Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive Consequences of HIV in Preschool age Children: A Brief ReportNeurocognitive Consequences of HIV in Preschool age Children: A Brief Report

Background and purpose: The effect of paediatric HIV infection on neurodevelopment at preschool age is under reported in Sub -Sahara Africa where the burden lies. This study assessed cognitive outcome and health status at preschool age among Zimbabwean children, enrolled from a national PMTCT program, with vertically transmitted HIV type 1 infection followed up for 5 years. Methods: Cognitive function was assessed in 278 preschool children with Kaufman short form of McCarthy Scales of Children`s Abilities (MSCA): 25 HIV infected, 94 HIV exposed uninfected, 126 HIV unexposed uninfected (controls) and 33 with unknown HIV status. Only115 had received prophylactic single dose nevirapine at delivery, but none were on antiretroviral treatment. Results: HIV infected children did not differ significantly in global cognitive ability compared to their age matched HIV exposed uninfected and HIV unexposed uninfected peers of similar background. Mean scores were significantly lower between HIV exposed uninfected and HIV unexposed uninfected children in specific subtests representative of verbal, perceptual performance and quantitative performance. HIV infected children were significantly more stunted, had more skin disorders, and lymphadenopathy compared to their uninfected peers. Maternal age and family income were predictive of lower GCI in this study. Conclusion: HIV infected children who survive to preschool age did not manifest lower cognitive scores than established child norms. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in this study was 8.6% and was more frequent in HIV uninfected children. Chronic malnutrition as indexed by stunting was associated with poor cognitive function at preschool age. Therefore comprehensive interventions to prevent childhood HIV and malnutrition could result in significant improvement in cognitive function at preschool age and later academic achievement.
Isotopic constraints on the role of hypohalous acids in sulfate aerosolformation in the remote marine boundary layer

Abstract. Sulfate is an important component of global atmospheric aerosol, and has partially compensated for greenhouse gas-induced warming during the industrial period. The magnitude of direct and indirect radiative forcing of aerosols since preindustrial times is a large uncertainty in climate models, which has been attributed largely to uncertainties in the preindustrial environment. Here, we report observations of the oxygen isotopic composition (Δ17O) of sulfate aerosol collected in the remote marine boundary layer (MBL) in spring and summer in order to evaluate sulfate production mechanisms in pristine-like environments. Model-aided analysis of the observations suggests that 33–50 % of sulfate in the MBL is formed via oxidation by hypohalous acids (HOX = HOBr + HOCl), a production mechanism typically excluded in large-scale models due to uncertainties in the reaction rates, which are due mainly to uncertainties in reactive halogen concentrations. Based on the estimated fraction of sulfate formed via HOX oxidation, we further estimate that daily-averaged HOX mixing ratios on the order of 0.01–0.1 parts per trillion (ppt = pmol/mol) in the remote MBL during spring and summer are sufficient to explain the observations.
Comparing Policies to Confront Permit Over-Allocation

Instability in cap-and-trade markets, particularly with respect to permit price collapses has been an area of concern for regulators. To that end, several policies, including hybrid price-quantity mechanisms and the newly introduced "market stability reserve" (MSR) systems have been introduced and even implemented in some cases. I develop a stochastic dynamic model of a cap-and-trade system, parameterized to values relevant to the European Union's Emission Trading System (EU ETS) to analyze the performance of these policies aimed at adding stability to the system or at least at reducing perceived over-allocations of permits. Results suggest adaptive-allocation mechanisms such as a price collar or MSR can reduce permit over-allocations and permit price volatility in a more cost-effective manner than simply reducing scheduled permit allocations. However, it is also found that the performance of these adaptive allocation policies, and in particular the MSR, are greatly affected by assumed discount rates and policy parameters.
Prevalence of Pes Planus and Its Associated Factors Among Primary School Pupils Aged 8-12 Years in Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Footprints of hominoids already demonstrated the existence of a plantar arch 3.7 million years ago, and, during human evolution, feet and not hands experienced extraordinary changes. The arch index is useful in determining the prevalence of pes planus and possibly predicting pathologic foot conditions, and it may serve as warning signs of structural and functional defects of the foot in a given population. Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plantar arch index using the staheli`s evaluation method and determined the point prevalence of pes planus and its association with sex difference, BMI, type of footwear and using footwear early in life. Method : This ex-post facto study involved 352 (150 males and 202 females) apparently health primary school pupils aged 8-12 years in southeast Nigeria who volunteered to participate in the study. The participants` biodata were obtained and their footprints collected with the ink method. Footprints were traced and selected foot dimensions measured on the footprints. Plantar arch index of each foot was calculated using the staheli`s formula; PI=A/B, where PI= plantar arch index, A= central region of the footprint and B= heel region of the footprint. Data collected were summarized and analysed with descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, percentage, chi-square and independent t-test, alpha level was set at 0.05 Results : Mean age of participants was 10.28±1.26 while the mean body mass index was 17.60±2.81. The findings of this study revealed a low prevalence of pes planus (7.1%) in the population under study with males having slightly higher prevalence (4.3%) than females (2.8%). This study also found no significant association between sex difference and pes planus (p= 0.114), no significant association between type of footwear and pes planus (p= 0.314), but it found a significant association between BMI and pes planus (p= 0.039). The study also reveal that type of first footwear, type of frequent footwear, type of school footwear, type of home footwear and early footwear were not significantly associated with occurrence pes planus p=0.205, p=0.170, p=0.819, p=0.062 and p= 0.714 . Conclusion : The findings of this research shows that the prevalence of pes planus in the age group studied is not high and not of any health concern. Keywords : Staheli index, BMI, pes planus, footwears, pupils
Phytoplankton taxa, irradiance and nutrient availability determine the seasonal cycle of DMSP in temperate shelf seas

The influences of physico-chemical and biological variables on the concentrations of di- methyl sulphide (DMS) and its precursor β-dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) were investigated through an annual cycle in the temperate shelf seas of the western English Channel. Total DMSP to chlorophyll a ratios (DMSPt/chl a) varied seasonally by 40-fold, and DMS and DMSP concentrations became temporally uncoupled, with elevated relative DMS concentrations during spring and mid- summer. Taxonomic succession of high DMSP-producing phytoplankton, including Phaeocystis pouchetii, Scrippsiella trochoidea and Prorocentrum minimum, is apparent in the seasonal pattern of DMSPt concentrations. Peridinin and DMSPt concentrations showed similar seasonal trends (p < 0.0001), illustrating the substantial contribution by dinoflagellate taxa to DMSP production. Summer- time stratification of the water column coincided with increased mixed layer doses of photosyntheti- cally active radiation (PAR), increased surface ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiance relative to PAR and a de- crease in nitrate and phosphate availability. PAR dose explained 68% of the variability in DMSP/chl a during the seasonal study; whilst nitrate concentrations were inversely related to DMSP/chl a and explained 64% of the variability in log-transformed DMSP/chl a. PAR dose explained only 25% of the variation in DMS concentration, whilst nitrate concentration was inversely related to DMS and explained 49% of the variation in log-transformed DMS concentration. The highly significant relation- ship between DMSP/chl a and PAR dose was similar to those observed for the chlorophyll-specific accumulation of the photoprotective xanthophyll compounds diadinoxanthin and diatoxanthin and the chlorophyll-specific concentrations of UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids. These results lend further, indirect evidence for a photoprotective role of DMSP, possibly associated with physiological stress caused by high PAR and UV radiation and intensified by nutrient limitation.
A Study Of The Epidemiology And Outcomes Of Patients With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Background and aim: The incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was reported as high as 1 in 3000. Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia have a poor prognosis, and the prediction of mortality remains difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of infants born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and the influence of perinatal factors on mortality rate.Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 34 neonates from birth to 1 month of age diagnosed with CDH from March, 2001 to March, 2008.Results: From the databases used, the incidence of CDH was 1 per 4696 live births. Overall hospital mortality rate was 41%. Bi-variate analysis showed increased risk of death in neonates with low birth weight, low gestational age, low 5-minute APGAR scores, low arterial pH levels, and neonates who had respiratory distress on births. Multivariate analysis found that 5-minute APGAR, gestational age and arterial pH levels were independent predictors of total mortality rate. When the gestational age was increased by one week, an 8% mortality rate reduction was found. Furthermore, increase in 5-minute APGAR by 1 unit, and increase in arterial pH level by 0.1 units, reduced the mortality rate by 36% and 37%, respectively. Conclusion: Avoiding preterm delivery and improving preoperative stabilization are the measures most likely to improve survival. INTRODUCTION AND AIM Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal period . Although there are several advanced therapeutic regimens for CDH cases, the rate of mortality remains high, especially in cases who became symptomatic in the first 6 hours of life . The incidence of CDH varied from 1/2000 to 1/5000 in different reports , , . The most common presenting symptoms are respiratory (43%), gastrointestinal (33%), and combined respiratory and GI problems (13%). In 11% of cases, patients remain asymptomatic . Associated anomaly, diagnosis before delivery, low APGAR score, low estimated age, and low birth weight will reduce life expectancy of newborns , . PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in Imam Khomeini Hospital and Abuzar Pediatric Center from March 2001 to March 2008. Normal distribution was evaluated by onesample Kolmogrov-Smirnov test. Chi-square tests were used for comparison between proportions. ANOVA and Independent Samples t-Test were used for comparison between means of numerical variables. Logistic regression was used for analysis of independent factors affecting mortality and morbidity.
Physical‐biological sources for dense algal blooms near the Changjiang River

Harmful algal blooms (“red tides”) occur primarily in a confined region on the inner shelf off the Changjiang River in the East China Sea during May–August. The areal extent of these blooms has increased dramatically in the last decade, and is thought to be associated with the rapid increase in nutrient supply via the Changjiang River. An interdisciplinary survey conducted in August 2000 identified three areas of high chlorophyll‐a concentration in this region: the near‐surface Changjiang River plume with high dissolved oxygen and pH, the thermocline above Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) water, and near the bottom north of the Zhoushan Island complex, an area of strong sediment deposition from the Changjiang River with low dissolved oxygen and pH. These results imply that the formation of phytoplankton blooms is controlled by a complex interplay of physical, geological, biological, and chemical processes associated with the Changjiang River discharge, sediment deposition, and TWC intrusions. The predicted increase in nutrient loading in the Changjiang River due to further economic development of Shanghai and reduction in sediment discharge due to the Three Gorges dam suggest that this part of the East China Sea could become an ecosystem disaster, with possible downstream contamination of Korea and Japan, unless the nutrient loading from Shanghai and surrounding cities and aquaculture activities along the coast are reduced.
Building Heritage Knowledge Framework using Context Ontologies - Regeneration of industrial areas - "Isola del Liri" case study

The growth of urban areas and the increase of urban migrations caused an incorporation of industrialized areas in the development of cities. The difficulties related to city planning in these areas could be coped with more satisfactorily through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Context ontologies plus reasoning rules to reuse old industrial buildings. The 'Context' entities and rules are studied using a Context Knowledge Model formalized with Protege OWL(Ontology Web Language). The study was carried out on industrial buildings situated in southern Lazio - Italy - in particular a paper mill network. Applying GIS instruments to the study of these areas is not enough as designers can only obtain information, but not knowledge, which depends on the urban, historical, cultural, economic, environmental and juridical ‘context’. The goal of this research is to create a combination of these technologies to manage knowledge for a more aware design to regenerate old industrial areas with new uses.
Cooccurrence of Yawning and Stereotypic Behaviour in Horses (Equus caballus)

Determinants of yawning are still uncertain. As yawning seems to be triggered by stress and emotional contexts, we investigated specific correlates of yawning and stereotypic behaviours in horses. Study 1 investigated correlations in time between yawning and stereotypic behaviour in stereotypic horses from the same facility; study 2, involving riding school horses, investigated the cooccurrence of yawning and stereotypic behaviour at the individual level and in response to environmental factors (feeding time). Results showed that (1) stereotypic horses yawned more than the nonstereotypic horses, (2) yawning increased at the same time periods as stereotypic behaviours did, and (3) yawning frequency was positively correlated with stereotypic behaviour frequencies (study1). Different hypotheses are discussed: direct/indirect causal relationship and other factors susceptible to trigger both yawning and stereotypies. This study, underlining for the first time a cooccurrence of yawning and stereotypic behaviour, opens a promising line of investigation of this puzzling behaviour.
Environmental Change in the Great Whale River Region, Hudson Bay: Five Decades of Multidisciplinary Research by Centre d'études Nordiques (CEN)

Abstract: The Great Whale River region on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, Canada, encompasses the villages of Whapmagoostui (Cree First Nation) and Kuujjuarapik (Inuit) and surrounding areas. The principal field station of Centre d'études nordiques (CEN: Centre for Northern Studies) has operated at Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik (W-K; 55° 15′ N, 77° 45′ w) since the 1970s, with diverse research projects on past and present environments. The climate at W-K is strongly influenced by the proximity of Hudson Bay, and the recent pronounced loss of sea ice in this sector of northern Canada has been accompanied by large increases in air temperature. Discontinuous or scattered permafrost occurs throughout the region and is degrading rapidly. The W-K region continues to experience particularly rapid isostatic uplift in response to the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Parabolic dunes occur along the coast and are strongly influenced by the plant cover. Paleoecological studies have documented the Holocene evolution of landscapes, including lakes, wetlands, and forests. The vegetation type is coastal forest tundra, with some 400 recorded species. Studies on certain insect groups provide a baseline for assessing future ecological change. The first signs of human occupation in the W-K region have been dated at 3800 BP. The arrival of the Hudson's Bay Company in the 18th century marked the onset of continuous occupation. Rapid social, economic, and environmental change initiated in the mid-20th century continues to this day.
Investigating elevated copper and lead levels in school drinking water

Copper and lead continue to be detected at levels above drinking water guidelines in Canadian schools. Although water is typically not an important source of these metals, intermittent use and corrosive water can cause copper and lead to leach from plumbing. Exposure to elevated copper levels is linked to acute gastrointestinal effects in the short term and possible liver effects in the long term, whereas even low level lead exposures are associated with neurodevelopmental effects. Because school water is not regularly monitored for corrosion metals, elevated concentrations are often brought to the attention of public health officials through unexpected circumstances. Here, the death of salmon eggs in a classroom aquarium triggered an investigation that found elevated levels of copper and lead in the school's drinking water. The investigation was then expanded to the school district. Copper and lead levels varied considerably across schools as well as in outlets located in the same school. The effectiveness of flushing, which was implemented as a mitigation strategy, was also found to differ by school building and outlet. Actions described in this case report may be informative for health authorities across Canada.
Performance of fall and winter crops in a no tillage system in west Paraná State

The long-term exploitation of natural resources by agricultural activities has resulted in the need for alternative measures to restore degraded soil. The cultivation of cover crops can generate great benefits for agricultural systems, enabling the exploitation of natural resources, including water, light and nutrients, as well as the recovery of degraded soils. This work aimed to assess the coverage rate, fresh mass and dry mass of cover crops from fall and winter as well as the floristic composition of the weeds. The work was conducted in field conditions in soil classified as eutroferric Red Oxisol in the region of the city of Palotina, Parana State, Brazil, using a random block experimental design with four replications. The treatments consisted of seven cover cultures: wild radish, linseed, triticale, rye, rapeseed, crambe, oats and fallow. The species with the highest coverage rates and fresh mass and dry mass values were wild radish, rapeseed and crambe. In the floristic and phytosociological data, the species with the highest incidence were Amaranthus retroflexus , Commelina benghalensis L. , Brachiaria plantaginea and Gnaphalium spicatum .
EVALUATION OF MODIFIED BITUMEN OUT OF THE LINEAR VISCOELASTIC APPROACH

Due to the necessity of producing modified bitumen of an increasingly high quality and performance, the most recent studies have been investigating the relationship between the rheology of bitumen and the one of asphalt mixtures. In particular, adoption of SHRP methodology for a classification of bitumen performance is essential for a rigorous approach to rheologic study of bitumen, but can be further implemented in the case of bitumen modified with polymers. As a matter of fact, rheological analysis of modified bitumen using linear viscoelastic approach (which is at the base of basical SHRP approach) does not emphasize how much bitumen's behaviour depends on deformation rate to which it is subjected inside asphalt mixture. This article presents the results of an experimental investigation out of a linear viscoelastic approach and conducted on several types of Italian bitumens, pure and with different degrees of modification; tests were performed using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer for evaluation of rutting susceptibility. The investigation has highlighted significant differences in relationships between binder complex shear modulus, temperature and stress frequency when passing from small to big deformations range. For the covering abstract see ITRD E121480.
Emotion in politics : disgust and empathy in a mediating model of Australian political ideology

Previous research depicting the relationship between disgust sensitivity (DS) and political ideologies (PI) has found dissimilar results (i.e. Brenner & Inbar, 2014; as compared to Inbar, Pizarro, & Bloom, 2009). Due to the discrepancy, the current study aims to determine whether analysing affective empathy (AE) and cognitive empathy (CE) as mediators of the relationship, will enhance the ability to predict PI from DS scores. The study employed a sample of 170 psychology undergraduates, with a mean age of 23.48 years (SD = 8.49), 81% of which were female. Constructs were measured using the Disgust Scale-Revised, Basic Empathy Scale – Adults, and the Australian Political Ideology Scale (developed as part of the study). Results indicate the possibility of an increasingly complex relationship between DS and PI, as a partial-mediation effect of AE was found, b = 0.24, 95%BCa CI [ . 004, . 760], representing a small completely standardised effect of 0.31, 95%BCa CI [. 001, . 0952]. No mediation effect was found for CE, b = -0.03, 95%BCa CI [ -. 31, . 19], with a negligible completely standardised effect, -0.003, 95%BCa CI [-. 041, . 024]. This may be evidence of a multifaceted relation between DS and PI, depicting an emotion-based, rather than cognition-based relation.