literature about the prevalence of low vision among children in Palestine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and etiology of low vision at Al-Noor center of the visually impaired, Gaza Strip, Palestine. This retrospective analysis was based on the observation of 423 files, using a convenience sampling method. The information extracted from the files includes: date of first consultation, gender, age, systemic diseases, parental congruity, causes of visual impairment as diagnosed by an ophthalmologist and types of optical aids prescribed. The majority of patients 202 (47.7%) were from the age group between 6-12 years old. Two hundred and twelve (50.1%) of the subjects were males and 211 (49.8%) females. The main causes of low vision were amblyopia among patients in the zero to five years age group, retinitis pigmentosa among the 6-12 years age group and cataract, macular dystrophies and ocular albinism among the 13-18 years of age. The prevalence and etiology of low vision in children in Gaza Strip is high compared to other countries. It is recommended that regular checks of visual acuity be conducted for all children of age 0-18 years, who attend the visually impaired center.
In-Plane Shear Performance of Masonry Walls after Strengthening by Two Different FRPs

AbstractThis experimental study was aimed to investigate the in-plane shear performance of externally strengthened masonry walls using two types of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets, namely, carbon FRP (CFRP) and polyethylene terephthalate-FRP (PET-FRP) sheets. Among these two, PET-FRP has a low tensile strength but possess a higher fracturing strain than CFRP. Twelve masonry walls made from clay brick were tested for static lateral loading under constant compression, after bonding CFRP and PET-FRP sheets onto their surfaces in three different configurations. The ultimate shear strength and deformation at peak load were the two important observations. The mechanisms by which load was carried were observed, varying from the initial uncracked state to the final, fully cracked state. The results demonstrate that a significant increase in the in-plane shear capacity of masonry can be achieved by bonding these two FRPs to the surface of the walls but ductility is compromised when CFRP is used. Walls retrof.
Business Cycle Synchronization of the Euro Area with the New and Negotiating Member Countries

We examine business cycle synchronizations between the euro area and the recently acceded EU and currently negotiating countries. Strong evidence is uncovered of time-variation in the degree of co-movement between the cyclical components of monthly industrial production indicators for each of these countries with a euro area aggregate, which is modelled through a bivariate VAR-GARCH specification with a smoothly time-varying correlation that allows for structural change. Where required to account for the observed time-variation in correlations, a double smooth transition conditional correlation model is used to capture a second structural change event. After allowing for dynamics, we find that all new EU members and negotiating countries have at least doubled their business cycle synchronization with the euro area or changed from negative to positive correlations, since the early 1990s. Furthermore, some have exhibited U-curved or hump-shaped business cycle correlation patterns. The results point to great variety in timing and speed of the correlation shifts across the country sample. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute Distances to Nearby Type Ia Supernovae via Light Curve Fitting Methods

We present a comparative study of absolute distances to a sample of very nearby, bright Type Ia supernovae (SNe) derived from high cadence, high signal-to-noise, multi-band photometric data. Our sample consists of four SNe: 2012cg, 2012ht, 2013dy and 2014J. We present new homogeneous, high-cadence photometric data in Johnson–Cousins BVRI and Sloan g′r′i′z′ bands taken from two sites (Piszkesteto and Baja, Hungary), and the light curves are analyzed with publicly available light curve fitters (MLCS2k2, SNooPy2 and SALT2.4). When comparing the best-fit parameters provided by the different codes, it is found that the distance moduli of moderately reddened SNe Ia agree within ≲0.2 mag, and the agreement is even better (≲0.1 mag) for the highest signal-to-noise BVRI data. For the highly reddened SN 2014J the dispersion of the inferred distance moduli is slightly higher. These SN-based distances are in good agreement with the Cepheid distances to their host galaxies. We conclude that the current state-of-the-art light curve fitters for Type Ia SNe can provide consistent absolute distance moduli having less than ∼0.1–0.2 mag uncertainty for nearby SNe. Still, there is room for future improvements to reach the desired ∼0.05 mag accuracy in the absolute distance modulus.
Large-scale dispersal of the larvae of nearshore and pelagic fishes in the tropical oceanic waters of French Polynesia

The larvae of tropical pelagic and reef fishes were sampled from October 1995 to August 1997 using a very large fry pelagic trawl at sites between 4 and 20° S and 134 and 154° W in the region of the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas Archipelagos in French Polynesia. Sites were selected on the basis of longline catches of adult tuna (a predator of larval reef fishes) and acoustic surveys of micronekton to a depth of 600 m. A total of 3369 larvae were collected by 93 net tows. Most were late-stage larvae representing 29 taxa, of which 26 were predominantly reef fishes. Samples were dominated by acanthurids (43%), pleuronectiform larvae, ostraciids, fistularids, balistids, holo- centrids, chaetodontids, mullids and carangids. Distance to reefs was the principal factor determining clustering patterns in classification and ordination analyses, and offshore samples (>150 km from reefs) were dominated by pelagic species, while collections nearer to reefs were dominated by coral reef species. There was a linear decline in richness of samples with increasing distance from reefs and an exponential decline in abundance, so that few reef fish larvae were collected >300 km from adult reef habitats. However, abundances of up to hundreds of reef fish larvae per hour of net tow were collected >100 km from the nearest reef. Our results show that relatively little connectivity is likely among reef systems separated by >300 km in French Polynesia, but substantial exchange of larvae within a restricted range of reef fish taxa might occur at smaller spatial scales.
Modulation Format Recognition Using Artificial Neural Networks for the Next Generation Optical Networks

Transmission systems that use advanced complex modulation schemes have been driving the growth of optical communication networks for nearly a decade. In fact, the adoption of advanced modulation schemes and digital coherent systems has led researchers and industry communities to develop new strategies for network diagnosis and management. A prior knowledge of modulation formats and symbol rates of all received optical signals is needed. Our approach of modulation formats identification is based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) in conjunction with different features extraction approaches. Unlike the existing techniques, our ANN-based pattern recognition algorithm facilitates the modulation format classification with higher accuracies.
A Review of the Effects of Psychological Interventions on the Quality of Life for Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a psychologically debilitating disease due to its embarrassing skin lesions and pruritic nature which disturb the quality of life (QOL) of the patients. Even though children are primarily affected, caregivers can also be affected due to being the first line of care for others who are inflicted. This review focuses on randomized control trials which investigated the use of non-chemical forms of treatment to improve QOL and disease severity in children. A search of the PubMed database identified six studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were ranked from most rigorous trial to least. Various forms of education as an intervention were used. Conversely, the viewing of a humorous film was tested to examine if it had an impact on QOL. Education intervention versus no education at all showed that the intervention group had a larger decrease in disease severity than the control group. The form of education as a single consult with an AD educated nurse showed no difference between the control and the intervention group. Comparison of nurse-led clinics with the dermatologist-led clinics indicated that the nurse-led clinics were more successful. Viewing humorous films before bedtime was demonstrated as a successful means of reducing night-time awakenings. Also specific AD education versus routine education and consultations showed improvement in both groups. Finally, AD video education versus direct parental teaching concluded that the video-education was more effective. Although the studies show that any form of education intervention is better than none, the methodological assessment of the studies showed that four of the studies were not rigorous enough or were not described at all. Further studies must be conducted in a more methodologically sound manner for the results to be considered replicable and valid.
Interannual Variability of the Subsurface High Salinity Tongue South of the Equator at 165°E*

Abstract A 14-yr time series of salinity at thermocline level was constructed from repeated meridional CTD sections (averaging about 110 days apart) spanning the equator along 165°E during 1984–97. A tongue of high salinity water extends along the isopycnal σt = 24.5 from its surface outcrop in the southeast Pacific to 175-m depth near 5°–10°S along the section at 165°E. In the west, the tongue moves vertically with the thermocline, mostly as part of the ENSO cycle, while salinity in the tongue varied interannually over a range of 0.4 psu. Most of this variability was due to zonal advection along the isopycnal tongue, with similar changes observed at other longitudes in the west and central Pacific. Part of the interannual salinity signal can be attributed to changes in the near-zonal flow of the South Equatorial Current associated with El Nino, but a general 0.3 psu rise occurring during the 1990s (probably starting even earlier) was not apparently consistent with this explanation. An attempt was made to.
A new specimen of Valdosaurus canaliculatus (Ornithopoda: Dryosauridae) from the Lower Cretaceous of the Isle of Wight, England

Barrett, P.M. 2016. A new specimen of Valdosaurus canaliculatus (Ornithopoda: Dryosauridae) from the Lower Cretaceous of the Isle of Wight, England. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 74: 29–48. The anatomy of Valdosaurus canaliculatus is incompletely known and until recently was based exclusively upon the holotype femora. Additional discoveries from the Wessex Formation (Barremian) of the Isle of Wight during the past decade have considerably expanded the amount of material available and offered insights into the morphology of the vertebral column and pelvis. However, all of these specimens consist primarily of hind limb material. Here, I describe a newly discovered individual of this taxon, the most complete yet found, which was found in articulation and includes a partial dorsal series, an almost complete tail, pelvic material, and both hind limbs. Although the specimen is partially crushed it offers new information on the anatomy of Valdosaurus, facilitating comparisons with other dryosaurid taxa.
Prominence oscillations: Effect of a time-dependent background temperature

Context. Small amplitude oscillations in prominences have been known about for a long time, and from a theoretical point of view, these oscillations have been interpreted in terms of standing or propagating linear magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves. In general, these oscillations were studied by producing small perturbations in a background equilibrium with stationary physical properties. Aims. Taking into account that prominences are dynamic plasma structures, the assumption of a stationary equilibrium is not realistic. Therefore, our main aim is to study the effects produced by a non-stationary background on slow MHD waves, which could be responsible for prominence oscillations. Methods. Assuming that the radiation term is proportional to temperature and constant external heating, we have derived an expression for the temporal variation of the background temperature, which depends on the imbalance between heating and cooling processes. Furthermore, radiative losses, together with parallel thermal conduction, have also been included as damping mechanisms for the waves. Results. As temperature increases with time, the period of slow waves decreases and the amplitude of the velocity perturbations is damped. The inclusion of radiative losses enhances the damping. As temperature decreases with time, the period of slow waves increases and the amplitude of velocity perturbations grows while, as expected, the inclusion of radiative losses contributes to the damping of oscillations. Conclusions. There is observational evidence that, in different locations of the same prominence, oscillations are damped or amplified with time. This temporal damping or amplification can be obtained by a proper combination of a variable background temperature, together with radiative damping. Furthermore, decayless oscillations can also be obtained with an appropriate choice of the characteristic radiation time.
Economic reasoning on the correlation between life expectancy and economic development: Exploring alternative routes

Regarding the connection between economic development and public health, the statistically evident correlation between a country's gross domestic product and life expectancy is widely discussed. An important aspect that keeps resurfacing in discussions on why the relationship between the latter appears to trail off or even reverse its sign once a certain gross domestic product level has been reached is that of increasing economic and social inequality of distribution within many industrialized nations. However, from an economics perspective, it seems as though further plausible explanations can be identified, whose origins are in part inherent to the special structural characteristics of the market for health but are also well known in the fields of political as well as natural resource economics. While many seminal publications focus on the demand for health, this paper takes a holistic approach toward modeling the health market, in order to account for the fact that health products are not only an input factor to people's health but also that people's health is an essential and heterogeneous input factor to health products suppliers' profit functions. Results show that this approach can substantially affect health market outcomes.