Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Species‐specific detection of Lobaria pulmonaria (lichenized ascomycete) diaspores in litter samples trapped in snow cover

The foliose lichen Lobaria pulmonaria has suffered a substantial decline in central and northern Europe during the twentieth century and is now considered to be critically endangered in many European lowland regions. Based on demographic studies, it has been proposed that under the present environmental conditions and forest management regimes, dispersal of diaspores and subsequent establishment of new thalli are insufficient to maintain the remnant small lowland populations. Chances of long‐term survival may therefore be reduced. The data and analytical power of these demographic studies are limited. Since lichen diaspores show very few species‐specific morphological characteristics, and are therefore almost indistinguishable, the accurate assessment of diaspore flux would be a fundamental first step in better understanding the life cycle of L. pulmonaria. Here we present a new molecular approach to investigate the dispersal of L. pulmonaria diaspores in its natural environment by specifically identifying small amounts of DNA in snow litter samples at varying distances from known sources. We used a species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pair to amplify the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS rDNA) and a sensitive automated PCR product detection system using fluorescent labelled primers. We detected considerable amounts of naturally dispersed diaspores, deposited as far as 50 m away from the closest potential source. Diaspores were only found in the direction of the prevailing wind. Diaspore deposition varied from 1.2 diaspores per m2 per day at 50 m distance from the source to 15 diaspores per m2 per day at 1 m distance. The method described in this paper opens up perspectives for studies of population dynamics and dispersal ecology mainly in lichenized ascomycetes but also in other organisms with small, wind‐dispersed diaspores.
Linking administrative records to surveys: differences in the correlates to consent decisions

With decreasing survey response rates, increased costs, and tightened survey budgets, the linking of administrative records to survey data is seen as an important tool for research. The current study analyzes consent decisions in the first wave of Understanding Society: the UK Household Longitudinal Study. This study examines the decision to consent through theories of nonresponse such as those of Groves and Couper (1998). People are less likely to consent to health than to education records. However, there are few variables consistently related to consent. Results suggest that there is still much to be learned about the consent decision.
Th17 helper cell and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 involvement in Guillain–Barré syndrome

Objective and design: We investigated the involvement of Th17 cells and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in comparison to healthy subjects. Materials and subjects: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 29 healthy subjects and 29 GBS patients. Treatment: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAbs, in the absence or presence of anti-TIM-3 mAb. Methods: mRNA levels of TIM-3 and the transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) were determined by RT-PCR and were expressed relative to β-actin mRNA (housekeeping gene). Serum IFN-γ and IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Compared to controls, relative TIM-3 mRNA levels were lower in both stimulated and unstimulated PBMCs from GBS patients. Unstimulated GBS CD4+ T cells and GBS CD4+ T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and CD28 mAbs had higher relative RORγt mRNA expression compared to controls. GBS CD4+ T cells secreted significantly more IFN-γ and IL-17 in the presence of anti-TIM-3 mAb. GBS patients had (1) higher numbers of Th17, but not Th1 or Th2 cells in peripheral blood and (2) higher serum concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-17 compared to controls. Conclusion: TIM-3 may inhibit Th17 cell activation, thereby modulating their cytokine secretion patterns. Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 levels, and TIM-3 regulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of GBS.
Household smoking bans and adolescent antismoking attitudes and smoking initiation: findings from a longitudinal study of a Massachusetts youth cohort.

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether adolescents living in households in which smoking was banned were more likely to develop antismoking attitudes and less likely to progress to smoking compared with those living in households in which smoking was not banned. METHODS We completed a longitudinal 4-year, 3-wave study of a representative sample of 3834 Massachusetts youths aged 12 to 17 years at baseline; 2791 (72.8%) were reinterviewed after 2 years, and 2217 (57.8%) were reinterviewed after 4 years. We used a 3-level hierarchical linear model to analyze the effect of a household ban on antismoking attitudes and smoking behaviors. RESULTS The absence of a household smoking ban increased the odds that youths perceived a high prevalence of adult smoking, among both youths living with a smoker (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15, 2.13) and those living with nonsmokers (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.29, 2.37). Among youths who lived with nonsmokers, those with no home ban were more likely to transition from nonsmoking to early experimentation (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.30, 2.74) than were those with a ban. CONCLUSIONS Home smoking bans may promote antismoking attitudes among youths and reduce progression to smoking experimentation among youths who live with nonsmokers.
Comparison of Phytochemical and chemical control of Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. ciceri

The antifungal effect of aqueous extracts of four plant species viz; Azadaracta indica A. Juss. , Datura metel L. var. quinquecuspida Torr. , Ocimum sanctum L. and Parthenium hysterophorus L. was determined in vitro study. It was found that all the plant extracts at 40% concentration were effective in reducing the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri. Among these plants extracts, A. indica and D. metel inhibited fungal growth by 80%. Even at 10% concentration, both plants extracts had inhibitory effect, while Ocimum sanctum extracts showed low inhibition (60%) as compare to other plant extracts. Chemical treatment with Benomyl (50WP) and Carbendazim (50WP) was proved to be the most effective against F. oxysporium f. sp. ciceri. Results indicated, plant extracts had equal potential as fungicides for the reduction
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type I contributes to protective immunity during experimental Gram‐negative sepsis (melioidosis)

Summary. Background: Melioidosis is a frequent cause of sepsis in Southeast Asia caused by the Gram‐negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Patients with melioidosis have elevated circulating levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1), an important regulator of inflammation and fibrinolysis. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PAI‐1 during melioidosis. Methods: Wild‐type (WT) and PAI‐1‐deficient (PAI‐1–/1−/−) mice were intranasally infected with B. pseudomallei. Mice were killed after 24, 48 or 72 h. Lungs, liver and blood were harvested for measurement of bacterial loads, cytokines, clinical chemistry, histopathology, and coagulation parameters. Additionally, survival studies were performed. Results: PAI‐1−/− mice demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to B. pseudomallei infection, as shown by a strongly increased mortality rate (100% vs. 58% among WT mice, P < 0.001), associated with enhanced bacterial loads in lungs, liver, and blood. Additionally, PAI‐1−/− mice showed elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in lungs and plasma, accompanied by enhanced local and systemic coagulation activation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes and D‐dimer), increased hepatocellular injury (plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and renal failure (plasma creatinine and urea). Conclusions: PAI‐1 has a protective role during severe Gram‐negative sepsis caused by B. pseudomallei by limiting bacterial growth, inflammation, and coagulation, and probably, as a consequence thereof, distant organ injury.
The subtle nature of Facebook politics: Swedish social network site users and political participation

Sweden, with a high level of political participation and an avant-garde position regarding internet access, broadband and social media penetration in the population, is a critical case for studying social media in relation to political participation. Three types of users – members of political parties, members of interest organizations, and non-members – are interviewed in focus groups about their attitudes to political content in the social network site Facebook. The discussions show that although practices and attitudes vary, using social network sites alone does not drive previously inactive respondents to political participation. Respondents who are members of interest organizations view social network sites as valuable tools for participation, whereas respondents who are not refrain from sharing political views with their friends. They are exposed to political content and requests for participation, but prefer generally to remain passive.
Tasks, multitasking and interruptions among the surgical team in an operating room: a prospective observational study

Objectives The work context of the operating room (OR) is considered complex and dynamic with high cognitive demands. A multidimensional view of the complete preoperative and intraoperative work process of the surgical team in the OR has been sparsely described. The aim of this study was to describe the type and frequency of tasks, multitasking, interruptions and their causes during surgical procedures from a multidimensional perspective on the surgical team in the OR. Design Prospective observational study using the Work Observation Method By Activity Timing tool. Setting An OR department at a county hospital in Sweden. Participants OR nurses (ORNs) (n=10), registered nurse anaesthetists (RNAs) (n=8) and surgeons (n=9). Results The type, frequency and time spent on specific tasks, multitasking and interruptions were measured. From a multidimensional view, the surgical team performed 64 tasks per hour. Communication represented almost half (45.7%) of all observed tasks. Concerning task time, direct care dominated the surgeons’ and ORNs’ intraoperative time, while in RNAs’ work, it was intra-indirect care. In total, 48.2% of time was spent in multitasking and was most often observed in ORNs’ and surgeons’ work during communication. Interruptions occurred 3.0 per hour, and the largest proportion, 26.7%, was related to equipment. Interruptions were most commonly followed by professional communication. Conclusions The surgical team constantly dealt with multitasking and interruptions, both with potential impact on workflow and patient safety. Interruptions were commonly followed by professional communication, which may reflect the interactions and constant adaptations in a complex adaptive system. Future research should focus on understanding the complexity within the system, on the design of different work processes and on how teams meet the challenges of a complex adaptive system. Trial registration number 2016/264.
Food Security Indicators after Humanitarian Interventions Including Food Aid in Zimbabwe

Background Rural households in contemporary Zimbabwe experience various levels of food insecurity and vulnerability. Worsening macroeconomic conditions, a fragile political environment, poor rainfall, low incomes, deteriorating environmental conditions, and the impact of HIV and AIDS characterize their livelihoods. Non-governmental organizations have responded to the situation through a number of food interventions to alleviate food insecurity and poverty. Objective To provide an analysis of food security indicators used to assess households benefiting from food interventions in 2006 in Zimbabwe. Methods A total of 60 households were chosen for each of three districts (Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe [UMP], Chivi, and Tsholotsho), targeting beneficiaries of the Agricultural Protracted Relief Programme. Household food security indicators calculated on the basis of data collected by questionnaire included the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), months of food shortages, and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Districts were compared by analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc analysis. Results The mean HDDS differed between the districts; households in Chivi consumed foods from a greater variety of groups than households in Tsholotsho and UMP (4.7 vs. 2.7 and 3.0, respectively; p < .001). Food shortages during the previous year were experienced by 76.4% of the households, with UMP having the lowest occurrence of food shortages (56.7%) and Tsholotsho the highest (95%). Households in Tsholotsho experienced hunger throughout the year; for households in UMP and Chivi, October to January were the critical months when households experienced the most hunger. Spearman correlation analysis showed an inverse correlation between HFIAS and HDDS (r = −0.425, p < .01). Households that experienced food shortages the previous year had a lower mean HDDS (3.2 vs.3.9, p = .013) and a higher mean HFIAS (17.1 vs. 12.0, p < .001) than households that did not experience food shortages. Conclusions The study demonstrated the value of using a variety and combination of indicators in the design of food security interventions. The HDDS showed that beyond availability, food security also involves access to a variety of nutritious foods. The indicator pertaining to months of food shortages allows a deeper understanding of the nature of food insecurity; hunger in Tsholotsho is experienced throughout the year, implying that the causes are chronic rather than seasonal, whereas Chivi and UMP experience seasonal hunger. The HFIAS usefully revealed the condition of food security in each site in terms of the availability, stability, and intake of food.
AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY? INTERNATIONAL NEWS MEDIA, COST SENSITIVITY, AND INTERSTATE WAR

This dissertation examines the question: To what extent does the international news media influence the outcome of interstate wars? It considers the longstanding charge that media reports of public debates about foreign policy provide 'aid and comfort to the enemy. ' New theory is proposed that addresses this policy problem facing democracies, and also addresses gaps in the theoretical literature on the causes of war. The theory advanced in this dissertation is that the presence of the international news media influences the outcome of wars by providing an additional channel through which information about leaders' cost sensitivity is revealed and by reciprocally influencing the beliefs and behavior of leaders and their foreign adversaries in the conduct of wars. Novel variables representing major phases in the emergence of the international news media are defined. Original research is conducted using primary and secondary sources to characterize the media by year in individual states. The novel media variables are combined with variables from other studies to create a dataset spanning 90 interstate wars involving 51 different states from 1823 through 1990. Hypotheses based on the theory are tested using a multinomial logistic regression model. The results of this study partially support the theory in that the type of media in a war initiator state is strongly and significantly associated with a higher probability of winning. Unexpected findings regarding the influence of media speed on the probability of winning, and a failure to find a relationship between media and the probability of losing require further investigation. Overall, however, the presence of the international news media appears to influence the outcome of interstate wars. The results have important implications for future theoretical research as well as for policy choices regarding the proper role of domestic debates and media reporting thereof. Additional research is required to confirm the findings, examine the unexpected findings, and to examine the relevance of the findings in other eras and other phases of war. Deeply rooted assumptions within society that media reporting on wars conflicts with national security interests must be revisited as part of an examination of policy implications of the findings.
Estimating and Explaining Changes in Potential Growth in South Africa

Estimates of potential output growth in SA have declined from over 3% prior to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to just over 2% currently. A similar slowdown has been experienced in several other countries, including most members of the G20. The purpose of this paper is to (i) estimate SA's level of potential output growth both before and after the GFC using a multivariate filter technique and (ii) attempt to explain the apparent decline in the growth potential by investigating the underlying drivers of potential GDP growth using a Cobb-Douglas- type production function. It is found that potential growth has declined to around 2.2% post-GFC. It is also determined that the biggest driver of the post-crisis decline in potential growth has been lower productivity growth.
Endogenous antispermatogenic agents: prospects for male contraception.

A review of endogenous antispermatogenic agents as prospects for male contraception is reported. It is demonstrated that endogenous compounds exert regulatory influences at 4 major levels in the male: 1) between germ cells; 2) between Sertoli and germ cells; 3) between Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules; and 4) between the central nervous system and the testis. Efforts to interrupt spermatogenesis have failed to find application as male contraceptives for various reasons: 1) some investigators ignored the vulnerable control points by utilizing nonspecific agents; 2) others attacked a vulnerable control point but used synthetic drugs that had deleterious side effects; and 3) still others attacked a vulnerable control point with a relatively innocuous drug but used an impractical mode of drug administration. The potential for devising innovative techniques for administering relatively innocuous drugs at dosages sufficient to produce sterility without causing deleterious side effects is demonstrated. The most promising solution for the development of an antispermatogenic male contraceptive is the interference with the adenohypophyseal-gonadal axis via the subcutaneous sustained release of steroid formulations containing either androgen-danazol, androgen-progestin, or androgen-estrogen formulations. Another promising agent would be luteinizing releasing hormone agonist-androgen formulation.
The use of coercion in the Finnish civil psychiatric inpatients : a part of the Nordic project Paternalism and Autonomy

Deprivation of liberty is always an infringement of a person's constitutional rights. During the past decades, Western countries have focused on their Mental Health legislation, in particular, by making changes concerning involuntary treatment. After all, little is known about the frequency and quality of involuntary treatment, yet this information is needed to modificate the phenomenon. The present thesis is a part of the Nordic study Paternalism and Autonomy. Two Finnish data have been used in this thesis: the register and the interview studies. The material of the register study comprises all admissions to the study hospitals (Tampere, Turku and Oulu) during a six-month period. The material of the interview study comprises the interviews of 50 patients admitted involuntarily and the interviews of the 50 voluntarily admitted patients following each involuntary admission. Both studies used a questionnaire based on previous studies. In Finland the rate of involuntary treatment is high. The motivation for deprivation of liberty is, however, the interest of patients. Deprivation of liberty was predicted by a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder as well as previous involuntary treatment. Harmfulness to others-criterion as the motivation of involuntary treatment was rarely used. In this material, it was never used as the sole motivation of detainment. Agitation/desorientation was the common reason for seclusion/restraint. Actual violence was more frequently the reason for seclusion of female patients whereas threat of violence was the reason for seclusion/restraint of men. There were differencies among the study hospitals concerning the rate of seclusion/restraint: in Oulu mechanical restraint was used more frequently than in other study hospitals. International comparison of deprivation of liberty is difficult because of the differences among countries in legislation and the paucity of the previous studies. Ward culture as well as the methods of registration vary in different countries, and, thus reliable comparison is restricted. The results of the current study confirm the notion that deprivation of liberty is more frequent in Finland that in many other countries.
EFFECT OF FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, GROWTH, AND WELFARE

This research analyzes the influence of fiscal decentralization on capital expenditure, economic growth, and social welfare of 29 regencies and 6 cities in Central Java Province based on the data of year 2004 to 2008. The method used to analyze the hypotheses is the Partial Least Square. The results showes that fiscal decentralization has no significant effect on capital expenditure; fiscal decentralization has significant effect on economic growth and social welfare; capital expenditure has no significant effect on economic growth and social welfare; and economic growth has significant effect on social welfare.Keywords: Fiscal decentralization, capital expenditure, economic growth, social welfareJEL classification: H76, I31, 043
STUDIES OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION AND SELF-ESTEEM

This paper reports research conducted as a part of a continuing program designed to provide empirical delineation of the communication apprehension construct. Five studies are reported which indicate a substantial correlation (r = .52to r = -.72) between oral communication apprehension and self-esteem. Results from two college student samples (N = 192 and N = 272), two samples of elementary and secondary . te~chers (N = 202. N = 384), and a sample of federal employees (N = 211) indicate highly consistent relationships across age groups and occupational types.
Fuzzy logic in natural language processing

One of the proclaims often emphasized in papers on fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic is their ability to model semantics of certain linguistic expressions because their inherent vagueness can be captured by fuzzy sets. This direction of research was initiated by L. A. Zadeh already in his early papers and since then, most of the applications of fuzzy sets emphasize presence of natural language, at least in hidden form. Still, this ability is not generally accepted by linguists. In this paper we try to show that capturing linguistic semantics requires more sophisticated models. One possibility has been elaborated in the concept of fuzzy natural logic (FNL) that is a mathematical theory whose roots lay in the concept of natural logic developed by linguists and logicians. We also argue that it is reasonable to develop a simplified model that would capture the main features of the semantics of natural language and thus make it possible to realize sophisticated technical applications. In the paper, we outline how model of the meaning of basic constituents of natural language (nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs) has been elaborated in FNL.