Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of smartphone usage on the median nerve

sinir uzerine etkisinin degerlendirilmesi amaclanmistir. Gerec ve Yontem: Katilimcilar akilli telefon kullanimi fazla olanlar (Akilli telefon bagimllik olcegi (SAS) skoru 71 uzerinde olanlar), az kullanimi olanlar (71'nin altindakiler) ve klasik cep telefonu kullananlar olarak 3 gruba ayrilarak degerlendirildi. Katilimcilarin gorsel analog skala (VAS), kol, omuz ve elin hizli yetersizlikleri (qDASH) degerleri ve median sinir iletileri degerlendirildi. Bulgular: Akilli telefonu az kullanan grupta diger 2 gruba gore anlamli derecede median sinir latanslarinin daha kisa ve hizlarinin yuksek oldugu gozlendi. Ancak, akilli telefonu fazla kullananlar ile klasik cep telefonu kullananlar arasinda median sinir iletileri acisindan anlamli fark gozlenmedi. VAS ve qDASH degerlerinde gruplar arasinda anlamli fark gozlenmedi. Sonuc: Asiri akilli telefon kullanimi karpal tunel sendromu ve buna bagli median sinirin etkilenmesine neden olabilir. Akilli telefonlarin yayginlastigi hatta bagimlilik duzeyinde kullaniminin oldugu gunumuzde telefon tasarimlarinda bu durumlar akilda tutulmali belki de sesli komut uygulamalarinda daha cok yer verilmelidir. Ayrica akilli telefon bagimliligi olan hastalarda median sinir iletilerinin elektrofizyolojik olarak takip edilmesi faydali olabilir.
The Social Consequences of Unemployment in Europe : a Two-Stage Multilevel Analysis

In this paper we examine the relationship between unemployment and social participation and aim to identify the role of national policies and attitudes as possible mediators. We use the 2006 EU-SILC module on social participation – a dataset that provides rich information on social participation for 24 EU countries. We adopt a two-stage multilevel design, allowing us to directly examine the impact of national policies and norms on individual outcome. The paper reveals clear evidence that the negative impact of unemployment on participation levels can be alleviated by macro-level factors. Societies where egalitarian ideals are held high have higher social participation rates amongst their unemployed. Martina Dieckhoff, WZB Berlin. Vanessa Gash, CCSR Manchester.
Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) spawning in the southeast Brazilian Bight over the period 1976-1993

Baseado nos dados coletados durante nove cruzeiros oceanograficos realizados na regiao sudeste, as areas de desova da sardinha-verdadeira (Sardinella brasiliensis) foram apresentadas c discutidas em relacao as condicoes oceanograficas. As areas de desova intensiva foram localizadas na parte sul da area de investigacao, onde a ressurgencia costeira foi menos frequente. A intensidade de desova demonstrou uma variacao anual relativamente grande. A producao total de ovos da sardinha- ­verdadeira variou de 99 bilhoes de ovos durante o cruzeiro de janeiro de 1988 para 4669 bilhoes de ovos em janeiro de 1981. O pico de desova ocorre na camada de mistura de superficie uma hora apos a meia noite e os ovos eclodem em 19 horas com a temperatura de agua 24 °e.
No Overt Clinical Immunodeficiency Despite Immune Biological Abnormalities in Patients With Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency

Immunoglobulin class-switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutations (SHMs) are prerequisites for antibody and immunoglobulin receptor maturation and adaptive immune diversity. The mismatch repair (MMR) machinery, consisting of homologs of MutSα, MutLα, and MutSβ (MSH2/MSH6, MLH1/PMS2, and MSH2/MSH3, respectively) and other proteins, is involved in CSR, primarily acting as a backup for nonhomologous end-joining repair of activation-induced cytidine deaminase-induced DNA mismatches and, furthermore, in addition to error-prone polymerases, in the repair of SHM-induced DNA breaks. A varying degree of antibody formation defect, from IgA or selective IgG subclass deficiency to common variable immunodeficiency and hyper-IgM syndrome, has been detected in a small number of patients with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) due to biallelic loss-of-function mutations in one of the MMR genes (PMS2, MSH6, MLH1, or MSH2). To elucidate the clinical relevance of a presumed primary immunodeficiency (PID) in CMMRD, we systematically collected clinical history and laboratory data of a cohort of 15 consecutive, unrelated patients (10 not previously reported) with homozygous/compound heterozygous mutations in PMS2 (n = 8), MSH6 (n = 5), and MLH1 (n = 2), most of whom manifested with typical malignancies during childhood. Detailed descriptions of their genotypes, phenotypes, and family histories are provided. Importantly, none of the patients showed any clinical warning signs of PID (infections, immune dysregulation, inflammation, failure to thrive, etc.). Furthermore, we could not detect uniform or specific patterns of laboratory abnormalities. The concentration of IgM was increased in 3 out of 12, reduced in 3 out of 12, and normal in 6 out of 12 patients, while concentrations of IgG and IgG subclasses, except IgG4, and of IgA, and specific antibody formation were normal in most. Class-switched B memory cells were reduced in 5 out of 12 patients, and in 9 out of 12 also the CD38hiIgM− plasmablasts were reduced. Furthermore, results of next generation sequencing-based analyses of antigen-selected B-cell receptor rearrangements showed a significantly reduced frequency of SHM and an increased number of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) transcripts that use IGHG3, IGHG1, and IGHA1 subclasses. T cell subsets and receptor repertoires were unaffected. Together, neither clinical nor routine immunological laboratory parameters were consistently suggestive of PID in these CMMRD patients, but previously shown abnormalities in SHM and rearranged heavy chain transcripts were confirmed.
Institutional Investors, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Stock Price Performance

In 2006, the United Nations Global Compact launched Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the Japanese Ministry of Environment advocated financial mechanisms for environmental protection. We find that institutional ownership in 2005 is positively related to the probability of subsequent improvements in environment ratings for Japanese firms. The result is especially evident for domestic institutional shareholders who signed up for the PRI. These results suggest that soft laws aimed at institutional investors can enhance responsible business practices and that national government initiatives play an effective role. Finally, improved ratings in the environment category do not harm shareholder wealth.
An Analytical Study of the Determinants of Access to Insurance Services in Rural Nigeria

This paper analyses the determinants of accessibility of insurance services in rural areas of Nigeria. The paper uses cross-sectional primary data sourced through a structured questionnaire from 384 respondents dwelling in rural areas of Katsina state. In analysing the data Logit modelling approach was used to find a significant positive influence of age, access to credit, educational attainment and availability of insurance services on access to insurance services. Moreover, the influence of income and gender are positive but statistically insignificant. Contrary, the study finds a significant negative influence of marital status on the accessibility of insurance services in rural areas. The study therefore concluded that deepening of insurance services in rural areas requires a special intervention taken into cognisance of religious viewpoint of these people. We recommended among other things, that while establishing micro-insurance in the rural areas of Northern Nigeria should be in conformity with the principles of Islam.
The effect of benzyladenine and naphthalene acetic acid on rooting and subsequent growth of Portulaca umbraticola Kunth

Abstract Portulaca umbraticola Kunth stem cuttings were treated with BA or BA and NAA in different concentrations. BA was applied by spraying or by the quick-dip method. Independent of application type, in almost all of the treatments BA and BA applied with NAA increased the percentage of rooted cuttings, but had no effect on the number of roots, apart from BA in the 0.5 g dm-3 concentration, which doubled the root number. Treatment with BA alone resulted in more intensive axillary shoot development, although only in one concentration (0.2 g dm-3) did BA significantly influence the number and length of lateral shoots. BA applied together with NAA had no effect or inhibited lateral shoot development. After measurement, rooted cuttings were planted in pots in order to assess subsequent plant growth. Our data indicated that the positive effect of BA on shoot development disappeared during the subsequent cultivation of the plants. BA alone applied by spraying did not influence the number and length of initial and secondary lateral shoots, whereas BA applied with NAA negatively influenced the length of initial lateral shoots as well as the number and length of secondary lateral shoots.
Covariation of Thermal Biology and Foraging Mode in Two Mediterranean Lacertid Lizards

Body temperatures, heat exchange rates, behavioral thermoregulation, and movement behavior (as an index of foraging mode) were studied in two widely distributed, medium-sized lacertid lizards (Acanthodactylus erythrurus and Psammodromus algirus). P. algirus mainly inhabits broad-leaved forests, whereas A. erythrurus prefers open, sandy areas with sparsely distributed vegetation. These habitat preferences parallel differences between the areas in which both genera presumably originated: Eurosaharian xeric steppes with high operative temperatures (T e ) for Acanthodactylus, and Mediterranean open forests with lower T e for Psammodromus. Field observations showed that percentage of time spent basking and basking rate (number of basks per minute) were negatively related to T e , although average bask duration was not. Percentage of time spent moving, moving rate (number of moves per minute), and the average duration of individual moves were inversely related to T e and were higher in P. algirus. The percentage of total locomotion time that was spent moving in the shade was also higher in P. algirus. Behavioral thermoregulation strategies differed in a laboratory thermogradient, where P. algirus basked more often and for shorter periods and selected warmer patches than did A. erythrurus. Selected body temperatures (T b ) in a laboratory thermogradient were significantly higher in A. erythrurus than in P. algirus. Shade Seeking T b was higher in A. erythrurus, but Resume Basking T b did not differ significantly between the two species. Heating and cooling rates also differed in the two species: A. erythrurus warmed more slowly and cooled faster than did P. algirus. Our data support the existence of a complex syndrome that combines aspects of the behavior, physiology, and ecology of both species. The thermal consequences of inhabiting a certain type of habitat can be counterbalanced by behavioral and physiological means that, in turn, affect movement and, hence, foraging behavior. Thus, the more active species (P. algirus) heated faster, cooled more slowly, and basked more often but for shorter periods and at warmer patches than the less active species (A. erythrurus).
The Herpetofauna of the Vicinity of Silifke

The number of herpetological studies about specific regions of Turkey are very limited compared to general herpetolog- ical studies. In an attempt to help fill this gap, a total of 89 specimens representing 11 reptile species were collected, for the first time, from two different localities in the vicinity of Silifke, and they were evaluated from the taxonomical point of view.
The Short-Term and Localized Effect of Gun Shows: Evidence from California and Texas

Abstract We examine the effect of more than 3,400 gun shows using data from Gun and Knife Show Calendar and vital statistics data from California and Texas. Considering the one month following each show and a surrounding area ranging from 80 to 2,000 square miles, we find no evidence that gun shows increase either gun homicides or suicides. The similarity of our estimates for California and Texas suggests that the much tighter California gun show regulations do not substantially reduce the number of firearms-related deaths in that state. Using incident-level crime data for Houston, Texas, we also find no evidence of an effect on other crime categories.
Land management practices for combating desertification cause species replacement of desert lizards

Summary 1. Patch structural complexity affects local species richness and population densities. Anthropogenic disturbance may alter complexity and heterogeneity, resulting in changes in community structure. Most studies in this area have dealt with human-induced habitat degradation. We investigated a converse situation, in which anthropogenic activity increases productivity and complexity of an arid habitat. 2. Recently, large areas in the northern Negev Desert have been altered: a series of contour catchments was constructed to accumulate run-off to support planted trees. We examined the effect of patch alteration by focusing on the lizard assemblage in the planted plots. Seven pairs of plots were established, one plot from each pair in a natural area and the other in an adjacent, altered slope. Lizards were captured using pitfall traps and environmental parameters were measured. To isolate the effects of trees as perches for avian predators, we ‘planted’ artificial trees in a loess plain and investigated the effect on an endemic lizard. 3. The structure of the lizard assemblage in the planted plots differed from that of the natural plots. Planted plots had a higher proportion of Mediterranean lizards and fewer desert species. Two local lizard species disappeared from the mosaic area of planted and natural plots. In addition, avian predators spent longer time in the artificial tree plots and reduced the lizard density compared to the natural plots. 4. The modification to the habitat generated only moderate changes in structure of the natural vegetation and this could not account for the observed changes in the lizard assemblage. Changes in the spatial use of the plots by avian predators was identified as the mechanism behind the observed distribution of lizard species. 5. Synthesis and applications. We argue that anthropogenic habitat modifications such as afforestation, urbanization, etc., can induce indirect biotic effects that may change the way and the scale at which different species respond to the habitat change. Such structural alteration may lead to species replacement and even to local extinction of specialist species. In order to protect biodiversity during large-scale management projects, alteration of biotic interactions should be considered in advance and large unaltered patches should be protected, otherwise indirect effects might cause greater impacts than the structural manipulation itself.
Effects of forest fragmentation on the distribution of the lizard Psammodromus algirus

This study reports the population responses of the lizard Psammodromus algirus to forest fragmentation by comparing its distribution in two contrasting situations of habitat conservation: a well connected mosaic landscape (forest patches larger than 2000 ha and/or connected by corridors that prevent their isolation), and an archipelago of forest remnants embedded within a matrix of cereal fields. The frequency of occurrence of P. algirus was larger in the unfragmented habitats (14 out of 19 censused plots) than in the fragments (two out of of 21 wood‐lots). Vegetation structure was a good predictor of lizard occurrence under conditions of no fragmentation, but not in the fragments, where high plant cover seemed a necessary, but insufficient, condition for the survival of lizard populations, and where remnant size was the only variable that differed significantly between wood‐lots with and without lizards. Historical fragmentation of the habitat is also crucial for understanding the current distribution of lizards, as shown by their absence from a large forest that was highly fragmented in the past but which has been regenerating for decades. It is hypothesized that the combined effects of fragmentation and predation in small remnants have led to the extinction of P. algirus in fragments smaller than c. 90 ha, recolonization being prevented by the very limited dispersal abilities of these forest lizards.
Methods for Measuring Swallowing Pressure Variability Using High-Resolution Manometry

Any movement performed repeatedly will be executed with inter-trial variability. Oropharyngeal swallowing is a complex sensorimotor action, and swallow-to-swallow variability can have consequences that impact swallowing safety. Our aim was to determine an appropriate method to measure swallowing pressure waveform variability. An ideal variability metric must be sensitive to known deviations in waveform amplitude, duration, and overall shape, without being biased by waveforms that have both positive and sub-atmospheric pressure profiles. Through systematic analysis of model waveforms, we found a coefficient of variability (CV) parameter on waveforms adjusted such that the overall mean was 0 to be best suited for swallowing pressure variability analysis. We then investigated pharyngeal swallowing pressure variability using high-resolution manometry data from healthy individuals to assess impacts of waveform alignment, pharyngeal region, and number of swallows investigated. The alignment that resulted in the lowest overall swallowing pressure variability was when the superior-most sensor in the upper esophageal sphincter reached half its maximum pressure. Pressures in the tongue base region of the pharynx were least variable and pressures in the hypopharynx region were most variable. Sets of 3 - 10 consecutive swallows had no overall difference in variability, but sets of 2 swallows resulted in significantly less variability than the other dataset sizes. This study identified variability in swallowing pressure waveform shape throughout the pharynx in healthy adults; we discuss implications for swallowing motor control.
Levels of fatty acids in the whole body of hens and cocks of the Cobb 500 and Ross 308 hybrid combinations at the end of the fattening period

In this study, we determined the levels of individual fatty acids in the whole chicken body, as well as dry matter, nitrogenic substances and fat in Cobb 500 and Ross 308 chickens after 40 days of fattening. The highest level of all fatty acids (FA), regardless of the hybrid combination and sex of the chickens, was determined for oleic/elaidic acid, followed by palmitic, linoleic/linolelaidic, palmitoleic and stearic acids. In Cobb 500 cocks, higher values (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.01) were found for all saturated fatty acids (SaFA) compared to hens. With the exception of γ-linoleic acid, the levels of n-6 FA measured in cocks were higher (P ≤ 0.01) than in hens and n-3 FA showed higher levels of eicosatrienoic (P ≤ 0.05) and docosapentaenoic acids (P ≤ 0.01). Ross 308 hens had higher levels of most SaFA, with differences for palmitic (P ≤ 0.01), myristic, heptadecanoic and stearic acids (P ≤ 0.05). Regarding monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), hens contained higher levels of myristoleic (P ≤ 0.05) and oleic/elaidic acids (P ≤ 0.01). Cocks showed higher levels of n-6 FA except for linoleic/linolelaidic and γ-linolenic acids; higher levels were found for cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic, docosatetraenoic (P ≤ 0.05) and arachidonic acids (P ≤ 0.01). With the exception of α-linolenic acid, n-3 FA levels were higher in cocks, with differences in the levels of cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids (P ≤ 0.01). The results suggest possible directions for future research focused on the use of broiler chicken hybrids with more favourable proportions of n-6 FA and n-3 FA in fat and meat.
Comment: Not all Biases are Created Equal—A Comment on the Snorkel Survey Bias Observed by Hessenauer et al. (2014)

Comment: Not all Biases are Created Equal—A Comment on the Snorkel Survey Bias Observed by Hessenauer et al. (2014) Jeffrey A. Stein, Julie E. Claussen, David P. Philipp & Steven J. Cooke a Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA b Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada Published online: 24 Nov 2014.
Common and Fundamental Risk Factors in Shareholder Returns of Norwegian Salmon Producing Companies

Salmon farming companies are increasingly gaining attention from investors and portfolio managers. The last decade has seen a substantial growth in the securitization of salmon farming assets and prices. A growing literature demonstrates that industry-specific fundamental, as well as market-wide risk factors help explain stock returns. However, very little is known about the pricing of salmon stocks and especially the contribution of industry-specific fundamental risk factors. Using a multifactor model, we find that stock returns for salmon farming firms are significantly associated with both common market-wide risks and industry-specific risk factors.
The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the early-stage restoration of seasonally dry tropical forest in Chamela, Mexico

It was evaluated the effect of two different sources of local inocula from two contrasting sites (mature forest, pasture) of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) and a non-mycorrhizal control on the plant growth of six woody species differing in functional characteristics (slow-, intermediate- and fast-growth), when introduced in a seasonally tropical dry forest (STDF) converted into abandoned pasture. Six plots (12 X 12m) were set as AMF inoculum source. Six replicates of six different species arranged in a Latin Square design were set in each plot. Plant height, cover area and the number of leaves produced by individual plant was measured monthly during the first growing season in each treatment. Species differed in their ability to benefit from AMF and the largest responsiveness in plant height and leaf production was exhibited by the slow-growing species Swietenia humilis, Hintonia latiflora and Cordia alliodora. At the end of the growing season (November), the plant height of the fast growing species Tabebuia donnel-smithii, Ceiba pentandra and Guazuma ulmifolia were not influenced by AMF. However, inocula of AMF increased leaf production of all plant species regardless the functional characteristics of the species, suggesting a better exploitation of above-ground space and generating a light limited environment under the canopy, which contributed to pasture suppression. Inoculation of seedlings planted in abandoned pasture areas is recommended for ecological restoration due to the high responsiveness of seedling growth in most of species. Use of forest inoculum with its higher diversity of AMF could accelerate the ecological restoration of the above and below-ground comunities.