Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioturbation by gophers and marmots and its effects on conifer germination

Although climate has been shown to have a considerable influence on alpine forest dynamics, many fine‐scale processes contribute to observable forest patterns. Disturbances created by burrowing mammals may provide conifer seedlings with refuge in previously inhospitable environments and may result in conifer invasion that is not directly associated with climate change. In Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus) populations have declined. Abandoned marmot burrows, which may provide ideal sites for conifer establishment, now dot the alpine landscape. Similarly, in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) have disturbed large areas of alpine meadows at treeline. Field and laboratory analysis of gopher eskers and spoil mounds of abandoned marmot burrows illustrated that such sites are less compacted than soils in adjacent, undisturbed locations. Additionally, disturbed soils contained higher amounts of phosphorus and lower amounts of potassium and organic matter. Soils disturbed by gophers were cooler at the surface and warmer at depth than undisturbed soils, whereas marmot‐disturbed soils were warmer at the surface and cooler at depth. Experimental seed germination of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) was higher on mammal‐disturbed soils, and this was statistically significant for marmot‐disturbed soils. These findings suggest that fossorial mammal disturbances have the potential to affect conifer germination and establishment. Furthermore, this research initiates the dialogue for future research on the distinct morphological and behavioral influences of different fossorial mammals as zoogeomorphic agents and ecosystem engineers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Components of Growth Performance Traits of Progenies Derived from Crosses of Four Local and Exotic Chickens in Derived Savanna Environment of Nigeria

Background and Objective: The genetic variation and the hybrid vigor can be exploited in animals by crossing of the different important characteristics of each breed and producing superior crosses for better animal performance. Therefore, the study aimed to contribute to the improvement productivity of Nigerian indigenous chickens through crossbreeding strategy in enhancing the growth characteristics between Nigerian indigenous and Rhode Island Red chickens. Materials and Methods: The growth performance characteristics were measured for chickens’ progenies produced from pure and crossbred of Nigerian indigenous chickens and Rhode Island Red birds and data obtained were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance and means separation with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results: The growth performance characteristics were significantly (p<0.05) varied among the genetic components progenies produced and crossbred progenies of naked neck had the heavier body weight, body length, chest girth, keel length, shank length, thigh length, wing length coupled with lower feed intakes, higher weight gain and better FCR. Sex wisely, males of all the genetic components produced were better in terms of growth performance traits. Conclusion: The study concluded that NIC could be used appropriately as sires and exotic chickens as dams best suited for improving the local stocks for growth performance characteristics in the derived savanna environment of Nigeria.
INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT AND IT IMPACT ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCES: AN OVERVIEW

: the modern trends in the development of industrial enterprises are characterized by changes in factors affecting their functioning: innovations and new technologies, increasing competition, changing customer requirements for product quality (the concept of product quality from the perspective of its compliance with customer requirements has developed in market economy). Satisfying the needs of customers is the main objective of any enterprise deepened and stressed in the frame of the “Industry 4.0” concept and the information and communication technologies is one of its main tools
Effect of Tobacco-Smoking on Cognitive Function among Young Adults in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India-A Pilot Study

Introduction: Around 25% of the world's population uses tobacco, with smoking being the most common form. Smoking is linked to long-term health issues, respiratory, cardiovascular, malignancies, neuropsychological dysfunction, and increased risk of depression and cognitive decline. The study aimed to compare non-smokers and tobacco smokers to assess cognitive function impact, hypothesizing smokers have poorer cognitive function. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 50 young adults, 25 smokers and 25 non-smokers, in a psychiatry outpatient department at AIIMS Bathinda, Punjab, India. Participants were healthy individuals, without serious medical conditions, drug dependence, or significant brain trauma. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Cognitive functions were assessed using Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) (7.1 version) and Fagerstrom Test was used to assess severity of Nicotine dependence among smokers. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Sample consisted of 25 male smokers and 25 non-smokers, with 64% aged 22-24 years. Both groups were comparable in in terms of age, education and socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant difference in cognitive function (MoCA) across demographic profile of subjects. In comparison to tobacco smokers, non-users had a higher mean MoCA score (22.12 vs. 22.08). Abstraction and recall were significantly impaired (p values 0.048 and 0.007, respectively) in tobacco smokers. There was a significant association between cognitive function (MoCA) and nicotine dependency severity (Fagerstorm Test; p=0.026) among tobacco users. Conclusion: Tobacco smoking increases the risk of neurocognitive impairment, in young adults. The degree of smoking has an adverse effect on individuals' cognitive performance. Implications: Young adults frequently use tobacco, especially in the form of smoking. Smoking tobacco is thought to enhance performance and attention. However, the current study discovered that it was linked to diminished cognitive function in the areas of recall and attention. Additionally, smokers' cognition is considerably impaired due to the severity of their nicotine dependence. The study implies that in order to understand the relationship between tobacco smoking and cognitive functions, large-scale, prospective investigations are necessary. Additionally, including radiological evaluation of brain functions using functional MRI may provide clearer evidence of the areas of the brain affected by tobacco use.
Association of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines with retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants

Introduction Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular developmental disease associated with risks factors such as supplementary oxygen use or low birth weight/early gestational age. Multiple studies have reported associations between ROP and systemic inflammation. In this study, we investigated serum cytokines associated with ROP development and severity and assessed their applicability as potential biomarkers of ROP. Methods This prospective study was conducted at an institutional referral center between 2019 and 2021. To measure the serum levels of 40 inflammatory cytokines in eligible premature patients, we collected their serum samples during the enrollment of patients or the intravitreal injection of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and after 2 and 4 weeks. Results Fifty patients were enrolled. In patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-VEGF agents (n = 22), the levels of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks compared with the baseline level, whereas those of serum granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased significantly (p < 0.05). In patients with ROP who did not require any treatment (n = 14), no significant change was noted in the level of any of the 40 inflammatory cytokines. In control infants without ROP (n = 14), the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-15, and IL-12p40 increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks. The changes in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines did not vary significantly among the aforementioned three groups. A generalized estimating equation indicated that zone 1 ROP, stage 3 ROP, older postmenstrual age, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were associated with the changes in serum cytokine levels. Conclusions Although significant changes (compared with baseline) were observed in the serum levels of certain inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 1 ROP and infants without ROP, no significant difference in cytokine level fluctuations were noted among the three groups. Changes in serum inflammatory cytokine levels may not predict ROP development or severity. Additional comprehensive studies are warranted to establish their definitive role and significance in ROP, emphasizing the need for continued research in this area.
Basketmaker II Warfare and Fending Sticks in the North American Southwest

Direct physical evidence and rock art, including head skin trophies, indicate that violence linked to warfare was prevalent among the preceramic farmers of the North American Southwest known as Basketmakers. The degree of intergroup conflict indicates that Basketmakers may have needed defense against atlatl darts. In the early 1900s archaeologists suggested that distinctive wooden artifacts served this purpose. Despite resembling Puebloan rabbit sticks, the first to report these S-shaped and flattened sticks with longitudinal facial grooves thought that hunting was not their purpose. Yet the sticks appear singularly inadequate for the task of atlatl dart defense. I evaluate the suggested function of these artifacts and their relationship to warfare in Basketmaker II society. I consider multiple lines of evidence to analyze stick function: ethnography, experiments, use-wear, bioarchaeological markers of violence, and prehistoric art. I conducted a detailed analysis of almost 500 prehistoric flat curved sticks and radiocarbon dated 63 of them. Some of the documented variation in this artifact class is geographically patterned, likely based on learning networks, but dating reveals that much of it is linked to an evident shift in tool function. The sticks become more like ethnographic rabbit sticks through time and exhibit a corresponding increase in traces of such a use. Yet, there are those with damage that seems indicative of atlatl dart
Comparison of Two Strategies for Hypercholesterolemia Detection through Point-of-Care Testing

Background: Childhood dyslipidemia is a common condition that can lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. It is usually multifactorial. Screening for cholesterol disorders in children varies based on risk factors, with some guidelines recommending cascade screening for children with a clear family history of familial hypercholesterolemia, targeted screening for those with specific risk factors, and universal screening. Point-of-care testing (POCT) cholesterol tests offer potential advantages, including ease of use, portability, increased patient access, low cost, fewer medical or laboratory visits, and instant results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of POCT cholesterol screening on the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia in children in a family practice setting. Methods: We used a POCT cholesterol analyzer to perform two different (universal and targeted) screening approaches for dyslipidemia in children. We used the NCEP guidelines for the classification of the results. Results: We screened 183 children, 105 in the universal screening group and 78 in the targeted screening group. Eight patients in the targeted screening group had elevated cholesterol levels (p = 0.02). Conclusions: All participants received instant feedback and recommendations. Using a targeted screening approach, POCT could be a practical and effective tool for identifying at-risk children with hypercholesterolemia.
Can the Initial Parameters of Functional Scales Predict Recovery in Patients with Complete Spinal Cord Injury? A Retrospective Cohort Study

Regaining greater independence in performing daily activities constitutes a priority for people with tetraplegia following spinal cord injury (SCI). The highest expectations are connected with the improvement of hand function. Therefore, it is so important for the clinician to identify reliable and commonly applicable prognostic factors for functional improvement. The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis to assess the impact of initial functional factors on the clinical improvement in patients during early neurological rehabilitation (ENR). This study assessed 38 patients with complete SCI aged 17–78 who underwent ENR in 2012–2022. The analysis included the motor score from the AIS (MS), the Barthel Index (BI) and the SCIM scale values at the beginning of the ENR program and after its completion. During ENR, patients achieved a statistically significant improvement in MS, BI and SCIM. The initial MS and the level of neurological injury constituted the predictors of functional improvement during ENR. Significant statistical relationships were observed primarily in the correlations between the initial MS and BI, and the increase in the analyzed functional scales of SCI patients. Higher initial MS may increase the chances of a greater and faster functional improvement during ENR.
Body mass index and physical fitness level of elementary school students

The fitness condition of elementary school students is of particular concern in general, as today's technological advances and sedentary lifestyles greatly affect body mass index and physical fitness. This study aimed to determine the body mass index and physical fitness of elementary school students aged 10–12 years. The research method used in this study is a survey with a test approach and measurement of body condition. The subjects of this study used a population sampling technique by taking 1115 students from elementary schools in Kediri City and Regency. Research instruments used in the 2010 Indonesian Physical Fitness Test for children aged 10–12 years with 5 tests, namely 40 metres of running, bent elbow hanging test, sit-up test, upright jump test, vertical jump test, and 600-metre running test Measurement of body mass index (BMI) criteria in children aged 5–18 years based on height and weight owned by students The results of this study showed that male and female students in elementary schools in Kediri City and Regency got the results of the Body Mass Index (BMI) with a normal classification. The physical fitness results of male students in elementary schools in Kediri City and Regency show physical fitness results owned by sons with good classification. The physical fitness results of female students in elementary schools in Kediri City and Regency showed that most classifications were average. This study concludes that BMI and physical fitness must be maintained and improved. In the future, based on the results of this research, policies and methods will be needed so that BMI and student fitness will be even better.
Learning from failures in knowledge exchange and turning them into successes

While the evidence base on successful practices in knowledge exchange is rapidly growing, much less attention has been given in the academic literature to documenting and reflecting on failures in trying to exchange different types of evidence between academics, practice partners and policymakers. However, learning from failures is just as important, if not more crucial, than celebrating successes. Therefore, in this introduction to the special issue on learning from failures in knowledge exchange, we discuss crosscutting themes across the seven papers. We start by comparing and theorising different definitions of failures, and by exploring the relational barriers and structural stressors underlying these failures. We argue for the creation of a ‘failure culture’ in organisations, in which failures are no longer avoided but actively encouraged. To turn failures into successes, we identify a need for more sharing and publishing of failures, early engagement with stakeholders in the knowledge exchange process, and illustrate the importance of boundary spanners. We conclude with recommendations for future work, related to promising theoretical approaches, such as system thinking, the re-addressing of power imbalances through leadership, and highlight art-based approaches as a mechanism for rebalancing power.
New species of Afroptilum (Baetidae, Ephemeroptera) from West Africa

Quatre nouvelles especes du genre Afroptilum Gillies provenant d'Afrique de l'Ouest sont decrites. Parmi ces especes, trois appartiennent au groupe «tarsale» alors que la derniere, A. plumosum, caracterisee par l'absence d'aile posterieure chez le mâle imago, est placee dans le groupe «dimorphicum». La suture tibio-patellaire est absente sur les pattes anterieures des larves des quatre especes d'Afroptilum etudiees, ce qui permet de les differencier du genre Centroptilum Ealon.
The progress of optional targets and approaches to enhance efficacy of CAR-T for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes the majority of pancreatic cancer which is one of the most lethal cancers all over the world. Due to the malignancy of PDAC with concealed property, the treatment choices were limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) were applied to treat PDAC in clinical and preclinical trials to offer more opportunities. The burdens of CAR-T for PDAC such as tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and off-tumor toxicity are being strived to address. Novel targets of CAR-T cells with multiple targeting, new designs of CAR and combination therapies give the treatment more options and possibility, which may contribute to improvement of CAR-T therapy for PDAC.
Utilising the Potential of Bacillus stratosphericus MKS for Managing Arsenic Contamination of Soil: A Feasible and Sustainable Approach

: In the soil of Bihar (latitudes N25-40.997' and E84-52.288'), a new type of bacteria resistant to arsenic was found. Bacillus stratosphericus was identified as the isolate using phylogenetic analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing. The isolated strain was also registered as Bacillus stratosphericus MKS under accession numbers OM841514, according to IMTECH, Chandigarh. The isolated strain can eliminate 99.9% of arsenate at 50 mM As(V) concentrations and 90% of Arsenite at 2 mM As (III) concentrations, according to the batch experiment's impressive results. The strain's ability to withstand high arsenite and arsenate concentrations, with minimum inhibitory values of 10 mM and 250 mM, respectively, is also noteworthy. A bacterium species called Bacillus stratosphericus is well known for its capacity to endure harsh conditions like the stratosphere. It may have evolved special adaptations to deal with this deadly metalloid given that it was discovered in soil that was contaminated with arsenic. In conclusion, this work offers insightful information about the possible application of Bacillus stratosphericus MKS for arsenic remediation in contaminated areas. As well as examining the underlying processes of this strain's tolerance to arsenic, future studies might concentrate on improving the circumstances for its growth and elimination of arsenic.
Analysis of Cogging Torque of Permanent Magnet Motors Under Mixed-Eccentricity and Manufacturing Tolerances

The rotor eccentricity and manufacturing tolerances caused by unavoidable uncertainties in the process of manufacturing deteriorate the cogging torque of permanent magnet (PM) motors. To guide the design and optimization of PM motors, this paper proposes an analytical model to reveal the effects of mixed-eccentricity (ME) and manufacturing tolerances on the harmonic components of cogging torque. A coefficient is introduced to intuitively characterize the impact of ME on the distribution of the air-gap length. Then a modified analytical model is developed to theoretically identify the additional harmonic components (AHCs) of cogging torque associated with the eccentricity and tolerances. And the main AHCs of cogging torque are quantitatively determined through the finite element method. Finally, suggestions to improve the robustness considering uncertainties by selecting pole/slot combination and pole-arc ratio are proposed.
Impairments in psychological functioning in refugees and asylum seekers

Refugees are at increased risk for developing psychological impairments due to stressors in the pre-, peri- and post-migration periods. There is limited knowledge on how everyday functioning is affected by migration experience. In a secondary analysis of a study in a sample of refugees and asylum seekers, it was examined how aspects of psychological functioning were differentially affected. 1,101 eligible refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and Türkiye were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Gender, age, education, number of relatives and children living nearby, as well as indicators for depressive and posttraumatic symptoms, quality of life, psychological well-being and functioning, and lifetime potentially traumatic events were assessed. Correlations and multiple regression models with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version’s total and six subdomains’ scores (‘mobility’, ‘life activities’, ‘cognition’, ‘participation’, ‘self-care’, ‘getting along’) as dependent variables were calculated. Tests for multicollinearity and Bonferroni correction were applied. Participants reported highest levels of impairment in ‘mobility’ and ‘participation’, followed by ‘life activities’ and ‘cognition’. Depression and posttraumatic symptoms were independently associated with overall psychological functioning and all subdomains. History of violence and abuse seemed to predict higher impairment in ‘participation’, while past events of being close to death were associated with fewer issues with ‘self-care’. Impairment in psychological functioning in asylum seekers and refugees was related to current psychological symptoms. Mobility and participation issues may explain difficulties arising after resettlement in integration and exchange with host communities in new contexts.