Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microclimatic characterization and productivity of coffee plants grown under shade of pigeon pea in Southern Brazil

Recent studies on coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivation in agroforestry systems in Southern Brazil have shown the potential of partial shading to improve management of this crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate microclimatic conditions and their effects on coffee production of plants shaded with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in comparison to unshaded ones, from May 2001 to August 2002 in Londrina, State of Parana, Brazil. The appraised microclimatic characteristics were: global radiation, photosynthetic and radiation balance; air, leaf and soil temperatures; and soil humidity. Shading caused significant reduction in incident global solar radiation, photosynthetically active radiation and net radiation, and attenuated maximum leaf, air and soil temperatures, during the day. Shade also reduced the rate of cooling of night air and leaf temperatures, especially during nights with radiative frost. Soil moisture at 0-10 cm depth was higher under shade. The shaded coffee plants produced larger cherries due to slower maturation, resulting in larger bean size. Nevertheless, plants under shade emitted less plagiotropic branches, with smaller number of nodes per branch, and fewer nodes with fruits, resulting in a large reduction in coffee production. These results show the need to find an optimal tree density and management that do not compromise coffee production and protect against extreme temperatures.
Fear of Pain is Elevated in Adults with Co‐Occurring Trauma‐Related Stress and Social Anxiety Symptoms

The aim of this study was to determine whether fear of pain and related fear constructs are elevated in people with co‐occurring trauma‐related stress and social anxiety symptoms relative to people with 1 or neither of these conditions. Eighty students were selected from a larger sample and divided into 4 equal groups comprising those with both high trauma‐related stress and social anxiety symptom scores (TRS/SAS), only high trauma‐related stress symptom scores (TRS), only high social anxiety symptom scores (SAS), or neither (N). Results indicated that the TRS/SAS group had significantly higher scores on all fear of pain measures, anxiety sensitivity, and illness/injury sensitivity than any other group, even when level of current pain was included as a covariate. These findings suggest that people with co‐occurring trauma‐related and social anxiety symptoms are most likely to be fearful of pain and to thereby be at increased risk of developing chronic and disabling pain. Implications for future research and treatment are discussed.
The Relationship of Psychosocial Dysfunction and Stunting of Adolescents in Suburban, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial dysfunction of adolescents with stunted and normal height. This was a cross-sectional study using pediatric symptom checklist-17 (PSC-17), subjected to adolescents (age: 11 to 14 years) in Suburban, West Java Indonesia. Two variables of the subjects’ characteristics (sex and body height) were included in the multivariate analysis because the p was <0.25 (p = 0.22, p = 0.07). It was found that 53 subjects had psychosocial dysfunction (25 stunted, 4 severely stunted, and 24 normal heights) with significant comparing proportion between severely stunted and normal height (p = 0.04). In severely stunted adolescents, the risk of psychosocial dysfunction is 6.33 more than in normal stature group. Examination was done on those 53 adolescents resulted in several psychosocial disorders: 12 psychosocially low self-esteem, 12 family problems, and others ranging from other several aspect problems. Forty-one from the 53 adolescents were with psychopathology symptoms. There was psychosocial dysfunction just in adolescents with severely stunted.
Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease and cognitive function in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether stroke risk factors and cognitive dysfunction are concomitant in individuals over the age of 60. METHODS The cognitive abilities of elderly individuals with different degrees of risk as per the Framingham stroke risk profile were compared. The Framingham stroke risk profile was used to calculate the risk of an ischemic cerebral event. Neuropsychological tests included the Buschke Selective Reminding Test, verbal fluency (animals), clock drawing, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning, digit span and vocabulary. A random and typical population sample was used in the study, selected from the 200 elderly residents in the area surrounding the primary health care facility (Morada das Flores Clinic, Porto Alegre). Forty-six elderly individuals were included in the study. RESULTS The elderly individuals with a risk profile, had lower memory test performance levels (NF, p=0.02) and planning capacity (clock drawing test, p=0.03). Diabetes proved to be related to delayed recall performance in the Rey auditory verbal learning test (p=0.04). CONCLUSION The presence of stroke risk factors in the elderly was associated with worse cognitive performance for memory and executive functions.
Update on Treatment of Immunologic Abortion with Low‐dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Recurrent spontaneous abortion associated with immunologic abnormalities has been termed immunologic abortion. Previously we showed that treatment with low‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) appears to be beneficial for older women with immunologic abortion. We now report the results of IVIG treatment in a larger group of women with this disorder.
Polyphosphate in Neonates: Less Shedding from Platelets and Divergent Prothrombotic Capacity Due to Lower TFPI Levels

Background: The neonatal hemostatic system exhibits a fragile balance featuring lower levels of clotting factors as well as inhibitors. Neonatal platelets show in-vitro hypoaggregability, but neonates exhibit well-functioning primary and secondary hemostasis despite this impairment. Recently, polyphosphate shed by activated platelets has been shown to induce a prothrombotic shift on the plasmatic coagulation system of adults. The impact of platelet derived polyphosphate might differ in neonates due to aforementioned peculiarities. Aims: We aimed to comparatively determine polyphosphate content and release from adult and neonatal platelets and to determine its impact on thrombin generation in plasma from adult and cord blood. Methods: Polyphosphate was extracted from adult and neonatal platelet lysates and releasates using silica spin-columns and quantified with a DAPI based fluorescence assay. The impact of exogenous polyphosphate in various concentrations (208–0.026 μg/ml) on thrombin generation was evaluated in plasma from adult and cord blood as well as in adult plasma with reduced tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels using calibrated automated thrombography. Results: Polyphosphate content was comparable in both groups, but the fraction of released polyphosphate upon stimulation with thrombin receptor activating peptide was lower in neonatal samples (adult: 84.1 ± 12.9%; cord: 58.8 ± 11.2%). Relative impact of polyphosphate on lag time of thrombin generation was higher in adult samples compared to samples from cord blood (adult: 41.0% [IQR: 35.2–71.8%] of vehicle; cord: 73.4% [IQR: 70.2–91.4%] of vehicle). However, in samples from cord blood, lower concentrations of polyphosphate were required to obtain maximal impact on thrombin generation (adult: 26 μg/ml; cord: 0.814 μg/ml). PolyP affected thrombin generation in adult plasma similarly to cord plasma, when the TFPI concentration was reduced to neonatal levels. Conclusion: Differences in the impact of polyphosphate on adult and neonatal coagulation are largely caused by differences in TFPI levels. Lower polyphosphate release from neonatal platelets, but lower optimum concentration to drive neonatal plasmatic hemostasis emphasizes the well-matched, but fragile interplay between platelets and coagulation in newborns. A potential developmental mismatch should be considered when transfusing adult platelets into neonates.
Simultaneous measurement of 25 inflammatory markers and neurotrophins in neonatal dried blood spots by immunoassay with xMAP technology.

BACKGROUND Inflammatory reactions and other events in early life may be part of the etiology of late-onset diseases, including cerebral palsy, autism, and type 1 diabetes. Most neonatal screening programs for congenital disorders are based on analysis of dried blood spot samples (DBSS), and stored residual DBSS constitute a valuable resource for research into the etiology of these diseases. The small amount of blood available, however, limits the number of analytes that can be determined by traditional immunoassay methodologies. METHODS We used new multiplexed sandwich immunoassays based on flowmetric Luminex xMAP technology to measure inflammatory markers and neutrophins in DBSS. RESULTS The high-capacity 25-plex multianalyte method measured 23 inflammatory and trophic cytokines, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), and C-reactive protein in two 3.2-mm punches from DBSS. It also measured 26 cytokines and TREM-1 in serum. Standards Recovery in the 25-plex method were 90%-161% (mean, 105%). The low end of the working range for all 25 analytes covered concentrations found in DBSS from healthy newborns. Mean recovery of exogenous analytes added at physiologic concentrations in DBSS models was 174%, mean intra- and interassay CVs were 6.2% and 16%, respectively, and the mean correlation between added and measured analytes was r2 = 0.91. In DBSS routinely collected on days 5-7 from 8 newborns with documented inflammatory reactions at birth, the method detected significantly changed concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Measurements on DBSS stored at -24 degrees C for >20 years showed that most cytokines are detectable in equal concentrations over time. CONCLUSIONS The method can reliably measure 25 inflammatory markers and growth factors in DBSS. It has a large potential for high-capacity analysis of DBSS in epidemiologic case-control studies and, with further refinements, in neonatal screening.
Beeinflussung von Rotorspaltströmungen durch rotationssymmetrische Gehäusekonturen

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird eine Methode zur Eingrenzung der Radialspaltverluste von Verdichterrotoren durch eine wellenformige Gehausekonturierung prasentiert. Die Vorgehensweise wird anhand eines einfachen Optimierungsbeispiels vorgestellt. Die aerodynamischen Effekte der Gehausekontur auf die Spaltstromung und den Spaltwirbel werden dargestellt und diskutiert. Durch die Interaktion der axialen Stromungskomponente mit dem welligen Gehauseverlauf wird ein Druckpotential erzeugt, welches die Entstehung und Entwicklung des Spaltwirbels entscheidend verandert. Mit Hilfe eines eindimensionalen inkompressiblen Rankine Wirbelmodells wird analytisch die Theorie zur rotationssymmetrischen Gehausekontur entwickelt. Der Einfluss des Rotationsverhaltnisses, der Zustrommachzahl und der Spalthohe auf die physikalischeWirkungsweise der Gehausekontur wird anhand der Theorie dargelegt und diskutiert.Weitere Anwendungsbeispiele zeigen die optimierte Gehausekontur fur eine Beschaufelung mit erhohter Zustrommachzahl und fur eine kombinierte Optimierung der Blattspitzenprofilierung und der Gehausekontur. Das Ergebnis des kombinierten Designansatzes wird schlieslich erfolgreich auf ein numerisches Siemens Gesamtverdichtermodell angewendet.
Differential Expression of Calcineurin and SR Ca2+ Handling Proteins in Equine Muscle Fibers During Early Postnatal Growth

During early postnatal development, the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression pattern in equine gluteus medius muscle shows adaptation to movement and load, resulting in a decrease in the number of fast MyHC fibers and an increase in the number of slow MyHC fibers. In the present study we correlated the expression of MyHC isoforms to the expression of sarcoplasmic(endo)reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 and 2a (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), calcineurin A (CnA), and calcineurin B (CnB). Gluteus medius muscle biopsies were taken at 0, 2, 4, and 48 weeks and analyzed using immunofluorescence. Both SERCA isoforms and PLB were expressed in almost all fiber types at birth. From 4 weeks of age onward, SERCA1 was exclusively expressed in fast MyHC fibers and SERCA2a and PLB in slow MyHC fibers. At all time points, CnA and CnB proteins were expressed at a basal level in all fibers, but with a higher expression level in MyHC type 1 fibers. From 4 weeks onward, expression of only CnA was also higher in MyHC type 2a and 2ad fibers. We propose a double function of calcineurin in calcium homeostasis and maintenance of slow MyHC fiber type identity. Although equine muscle is already functional at birth, expression patterns of the monitored proteins still show adaptation, depending on the MyHC fiber type.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF DAM CONSTRUCTION: A CASE OF TOKWE MUKOSI IN MASVINGO PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

Dam construction projects can cause significant socio-economic impacts on the surrounding communities. The impacts can be both positive and negative. The current study sought to examine the socio-economic impacts of the construction of Tokwe Mukosi Dam to the surrounding communities. Research methods included key informant interviews and a questionnaire survey. The results from the study showed that Tokwe Mukosi Dam has both positive and negative impacts on communities around the dam. It emerged from the study that the positive socio-economic impacts of the construction of Tokwe Mukosi Dam included: increased availability of fish; water provision for livestock production, irrigation and domestic purposes; and tourism development and associated income enhancement. On the other end, there were also negative impacts of dam construction revealed by the current study including: drowning of people; attack of people and livestock by crocodiles; displacement of people; and increased incidences of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Various recommendations are suggested to minimise the negative impacts of Tokwe Mukosi Dam to local communities and enhance the positive impacts including: awareness programmes to minimise dangers of drowning of people and attacks by crocodiles; health care interventions by the government and other stakeholders to prevent or minimize water-borne diseases and vectors; development of tourist facilities by locals in partnership with other entities to enhance benefits from tourism; training of locals in aquaculture so as to increase benefits from fish resources; and the setting up of an Integrated Environmental Management Plan to enhance the long term conservation and sustainable utilisation of the dam and its resources. Article visualizations:
Erythropoietic and non‐erythropoietic functions of erythropoietin in mouse models

Abstract As the basic function of erythropoietin (Epo) is stimulation of red blood cell production, systemic overexpression of Epo results in erythrocytosis. The patho‐physiological consequences of chronically elevated red blood cell counts have been studied in Epo overexpressing mice. Genetically modified mice, however, have also played an important role in discovering multiple additional functions of Epo besides stimulating erythrocyte production. Non‐erythropoietic functions of Epo are widespread and play a role in organogenesis during early embryonic development and in tissue protection in ischaemic diseases. Future work in the field will most likely focus on these additional functions of Epo, which have great clinical potential.
Liver transplantation for cardiac failure in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Liver involvement in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may lead to high‐output cardiac failure. Few data have been reported on orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for these patients. In this paper, we describe two patients treated by OLT as a salvage procedure for cardiac failure, and we review literature on this subject. Our two patients resumed normal cardiac function after OLT. This procedure appears to be a promising therapy with good long‐term results despite dissection difficulties encountered due to the collateral arterial network reorganization. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:834–838.)
Target Revaluation after Failed Takeover Attempts - Cash versus Stock

Cash- and stock-financed takeover bids induce strikingly different target revaluations. We exploit detailed data on unsuccessful takeover bids between 1980 and 2008, and show that targets of cash offers are revalued on average by +15% after deal failure, whereas stock targets return to their pre-announcement levels. The differences in revaluation do not revert over longer horizons. We find no evidence that future takeover activities or operational changes explain these differences. While the targets of failed cash and stock offers are both more likely to be acquired over the following 8 years than matched control firms, there are no differences between cash and stock targets, neither in the timing nor in the value of future offers. Similarly, we cannot detect differential operational policies following the failed bid. Our results are most consistent with cash bids revealing prior undervaluation of the target. We reconcile our findings with the opposite conclusion in earlier literature (Bradley, Desai, and Kim, 1983) by identifying a "look-ahead" bias built into their sample construction.
Online Banking in Bangladesh An Empirical Analysis

Advances in electronic banking technology have created novel ways of handling daily banking affairs, especially via the online banking channel. The acceptance of online banking services has been rapid in many parts of the world. In the leading e-banking countries the number of ebanking contracts has exceeded 50 percent. This study investigates into online banking acceptance in the light of the traditional technology acceptance model (TAM), which is leveraged into online environment. DBBL is inclined to investigate into the relation between perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived enjoyment (PE), information on online banking, security and privacy and online banking use of DBBL consumers. The research was conducted with a survey sample (n=100). The findings of the study indicate that perceived ease of use, security and privacy and information on online banking on the Website were the main factors influencing online-banking acceptance. Once the analysis of this study was put into effect, the researchers came across several impeccable findings that need to be dealt with proper care for improving customers’ online usage. The findings are as follows: perceived ease of use, security and privacy and online information are significantly positively correlated with online banking uses of the customers. Therefore, DBBL should consider these factors when they look forward to increasing their online banking uses, which in turn would increase the organizational development. The regression outputs suggest that perceived ease of use and security and privacy are the most essential and crucial variables that could explain variation in online banking uses. This is why DBBL should improve and give proper attention to make sure the ease of use of online banking and ensure customers security and privacy.
Brexit and Information & Communication Technology (ICT): Shaping ICT Priorities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is fundamental to the delivery and support of all aspects of society in addition to significantly contributing directly to each nation’s GDP. This briefing captures key actions and requirements for the domain in the light of the UK’s decision to exit the EU. It is based on the views of ICT and other professionals from the UK and internationally. It makes the case that the UK Government needs to work overtly with a wide range of ICT experts to ensure that laws are optimized for the ICT domain and that there are targeted policies and funding strategies to support and grow the ICT domain through this change. In addition, it raises the significance of international cooperation in particular to meet environmental and ICT ethical challenges.
Correlation between macroscopic changes of arthrosis and the posterior cruciate ligament histology in the osteoarthritic knee

Background: There is ongoing debate about the role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in total knee arthroplasty. Advocates of PCL retention cite better soft tissue balance and improved proprioception, whereas opponents report late flexion instability. The results of knee replacement are similar whether the PCL is retained or sacrificed. The aim of the present study was to examine the PCL for histological changes that would infer its competence and correlate these with changes easily observed by the operating surgeon.
Standard Terminology for Fetal, Infant, and Perinatal Deaths

Accurately defining and reporting perinatal deaths (ie, fetal and infant deaths) is a critical first step in understanding the magnitude and causes of these important events. In addition to obstetric health care providers, neonatologists and pediatricians should know the current US definitions and reporting requirements for live births, fetal deaths, and infant deaths. Correct identification of these vital events will improve our local, state, and national data so that these deaths can be better addressed and reduced.
An empirical comparison of statistical construct validation approaches

The use of measurement instruments to examine causal relationships among constructs constituting theoretical frameworks is important to advancing engineering management research. This paper examines two broad implementation approaches to statistical refinement and validation of measurement instruments. The two approaches differ in their refinement procedures in their use of principal component factor analysis (Approach A) and conventional confirmatory factor analysis (Approach B). It is difficult to evaluate the net impact of these fundamental differences between the two approaches on the resulting statistical construct validity merely using theoretical arguments. To assess their power of construct refinement and validation, the authors undertook a comparison of the outcomes of the two approaches using two measurement instruments (the TQM instrument and the Supervisor instrument). In addition, we tested the potential benefits of blending the two approaches into a third "Hybrid Approach". Results indicate that Approach B and the Hybrid Approach provide refined scales with higher unidimensionality, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. However, Approach A and the Hybrid Approach can identify and split constructs with underlying patterns indicating existence of multiple dimensions and yield better operationalization of the nomological framework. In conclusion, the Hybrid Approach combines the strengths of Approach A and Approach B. It performs well not only in terms of the statistical validity of constructs, but also incorporates the feature to recognize patterns suggested by exploratory methods. They recommend its use for refining and validating measurement instruments in relatively unexplored research domains as well as in matured research domains. The results have strong applicability for statistical construct validation of instruments in engineering management and other fields using measurement instruments.
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN PUPILS OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO READING DIFFICULTIES

200 good readers and 41 poor readers selected from 718 pupils in a primary school, grade 1–6 were examined in respect of stereopsis, visual acuity, phorias, tropias, fusional breakpoint, fusional amplitude and objective refraction. No statistical difference was found between the 2 reader groups, and the need for optical aid was of the same order. 80 of the 241 children had unnecessary glasses, and many of those who needed spectacles were improperly aided.