Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two cases of dysplasia in heterotopic gastric mucosa in upper oesophagus

Ectopic (heterotopic) gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus (HGMUE), frequently referred to as an “inlet patch” in the literature, is visible directly under the upper oesophageal sphincter during a slow retraction of an endoscope with a variable frequency ranging from 0.1 to 10%. It seems that the clinical significance of this anomaly, most frequently asymptomatic, remains underestimated. By presenting 2 cases of dysplasia within the macroscopically typical HGMUE in this paper we would like to bring up the important problem of potential neoplastic transformation of this congenital change. Case study 1. An endoscopic examination carried out on a 65 year old female patient, complaining of a recurrence of heavy heartburn, discomfort in the epigastrum and other ailments of a dyspeptic character, revealed a slightly collapsed smooth area of reddened and shiny mucosa sized app. 20 × 20 mm, with well-marked Tomasz Operchalski i wsp. Chirurgia Polska 2007, 9, 2 Dwa przypadki dysplazji w obrębie ektopowej błony śluzowej żołądka w górnej części przełyku 113 borders, suspected to be HGMUE. Results of histopathological examination of the specimen collected in the upper oesophagus disclosed a focus of low grade dysplasia in the heterotopic gastric mucosa. 2. The second patient, also a 65 year old female, was treated for esophagitis erosiva (Los Angeles). A supervisory endoscopic examination carried out after 2 weeks of intensive conservative treatment, introduced with lansoprazole in a dose 2 × 30 mg, revealed almost completely healed erosions. However, it also revealed two well-defined, shiny, smooth and reddened areas of mucosa, different comparing to their surroundings, just below the upper oesophageal sphincter during a slow retraction of the endoscope. Results of the histopathological examination of the bifocal change of the mucosa revealed two ectopies. One of them contained a focus of low grade dysplasia. Conclusion: Despite the fact, that most HGMUE lesions remain asymptomatic anomalies, the two above-presented cases of patients with dysplasia in heterotopic gastric mucosa indicate the possibility of neoplastic transformation.
Exploring the acceptance of video games in the classroom by secondary school students

In this study, a path-model to examine and predict student acceptance of videogames, based on the technology acceptance model, is proposed, discussed and empirically tested. Special attention is given to the gender and experience issues. According to this model, the intention of students to use video games in the classroom is affected directly by a number of factors: the relative ease to use video games, the perceived possibilities of video games to create useful learning experiences, the perceived usefulness to gain better school results and by experience with video games in general. It is argued that gender does influence behavioral intention, although only indirectly through ease of use and experience. Survey results of 858 Flemish secondary school students revealed a good fit between the data and the proposed model.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT SPICES AGAINST S.AUREUS, E.COLI AND KLEBSELLA

The plant extracts and phytochemicals, with antibacterial properties, have immense importance in therapeutic treatments. A research was conducted to find out the antibacterial activities of plant spices on G+ve and G-ve bacteria like S. aureus, E. coli, and Klebsella. The plant spices used were: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Garlic (Allium sativum),Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare),Poppy seeds (Opium poppy),Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Disc diffusion assay was employed for antibacterial susceptibility with decoctions prepared with 10g of spices in 100ml and 50ml of distilled water. With 100ml extract, Garlic was most active against S.aureus having inhibition zone of 9mm, Clove was found highly active against E.coli with inhibition zone of 10mm, coriander was most active against Klebsella with zone of inhibition 9mm in decoction of 100ml, and Poppy seeds were found to be most active against S.aureus with zone diameter of 11mm.Using 50ml decoction Poppy seeds have shown high activity against S.aureus with inhibition zone of 11mm.Clove formed the highest zone of inhibition of 11mm against E.coli. A zone of inhibition of 10mm was observed against Klebsella with Poppy seeds and coriander extracts. Hence the study revealed the importance of natural products to control bacteria, which are being a threat to human health.
Dynamic adjustment of climatological ozone boundary conditions for air-quality forecasts

Abstract. Ten different approaches for applying lateral and top climatological boundary conditions for ozone have been evaluated using the off-line regional air-quality model AURAMS, driven with meteorology provided by the GEM weather-forecast model. All ten approaches employ the same climatological ozone profiles, but differ in the manner in which they are applied, via the inclusion or exclusion of (i) a dynamic adjustment of the climatological ozone profile in response to the model-predicted tropopause height, (ii) a sponge zone for ozone on the model top, (iii) upward extrapolation of the climatological ozone profile, and (iv) different mass consistency corrections. The model performance for each approach was evaluated against North American surface ozone and ozonesonde observations from the BAQS-Met field study period in the summer of 2007. The original daily one-hour maximum surface ozone biases of about +15 ppbv were greatly reduced (halved) in some simulations using alternative methodologies. However, comparisons to ozonesonde observations showed that the reduction in surface ozone bias sometimes came at the cost of significant positive biases in ozone concentrations in the free troposphere and upper troposphere. The best overall performance throughout the troposphere was achieved using a methodology that included dynamic tropopause height adjustment, no sponge zone at the model top, extrapolation of ozone when required above the limit of the climatology, and no mass consistency corrections (global mass conservation was still enforced). The simulation using this model version had a one-hour daily maximum surface ozone bias of +8.6 ppbv, with small reductions in model correlation, and the best comparison to ozonesonde profiles. This recommended and original methodologies were compared for two further case studies: a high-resolution simulation of the BAQS-Met measurement intensive, and a study of the downwind region of the Canadian Rockies. Significant improvements were noted for the high resolution simulations during the BAQS-Met measurement intensive period, both in formal statistical comparisons and time series comparisons of events at surface stations. The tests for the downwind-Rockies region showed that the coupling between vertical transport associated with troposphere/stratosphere exchange, and that associated with boundary layer turbulent mixing, may contribute to ozone positive biases. The results may be unique to the modelling setup employed, but the results also highlight the importance of evaluating boundary condition and mass consistency/correction algorithms against three-dimensional datasets.
Reproductive traits of the gray ratsnake Ptyas korros from three geographically distinct populations

We collected gravid gray rat snakes Ptyas korros from three geographically distinct populations in China, Chenzhou (CZ), Jiangshan (JS) and Dinghai (DH), to study geographical variation in female reproductive traits. Egg-laying dates differed among the three populations such that at the most northern latitude egg-laying was latest, and earliest at the most southern lati- tutde. Clutch size, clutch mass, egg mass, egg shape, within clutch variability in egg sizes and relative clutch mass differed among the three populations, whereas post-oviposition body mass did not. Except for egg-laying date, none of the traits examined varied in a geographically continuous trend. CZ and DH females, although separated by a distance of approximately 1100 km as the crow flies, were similar in nearly all traits examined. JS females were distinguished from CZ and DH females by their higher fe- cundity (clutch size), greater reproductive output (clutch mass) and more rounded eggs. Our data do not validate the prediction that larger offspring should be produced in colder localities. The absence of an egg size-number trade-off in each of the three populations presumably suggests that P. korros is among species where eggs are well optimized for size within a population (Current Zoology 58 (6): 820-827, 2012).
Are the big and beautiful less bold? Differences in avian fearfulness between the sexes in relation to body size and colour

Conspicuousness towards predators may inﬂuence escape behaviour (or ‘fearfulness’) among animals, with more conspicuous species initiating escape behaviour earlier. Among birds, for example, body size and colour may inﬂuence differences in escape behaviour between species, and possibly between the sexes of dimorphic species. We examined 19 bird species with varying degrees of body size and colour dimorphism (including individually marked and sexed monomorphic species), to examine whether these two potential measures of conspicuousness inﬂuence sex differences in ﬂight- initiation distance (FID). Starting Distance (the distance at which an observer com- menced approaching a bird, which is an artefact of investigator behaviour; SD) was not correlated with dimorphism, so we used phylogenetically controlled models which explored the correlation between dimorphism and FID. Modelling indicated that only sex differences in SD correlated with sex differences in FID in these birds, and that dimorphism in either plumage or body size does not apparently correlate with sex dif- ferences in FID. These results suggest that, among the 19 bird species investigated, apparent differences in the conspicuousness to predators between the sexes do not inﬂuence escape behaviour. This suggests that either conspicuousness to predators does not inﬂuence escape distances in these species, or that sex differences in conspic- uousness were too subtle to result in variation in FIDs.
Local predation pressure predicts the strength of mobbing responses in tropical birds

Many birds join cooperative mobbing aggregations and collectively harass predators. Individuals participating in these ephemeral associations benefit by deterring the predator, but also incur energetic costs and increased risk of predation. Ex- plaining the evolution of mobbing is challenging because individuals could prevail by selfishly seeking safety while allowing others to mob. An important step in understanding the evolution of mobbing is to identify factors affecting its expression. The ecological constraints model suggests that animals are more likely to cooperate under adverse environmental conditions, such as when local predation pressure is high. We tested this prediction by comparing the mobbing responses of several species of birds to the local abundance of their primary predator, the ferruginous pygmy-owl Glaucidium brasilianum. We used acoustic playback to elicit mobbing responses in environments where owls were common, uncommon, or rare. Stimuli were either the song of a fer- ruginous pygmy-owl or the mobbing calls of three of the owl's common prey species. During each playback, we characterized mobbing responses by noting the number of species and individuals that approached the loudspeaker, as well as the closest ap- proach by any bird. Mobbing responses to both stimuli were strong in locations where Ferruginous Pygmy-owls were common, intermediate where owls were uncommon, and weak where they were rare. This pattern persisted even after controlling for dif- ferences in species richness and composition among the three environments. Results support the ecological constraints model and provide strong evidence that intense predation pressure increases the expression of cooperative mobbing in tropical birds (Cur- rent Zoology 58 (5): 781−790, 2012). Keywords Antipredator behavior, Alarm signal, Cooperative defense, Learning, Mobbing, Tropical bird
Co-movements of REIT indices with structural changes before and during the subprime mortgage crisis: evidence from Euro-Med markets

This paper examines the long-run relationships between the REIT indices of the UK, Turkey and Israel in the Euro-Med zone with that of MSCI US REIT Index by using weekly data over the period 2003Q3 through 2009Q3, which includes the latest US subprime mortgage crisis and its effects on global stock markets. Although our EG test results do not indicate a long-run relationship, after taking account of the structural changes by applying the GH test, we find a long-run interaction between the REIT indices of UK and Israel with that of the US. However, our results indicate the lack of co-movement between REIT index of Turkey with the US. In addition, our dynamic OLS test results indicate a perfect relationship between the UK and the US indices. Our findings show that international investors who make long-term investments can only gain from diversifying into the real estate market of Turkey among the involved markets in the Euro-Med zone.
Interrole Conflicts and Psychological Distress in Male Managers and Professionals: The Mediator Effect of Social Problem Solving

Managers and professionals are among the workers most at risk of experiencing high levels of conflict between their roles as workers and as parents. Depending on an individual’s ability to solve problems in their day-to-day life, these conflicts can affect their psychological well-being. Research examining the psychological distress resulting from these conflicts focuses almost exclusively on women. This study examines the mediator effect of problem solving on the relationship between interrole conflict and psychological distress among male workers. A sample of 291 male managers and professionals living in dual-earner couples completed an online questionnaire. The results confirm a mediator role of problem solving abilities, specifically negative problem orientation. Further research on training programs could examine the effectiveness of developing problem-solving skills in managers and professionals.
Economic Analysis of a 3 MW Biomass Gasification Power Plant

An economic and technical analysis of the use of separated wood biomass as a feedstock for gasification for a 3 MW power plant was conducted for the Miramar Landfill, located in San Diego County, CA. The method to generate combustible gas from the biomass is based on a dual-fluidized bed gasification process which operates at atmospheric pressure with air and produces a high quality producer gas with little nitrogen. The objective of the study was to determine the economic feasibility of the proposed biomass power system in terms of the potential revenue streams and costs. Major economic considerations in the analysis include feedstock, capital, and operating costs. Regulatory issues, inclusive of production credits, renewable energy incentives, and feed-in tariffs are addressed as significant economic inputs. The Miramar landfill, in San Diego County, CA is representative of a typical existing urban landfill, with corresponding feedstock and some market for separated wood biomass. The economic analysis of the proposed 3MW gasification power plant indicates that it would not have a net positive NPV under the current urban scenario. More likely successful candidates are landfill sites in more rural areas or urban sites, where new landfills are being developed or where the landfill is no longer operational but has become a transfer station. In all cases waste heat sales are a critical element in determining economic viability.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Over-Confidence, Shame and Investments

The available evidence from numerous studies suggests that overconfidence is a more important phenomenon in North America than in Japan. The pattern is reversed for shame, which appears to play a more important role among Japanese than North Americans. We develop a model that endogenizes these differences and examines their economic consequences. In addition, it yields novel implications for differences in overconfidence and behavior within countries. A crucial tradeoff arises in the model between the benefits of encouraging improvement on existing activities and the benefits of promoting initiative and investment in new activities. Overconfidence and high sensitivity to shame emerge as substitute mechanisms to induce efficient investment decisions, generating a "North American" equilibrium with overconfidence and low sensitivity to shame, and a "Japanese" equilibrium with high sensitivity to shame and no overconfidence. The analysis identifies the costs as well as bene fits of reliance on each mechanism, and welfare implications.
Food Preferences of the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) has been reported to eat vegetation, fruit, invertebrates, and occasionally fungi, eggs and meat. The relative preference between food types found in the wild, however, has not been investigated systematically in a controlled laboratory study. This research investigated captive possums’ food choice using two different methods of preference assessment. The first experiment involved a single stimulus assessment of possums’ (n = 20) consumption of individually presented food items. More than 75% of possums consumed berries, locusts and mushrooms but fewer than 50% of possums consumed fivefinger, raw chicken and eggs. The second experiment that used a paired stimulus assessment to establish relative preference for those foods revealed that no single food was preferred by all possums. Overall locusts were the most preferred food, followed in order of preference by berries, egg, mushrooms, chicken and foliage. The single stimulus preference assessment confirmed the palatability of foods. The paired stimulus assessment provided a rank order of food preferences.
The Motherhood Wage Penalty and its Determinants: A Public–Private Comparison

We investigate whether public and private sector employees bear a different wage penalty for having children. According to our estimates, the total motherhood wage penalty is much larger in the private than in the public sector. Nevertheless, in both sectors, we find no unexplained penalty once we control for potential determinants of the family pay gap, namely, a reduced labour supply of mothers, child-related career interruptions, less access to management positions, and adjustments in working conditions. Finally, only child-related career interruptions play a different role in explaining the motherhood wage penalty in each sector.
Influence of El Nino-Southern Oscillation regimes on East African vegetation and its future implications under RCP8.5 warming scenario

Istem Fer , Britta Tietjen , Florian Jeltsch , Christian Wolff 6,7 1 Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 3, 14476 Potsdam, Germany. 2 DFG Graduate School Shaping the Earth's Surface in a Variable Environment, University of Potsdam, KarlLiebknecht-Str. 24, 14476 Potsdam, Germany. 3 Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, 675 Commonwealth Avenue, 02215 MA, USA. 4 Biodiversity and Ecological Modelling, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany. 5 Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany. 6 Climate Geochemistry Department, Max-Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner Weg 1, 55128 Mainz, Germany. 7 International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, 96822 HI, USA. Correspondence to: Istem Fer (fer.istem@gmail.com)
Abundance and distribution of seamounts in the Azores

We characterized the seamount distribution of the economic exclusive zone (EEZ) of the Azores (Portugal) using 2 bathymetry datasets. Our algorithm showed that peaks and seamounts are common features in this region of the North Atlantic. The density obtained of 3.3 peaks of all sizes per 1000 km 2 is in the same order of magnitude as that obtained on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge by a few other studies. A total of 63 large and 398 small seamount-like features are mapped and described in the Azorean EEZ. Our distribution of seamounts predicts that about 57% of the potential Azores seamounts lie in the zone protected from deep-water trawling by European Commission Council Regulation No. 1568/2005.
Where do Young People Work?

Jobs for young people are very unevenly distributed across economic sectors. Regardless of country differences, there are striking similarities in this uneven sectorial distribution. Little attention has been given to understanding the changing composition of “youth-friendly” sectors for youth labor transitions. Using a shift-share analysis, this chapter examines whether the decline in jobs for youth, before and after the Great Recession, can be attributed to shrinkage of total employment in specific sectors (because of structural changes) or to a youth hiring freeze by employers (because of changes in employers’ preferences). This chapter examines whether the quality of youth jobs has deteriorated for young men and women in terms of changing proportions of full- and part-time, permanent and temporary job opportunities. The chapter concludes by arguing that more attention needs to be given to involving employers in policies that will enable and encourage them to employ young people, especially in difficult times.
Interactive effects of carbon dioxide concentration and light on the morphological and biomass characteristics of black spruce and white spruce seedlings

CO2-light interactions can influence the competition among boreal plants, but are poorly understood. We inves- tigated the effect of such interactions on the growth and biomass of 1-year-old black spruce (Sb) (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and white spruce (Sw) (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) grown with CO2 concentrations ((CO2)) of 360 and 720 mmolmol -1 under 30%, 50%, and 100% light, in greenhouses. There were significant two-way and three-way interac- tions. Root collar diameter (RCD) of Sw decreased with decreasing light, while in Sb, there was no significant difference in RCD for plants grown under 50% or 30% light. Height was greater for plants grown under 100% light than if the plants were shaded. Elevated (CO2) increased RCD by 33% and enhanced stem volume by 67%, 98%, and 84% under 100%, 50%, and 30% light, respectively. The CO2 enhancement of total biomass was relatively higher under lower light, and greater for Sb than Sw. Elevated (CO2) decreased specific leaf area under 50% light only. Root mass was generally higher under 100% light than when shaded. Elevated (CO2) increased the root mass of Sb under 100% light, but decreased it under 30% light. Elevated (CO2) decreased the shoot/root ratio under 100% light, but increased it under 30% light. Our data suggest that raising (CO2) will likely increase species competitiveness under low light conditions, and that the in- crease will be greater in species that are relatively shade tolerant.