Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A salamander survey of the Turkey Hill Oxbow, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, with comparison to historic records from an institutional collection

Abstract. The Turkey Hill Oxbow, a small, locally significant forested/wetland area in central Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was surveyed for salamanders during 2015. A comparison of recent records was made to historic collections from this location within the herpetology collection housed at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BU). Nine salamander species, encompassing a total of 132 individuals, were found, revealing a slightly greater diversity represented by historic vouchers within the BU herpetology collection (eight species). The most common species were eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and Allegheny mountain dusky salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus); the most uncommon were northern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea bislineata) and red salamanders (Pseudotriton ruber). Two species found in the recent survey (D. ochrophaeus and P. ruber) were not represented by historic vouchers in the BU collection. However, no spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) were found during this study, despite historic voucher records for this species from this locality.
Bioinformatics structural and phylogenetic characterization of Entamoeba histolytica alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (EhADH2)

Abstract. An amitochondriate parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, has a bifunctional ADHE enzyme (EhADH2) that contains separate acetaldehyde (ALDH) and alcohol (ADH) dehydrogenase activities. In a cluster of 25 bifunctional enzymes of single cell eukaryotes and bacteria, we present a phylogenetic analysis that suggests a lateral gene transfer event (prokaryotic ancestor to single-cell eukaryotic ancestor) and a complex structure that aligns with key homologs in the ADHE evolutionary history based on their similarity with bacterial alcohol dehydrogenases. We show that the ADHE in Entamoeba lineage diverged independently but shows significant similarities to the structure of ADHE in Fusobacterium, and a complex model that maps its ALDH and ADH domain well with bacteria such as Geobaccillus thermoglucosidasius. Our analyses likely support a lateral acquisition of an EhADH2-like ancestral gene from bacteria. Analysis using several evolutionary analyses software programs reveal that the enzyme structure is highly conserved, and maintains a similar function within a diverse set of pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp.
Influência de fatores sociossanitários na qualidade de vida dos idosos de um município do Sudeste do Brasil

This study sought to evaluate sociosanitary conditions and their impact on the quality of life of the elderly living in the Teixeiras Municipality in the Southeast Region (MG) of Brazil. Two questionnaires were used: one created specifically to characterize the population in terms of sociosanitary conditions, and WHOQOL-bref, to evaluate quality of life. The correlation between the sociosanitary conditions and quality of life scores were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Among the variables with a strong correlation with quality of life scores the following stand out: use of medication, need of medical care, lack of private health insurance, comorbidities, sleep problems, and retirement. The results of this study indicate that sociosanitary conditions are high risk factors for low quality of life scores in the elderly. This must be taken into consideration to establish health strategies and policies for this age group.
Explaining illness with evil: pathogen prevalence fosters moral vitalism

Pathogens represent a significant threat to human health leading to the emergence of strategies designed to help manage their negative impact. We examined how spiritual beliefs developed to explain and predict the devastating effects of pathogens and spread of infectious disease. Analysis of existing data in studies 1 and 2 suggests that moral vitalism (beliefs about spiritual forces of evil) is higher in geographical regions characterized by historical higher levels of pathogens. Furthermore, drawing on a sample of 3140 participants from 28 countries in study 3, we found that historical higher levels of pathogens were associated with stronger endorsement of moral vitalistic beliefs. Furthermore, endorsement of moral vitalistic beliefs statistically mediated the previously reported relationship between pathogen prevalence and conservative ideologies, suggesting these beliefs reinforce behavioural strategies which function to prevent infection. We conclude that moral vitalism may be adaptive: by emphasizing concerns over contagion, it provided an explanatory model that enabled human groups to reduce rates of contagious disease.
The relationship between physical activity and kidney function/chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is a serious public health concern because of the large physical and economic burden on society. Because of this large burden, it is important to determine what factors are associated with the development and progression of the disease, especially in early stages. Physical activity has been shown to be related to many risk factors for CKD; however, few studies have assessed its direct relationship with kidney function. METHODS: Using data from NHANES, a nationally representative U.S., we described physical activity by various intensities, gender and race/ethnicity (paper 1). We then investigated the cross-sectional relationship between varying intensities of objectively assessed physical activity and kidney function in the same population (paper 2). Using data from the Strong Heart Study, an American Indian cohort at high risk for CKD, we investigated the relationship between subjectively assessed physical activity with kidney function prospectively (paper 3). RESULTS: We showed that Mexican Americans were more physically active than whites and blacks at all levels of intensity, in contrast to findings using questionnaires. We also confirmed that light intensity activity made the largest contribution to total movement. In paper 2, we showed that objectively assessed light intensity physical activity was independently associated with kidney function while objectively and subjectively assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity was not. In paper 3 we showed that physical inactivity was associated with rapid declines and kidney THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND KIDNEY FUNCTION/CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Marquis Hawkins, PhD University of Pittsburgh, 2010 vi function over a five year period. Physical inactivity was also associated with development of kidney damage over a ten year period. PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: The results of these three papers show that physical activity of various intensities are related to kidney function and that physical activity may also preserve kidney function over time in a high risk population. Previous recommendations for physical activity and health were unable to discuss the benefits of physical activity on kidney function because the paucity of evidence. This study is of public health significance because it adds to the growing body of evidence for which we can base our future recommendations.
Effects of mangrove deforestation on near-shore coral reefs

Abstract. Mangrove forests are among the world's most vulnerable subtropical and tropical habitats. With global losses already in excess of 50%, mangroves are being lost more rapidly than tropical rainforests. Those losses are critical to society because mangroves filter terrestrial contaminants, protecting coral reefs from eutrophication, sedimentation, and resulting degradation. Utila is a small island northeast of Honduras, well known for its diving opportunities. Anthropogenic development reduces the island's mangrove forests, threatening the health of surrounding coral reefs. We examined the effects of mangrove deforestation on coral reefs using shoreline mangrove density, near-shore nitrate levels, and algal coverage on adjacent reefs. These variables were measured offshore of both developed and undeveloped coasts. Mangrove density was significantly lower along the developed than the undeveloped coast (mean 0.27 stems/m2 vs. 3.01 stems/m2, respectively, p < 0.0001). Nitrate levels were significantly higher along the developed coast than along the undeveloped coast (mean 22.7 mg/L vs. 7.9 mg/L, respectively, p < 0.0001), as was algal cover (mean 48.1% vs. 32.4%, respectively, p < 0.0001). These results support arguments to reduce mangrove deforestation and encourage reforestation, which will protect not only mangroves and corals, but also avoid negative impacts to the local economy, which often is heavily reliant on dive tourism and fisheries.
About the Authors

Corien Bakermans is Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Altoona campus of the Pennsylvania State University. Her primary research interest is the physiology and ecology of cold-adapted bacteria from polar regions. Corien’s secondary interest is in the interaction between bacteria and birds whose seasonal migration may impact the biogeography of bacteria. This has the added bonus of facilitating collaboration with her sister.
Preserved collagen reveals species identity in archaeological marine turtle bones from Caribbean and Florida sites

Advancements in molecular science are continually improving our knowledge of marine turtle biology and evolution. However, there are still considerable gaps in our understanding, such as past marine turtle distributions, which can benefit from advanced zooarchaeological analyses. Here, we apply collagen fingerprinting to 130 archaeological marine turtle bone samples up to approximately 2500 years old from the Caribbean and Florida's Gulf Coast for faunal identification, finding the vast majority of samples (88%) to contain preserved collagen despite deposition in the tropics. All samples can be identified to species-level with the exception of the Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and olive ridley (L. olivacea) turtles, which can be separated to genus level, having diverged from one another only approximately 5 Ma. Additionally, we identify a single homologous peptide that allows the separation of archaeological green turtle samples, Chelonia spp. , into two distinct groups, which potentially signifies a difference in genetic stock. The majority of the archaeological samples are identified as green turtle (Chelonia spp.; 63%), with hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata; 17%) and ridley turtles (Lepidochelys spp.; 3%) making up smaller proportions of the assemblage. There were no molecular identifications of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the assemblage despite 9% of the samples being morphologically identified as such, highlighting the difficulties in relying on morphological identifications alone in archaeological remains. Finally, we present the first marine turtle molecular phylogeny using collagen (I) amino acid sequences and find our analyses match recent phylogenies based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Our results highlight the advantage of using collagen fingerprinting to supplement morphological analyses of turtle bones and support the usefulness of this technique for assessing their past distributions across the Caribbean and Florida's Gulf Coast, especially in these tropical environments where DNA preservation may be poor.
Revitalizing urban revitalization in Poland: Towards a new agenda for research and practice

Abstract As a starting point, this paper recognizes the key role of the notion of ‘revitalization’ in the development of the multi-sectoral approach to urban renewal in Poland over the last 15 years. Thus, while acknowledging the important limitations of revitalization programs to date, it aims not so much to reject or criticize the current model revitalization, but rather to ‘revitalize’ the notion of revitalization itself. Based both on interviews with engaged practitioners of revitalization in Poland and on a review of practices existing elsewhere, this paper seeks to infuse the Polish imaginary of revitalization with transformative policy agendas.
Assessing the affective component of pain, and the efficacy of pain control, using conditioned place aversion in calves

Pain in animals is typically assessed using reflexive and physiological responses. These measures allow inferences regarding nociception but provide little basis for conclusions about the affective component of pain (i.e. how negatively the experience is perceived). Calves routinely undergo painful procedures on commercial farms, including hot-iron disbudding, providing a convenient model to study pain in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the affective component of post-procedural pain due to hot-iron disbudding, using conditioned place aversion. Calves (n = 31) were subjected to two procedures (one bud at a time): one without post-procedural pain control and the other with the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (either meloxicam (n = 16) or ketoprofen (n = 15)). All procedures included the use of local anaesthesia (lidocaine). Place conditioning was tested 2 days after the last treatment by allowing calves to freely roam between the pens where they had previously been disbudded. Calves spent more time, and lay down more frequently, in the pen where they received meloxicam compared with the pen where they only received a local block. Surprisingly, calves avoided the pen where they received ketoprofen compared with the control treatment pen. We hypothesize that the shorter duration of action of ketoprofen resulted in increasing pain at the end of the conditioning period, explaining the increased aversion to this treatment. These results illustrate the value of place conditioning paradigms to assess the affective component of pain in animals, and suggest that the animal's evaluation of painful events depends upon the time course of when the pain is experienced.
Eradicating Poverty by the Year 2030: Implications for Income Inequality, Population Policies, Food Prices (and Faster Growth?)

Abstract The paper examines whether the planned eradication of poverty to the year 2030 part of the Sustainable Development Goals strategy is compatible with the trends expected over the next 15 years in key economic variables such as GDP growth, population growth, income inequality and food prices. To do so, the paper develops a comparative-static, poverty-accounting model that allows to simulate to 2030 the impact on SDG1 (poverty eradication) of favorable future improvements equal to best results recorded for such variables during the last 30 years. Numerous model simulations show that – even under the most favorable assumptions – between 14 and 16 countries (mainly from Africa) out of the 78 analyzed will not reach the SDG1 target. Policy suggestions on how to improve on such results are presented at the end of the paper.
Elevation of serum adiponectin in mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate

Abstract Background Adiponectin secreted by adipocytes plays a key role in insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammation, and antiatherosclerosis. It is involved in several conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Glomerular filtration rate is monitored to indicate the kidney function and CKD progression. Objective To assess the serum adiponectin levels in individuals with normal and mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate, analyze the association of serum adiponectin with various physical and biological parameters, and test whether serum adiponectin is the risk factor of mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 172 individuals with 35–60 years of age. Serum samples were collected and divided into two groups, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 90 with normal eGFR (G1, eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 82 with mildly decreased eGFR (G2, eGFR = 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2). Anthropometric data were recorded. Serum adiponectin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum adiponectin levels were significantly increased in individuals with mildly decreased eGFR (G2), compared to G1 (8.23 ± 3.26 µg/mL and 6.57 ± 3.24 µg/mL, respectively; P = 0.001). Serum adiponectin was positively associated with age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but negatively associated with weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and waist and hip circumferences. Univariate analysis showed that serum adiponectin was significantly correlated with mildly decreased eGFR; however, when adjusting for confounding factors, there were no correlations. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis showed that individuals at the age of 46–55 years (4.0; 95% CI: 1.9–8.3) and > 55 years (11.4; 95% CI: 3.7–35.5) were significantly correlated with mildly decreased eGFR. Conclusions Serum adiponectin was significantly elevated in individuals with mildly decreased eGFR and may be a modulation factor, but was not an independent risk factor for mildly kidney damage. Further study is needed to clarify its potential benefits as monitoring biomarker for CKD progression.
Determinants of Export Oriented Entrepreneurs from Southeast Europe Region

Abstract The subject of this research represents analysis of internationalisation activity of early-stage entrepreneurs in South East Europe region (SEE). The goal of this study is to determine characteristics of export oriented entrepreneurs from SEE region through the study of factors influencing international orientation. Geographical area of this research consists of countries from the South East Europe region. The research sample was formed on the basis of GEM - Global Individual Level Data, covering six countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and FYR of Macedonia), 12027 respondents of which 645 export-oriented entrepreneurs were identified. Collected data are processed using the software package for statistical analysis. With the help of Ordinal Logistic regression, significant influence of individual factors on the international orientation of entrepreneurs was identified. Research results showed that entrepreneurial motives, entrepreneurial KSA’s, innovation and new technology have a positive relationship with internationalization activity. One of the significant limitations of this paper is the lower Nagelkerk coefficient, which is characteristic for social phenomena. Bearing in mind the fact that this research trying to explain entrepreneurial behaviour, lower coefficients can be very meaningfull.
Morphological Characteristics and Seed Germination Improvement of Two Ecotypes of Astragalus armatus Willd. subsp. armatus in Algeria

Abstract Astragalus armatus Willd. subsp. armatus is an endemic shrub of the Northern Africa. Its cultivation and domestication are very limited because of difficulty with seed germination and establishment. In this study, we investigated some plant morphological characteristics in real time and in situ (leaves, fruit and seeds) of different ecotypes of A. armatus, collected from two sites in Algeria (Arid Steppe of Aïn Naga and Condorcet Mountain), which elevation and climate data are very different. Moreover, the role played by the seed coat in seed dormancy of these two different populations was tested by the effects of the pretreatment and its duration on the performance of seed germination, by considering the final germination percentage (FGP) and the mean germination time (MGT). These parameters are estimated for 10 days in Petri dishes and stored in darkness at (25°C). Pre-sowing treatments included immersion in concentrated sulphuric acid for 30, 60 and 90 min, and immersion in hot water (100°C) for 10 min. Statistical analysis showed that the treatment and the ecotypes effects on both FGP and MGT were highly significant (p< 0.0001). Untreated seeds of both ecotypes of A. armatus failed to germinate (except for a few of Condorcet Mountain ecotypes). For both populations, the most effective treatment was immersion in sulphuric acid for 60 min for the ecotype of Arid Steppe of Aïn Naga, and only 30 min for Condorcet Mountain. An excellent germinative strength is characterized by a higher FGP and a reduced MGT. The morphological characteristic and seed germination could be attributed to intraspecific variations resulting from the natural selection of the same species.
On the Minimal Adequate Sampling Frequency of the Photoplethysmogram for Pulse Rate Monitoring and Heart Rate Variability Analysis in Mobile and Wearable Technology

Abstract Recently there has been great interest in photoplethysmogram signal processing. However, its minimally necessary sampling frequency for accurate heart rate variability parameters is ambiguous. In the present paper frequency-modulated 1.067 Hz cosine wave modelled the variable PPG in silico. The five-minute-long, 1 ms resolution master-signals were decimated (D) at 2-500 ms, then cubic spline interpolated (I) back to 1 ms resolution. The mean pulse rate, standard deviation, root mean square of successive pulse rate differences (RMSSD), and spectral components were computed by Varian 2.3 and compared to the master-series via relative accuracy error. Also Poincaré-plot morphology was assessed. Mean pulse rate is accurate down to 303 ms (D) and 400 ms (I). In low-variability series standard deviation required at least 5 ms (D) and 100 ms (I). RMSSD needed 10 ms (D), and 303 ms (I) in normal, whereas 2 ms (D) and 100 ms (I) in low- variability series. In the frequency domain 5 ms (D) and 100 ms (I) are required. 2 ms (D) and 100 ms (I) preserved the Poincaré-plot morphology. The minimal sampling frequency of PPG for accurate HRV analysis is higher than expected from the signal bandwidth and sampling theorem. Interpolation improves accuracy. The ratio of sampling error and expected variability should be considered besides the inherent sensitivity of the given parameter, the interpolation technique, and the pulse rate detection method.
Effects of the European Common Agricultural Policy on Preserving Biodiversity: Farmland Birds in Slovenia

Abstract This paper assesses the effects of agricultural payments on changes in farmland bird diversity in Slovenia. Diversity was measured by Shannon index, while the impacts were estimated with the first-difference estimator on panel data for municipalities with and without special protection areas for birds. The effects of agricultural payments on farmland biodiversity require that the balance of financial instruments be taken into account when the agricultural policy is being drafted. The effects of payments in municipalities with and without special protection areas indicate the need to consider the landscape perspective and adapt schemes to landscape type while preparing the national agricultural policy.
Characterization of Novel 8T SRAM with Low Leakage and Optimized Area

Abstract The fast evolution of battery functioned devices has caused approaches for decreasing power consumption in the memories is substantial. In this paper, a new proposal of SRAM with 8 transistors (8T) has been designed and also the cell itself is tested for its unique data overwriting and read propagation delays around 13.33% (read ‘1’) and 3.58% (read ‘0’) less compared to a conventional model. As the technology is attenuating, cell stability and increasing noise margin have become two crucial topics for the design metrics of SRAM, where our proposed cell appears with great stability on low voltage operation. Widespread simulation results authenticate the cogency and competency of the proposed 8T SRAM model using Cadence and 45nm predictive technology model (PTM).