Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extreme levels of hunting of birds in a remote village of Hainan Island, China

Summary In China, many bird species are generally thought to be threatened mainly, or at least partly, by hunting. However, there have been few studies of bird hunting at a local scale. Bird hunting and trade in Nanmao, a remote mountainous village of Hainan Island, China, was investigated during March–July 2003 and September–October 2005. In total, 86 households were visited, of which 43% reported that they engaged in hunting of birds while 91% of households were seen to have hunted birds or hunting tools. This indicated that hunting by village people was widespread. Most hunters were male, and were between 12 and 68 years old. A total of 78 bird species were hunted, including 2 First Class and 19 Second Class national protected species. This extreme level of hunting has changed from a more moderate subsistence hunting tradition since about 1980, when local urban markets for wild meat started to develop. We outline a strategic plan designed to conserve birds, other wildlife and their forest habitats, whilst improving the livelihoods and preserving the minority tribal traditions of the people of Nanmao forest.
Does the Covid-19 Pandemic Improve Global Air Quality? New Cross-National Evidence on its Unintended Consequences

Despite a growing literature on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, scant evidence currently exists on its impacts on air quality. We offer the first study that provides cross-national evidence on the causal impacts of COVID-19 on air pollution. We assemble a rich database consisting of daily, sub-national level data of air quality for 178 countries before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, and investigate their impacts on air quality using a Regression Discontinuity Design approach.We find the lockdowns to result in significant decreases in global air pollution. These results are consistent across measures of air quality and data sources and robust to various model specifications. Some limited evidence also emerges that countries with a higher share of manufacturing in the economy or with an initial lower level of air pollution witness more reduced air pollution after the lockdowns;but the opposite result holds for countries near the equator. We also find that mobility restrictions following the lockdowns is a possible explanation for improved air quality.
Sponges as a source of dissolved inorganic nitrogen: Nitrification mediated by temperate sponges

We evaluated rates of carbon and nitrogen ingestion from particulate organic matter and dissolved inorganic nitrogen excretion by six common sponge species from Mediterranean sublittoral rocky bottom habitats. Clearance rates varied from 4 cm3 dry weight (dry wt)−1 min−1 to 41 cm3 dry weight (dry wt)−1 min−1, depending on cell type and sponge species. Carbon and nitrogen ingestion rates of picoplankton by the different sponges ranged from 0.17 µg C g dry wt−1 min−1 to 1.5 µg C g dry wt−1 min−1 and 2 nmol N g dry wt−1 min−1 to 13 nmol N g dry wt−1 min−1. Although excretion compounds and rates varied between sponge species, most of the species exhibited the ability to excrete significant amounts of nitrate with nitrification rates of 3–13 nmol N g dry wt−1 min−1. Only one species (Dysidea avara) excreted a significant amount of ammonium. This is the first account of nitrification by temperate sponges. Particulate nitrogen ingestion and dissolved inorganic nitrogen excretion did not balance in most cases, suggesting that Mediterranean sponges may be using alternative sources of organic nitrogen. Sponge activity could have a relevant role in remineralization of organic nitrogen in oligotrophic marine coastal zones.
Pattern and Age Distribution of Leukemia in Sudan-Retrospective Analysis

Low income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing a rapidly growing cancer burden, and leukemia account for 6.9% of death rate from cancer in the region. So far there are no comprehensive descriptions reporting of diagnosed leukemia in Sudan. This is a hospital based retrospective descriptive study (RICK) from 2009 till 2013. The main aim of this study is to reflect the burden of hematological cancer and the epidemiological data based on the demographic characteristic (age, sex, and frequency of hematological cancer). Morphological typing was done according to FAB classification. Result reveal total of 2535 registered patients aged between 1 to 97 years had been diagnosed with malignant hematological disorder (Leukemia). A 58.1% were male (n=1474) and 41.9% (n=1061) were female with male to female ratio of 1.3 to 1.0. The overall mean age at diagnosis was 40 years. Chronic myeloid leukemia was the most frequent (32.3%) with the mean age of 44.5 years followed by AML 42.8% mean age of 35.1 years, ALL represent 21.1% with the mean age 19.3 while CLL 21.7% with mean age 60.8. This study presents the pattern and distribution of leukemia. It shows the differences in the population as compared to other settings with lower prevalence of CLL and ALL, women might be under reported. Further genetic and epidemiological study is highly recommended.
EFFECT OF FLOW PROFILE ON THE INTRINSIC THERMO- ACOUSTIC OSCILLATIONS WITH THE PRESENCE OF EN-

Recent study [Zhao et al., 2016] gave a simplified low-Mach-number model to analyse effects of mean flow and temperature ratio on the critical gain of intrinsic thermoacoustic modes. This paper tries to relax the constraint of low Mach assumption based on the entropy-involved energy measure method. Stabilities of intrinsic thermoacoustic modes are parametrically analysed under the effects of Mach number and temperature ratio. Meanwhile theoretical relations among flow velocity ratio, Mach number and temperature ratio are established. Furthermore, physical analysis of energy measure method is processed, which shows the vanishment of energy oscillation in the analysis of intrinsic thermoacoustic modes can give similar result. With such assumption, another deduction process, which is based on transfer matrix method, is presented and gives identical formulation by entropy energy measure method.
Interactions between Callitris above-ground biomass, species density and plant form in north-eastern New South Wales

Dense Callitris endlicheri (Parl.) F.M. Bailey (black cypress pine) and C. glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L.A. S.Johnson (white cypress pine) stands are often viewed as problematic and thinning is often encouraged from a biodiversity perspective. In the present investigation, canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs) of 997 survey sites were undertaken within the public and private reserve network that contains a variety of above-ground biomass (AGB) of C. endlicheri and C. glaucophylla (as measured by diameter at breast height (DBH) and dispersion) and the evenness of the species distribution was undertaken. This was done to further dissect the effect of Callitris AGB on species density (richness per quadrat) of native and introduced species and on broad life-form groupings. Other landscape features such as altitude, physiography, drainage and soil depth were also included in analyses. C. endlicheri and C. glaucophylla grow in different biophysical locations in most instances and this was reflected in the results of the study. No level of AGB or clumping of C. endlicheri was found to affect species density of native or introduced taxa or the distribution of life-forms. Increasing AGB of C. glaucophylla had a positive effect on native species density. The species density of introduced taxa was also increased with an increase in C. glaucophylla AGB. The distribution of life-forms was significantly affected by an increase in Callitris AGB with a decrease in trees, shrubby taxa and hemi-parasites, although herbaceous species had a concomitant increase in number. There is no reason to thin dense Callitris stands to increase local species richness. However, because the distribution of life-form types is significantly affected by C. glaucophylla, there is a need to understand what is occurring in species replacements and what landscape mosaic of structural types is required for this species. It is likely that dense stands of Callitris are important, along with a variety of stand densities so as to maintain the highest regional diversity.
Neurofunctional Correlates of Theory of Mind Deficits in Schizophrenia

Theory of Mind, the ability to understand the potential mental states and intentions of others, represents a relevant aspect of social cognition, with high impact on the capacity to interact within the social world. This very human ability has been one of the focuses of neuroscience research in the past decades and data from neuroimaging studies allowed to identify a Theory of Mind network and to formulate a neurobiological model. Concurrent neuropsychiatric studies showed that Theory of Mind is differently impaired in several conditions, among these, in schizophrenia, a disease characterized by functional and social disability. This paper addresses the issue of neurofunctional correlates of Theory of Mind deficits in schizophrenia, reviewing functional imaging studies of the past ten years comparing schizophrenia patients to healthy controls. Several differences in hemodynamic response between patients and controls were observed in the areas known to be critically involved in social cognition, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex surrounding superior temporal sulcus and temporo-parietal junction and cingulate cortex. Results are promising, however they are still heterogeneous. The reported variability could depend on factors related to the construct of Theory of Mind itself, technical aspects and psychopathological/physiopathological mechanisms and needs to be further addressed by future studies.
An EcosimPro Model of a Power Processing Unit for a Low Power Hall Effect Thruster

CIRA has recently launched the IMP-EP project, aiming at improving the design, diagnostics and testing capabilities on Electric Propulsion issues. In particular, the Hall Effect thruster technology has been chosen and an engine, belonging to 250Wclass is currently under development. In this view, preliminary studies on the Power Processing Unit have been started. This paper describes a simplified model of a Power Processing Unit, for a Hall Effect Thruster, implemented in the EcosimPro modelling environment. The model concerns the power converters of the three channels for the thruster operation, along with their respective control systems as well as their proper modulators. The model has been tested by attaching it to a steady state representation of the thruster, to reproduce proper power consumption for each
Anti-Mullerian Hormone: Establishing the Ovarian Reserve Range with Age in Rivers State Women, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: The measurement of circulating anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the plasma of adult women has been used as a tool in the assessment of ovarian reserve. This is based on its ability to reflect the number of growing follicles in the ovaries and knowing the level of AMH in a woman’s blood is generally a good indicator of her ovarian reserve and this can be achieved by making reference to a decision values. Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the level of this hormone in normal, apparently healthy subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria with respect to age. The percentage of women, at their reproductive age with infertility problems in the state is in the increase and the essence was to establish a reference range for the hormone because of its clinical application in women fertility. Materials/method: A total of one thousand and sixty two apparently healthy women divided into four age groups were recruited for this study; this comprised of 300 each in age group of 20 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 respectively and 162 in 51 - 60 years age group from May 2014 to June 2017. They were randomly selected after filling a questionnaire form that has the information of age, tribe, last date of menses and whether on medication for any infertility problems. Excluded from the study were subjects identified with different endocrine dysfunction and/or on drugs for different types of anovulatory dysfunction. The Enzyme linked Immunoassay method was used in the measurement of the AMH. Results: The result from the measurement of plasma AMH levels showed a Mean ± SD value of 3.193 ± 0.943, 1.644 ± 0.691, 0.516 ± 0.276 and 0.135 ± 0.081 ng/ml respectively for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th age groups respectively. The mean value for the AMH decreases with increasing age and was statistically significant at the different age group levels (P < 0.05). The distribution pattern of the AMH, showed that a greater percentage of the women, about 46%, in age group 41 - 50 and 51 - 60 had a significant reduced level of the hormone from the group mean value, when compared with age group 20 - 30 and 31 - 40 years with about 15%. Conclusion: The reference, established range for the AMH (that is, 95% prediction interval), with respect to age in Rivers State women of Niger Delta region, Nigeria is as follows: −2.250 - 4.136; 0.953 - 2.350; 0.240 - 0.792 and 0.054 - 0.216 respectively for the age groups. This study summarizes the findings concerning AMH and its role as a marker for the quantitative aspect of ovarian reserve, ovarian aging, as well as ovarian dysfunction in this region of the country.
Twenty-Five Years after Beasley and Ting: Revealing Fundamental Properties of Fiber-Growth with Cotton Ovule Cultures

Since the initial description of culture conditions for growing fiber in vitro by Beasley and Ting in 1973 many laboratories, including the Cotton Fiber Bioscience Research Unit, have used cotton ovule cultures to answer questions about fiber development. Fiber growth on developmental mutants cultured in vitro was similar to patterns seen in planta, however subtle differences in the production of cell wall polymers were detected by gel permeation chromatography of cultured fibers compared with in planta fibers. Fiber cells from cotton ovule cultures proved to be exceptional starting material for isolating cytoskeletons from plant cells for biochemical characterization. Adding alpha-amanitin to ovule cultures inhibited the normal progression of fiber development depending on when the transcription inhibitor was added. The inhibition was reversible during the early stages of fiber initiation and cell elongation, but irreversible if ovules were left in contact with alpha-amanitin for greater than five days. This observation suggests that there is a window of opportunity for fiber cell initials to develop into elongated fiber cells. If fiber cells do not differentiate within 4-6 days post-anthesis, fibers lose their capacity to differentiate. Current research is directed toward showing that the same mechanisms leading to the loss in capacity to differentiate operate to regulate gene expression during fiber development. Our laboratory is also developing conditions that will be suitable for growing cotton ovule cultures aboard the International Space Station to monitor the effects of microgravity on fiber gene expression and cell wall structure.
Modelling the convective flow in solar thermal receivers

The natural convective flow inside a concentrating solar thermal cavity receiver is studied experimentally. The convective flow is driven by buoyancy forces and leads to heat losses. An experimental investigation of the flow inside a receiver was carried out using density differences produced using the varying salt concentrations in a water tank. The flow was visualised for a range of cavity receiver orientations 0° (horizontal) to 90°(downwards) and Flux Grashof numbers 7x10 to 10. The results show a circulatory flow develops as ambient fluids enters, rise through ‘heating’ and exits the cavity. A stagnant volume at the top of the cavity forms as the inclination increases from 0°. When the inclination reaches 90°, the stagnant volume fills the entire cavity and convective heat losses minimised. The flows observed inside the model cavity receiver are laminar over the range of Flux Grashof numbers applicable to actual receivers (of order 10) are laminar. However, the transition to turbulent flow, which leads to greater heat losses, is also observed for Flux Grashof numbers of order 10.
Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of sugar and sugar alcohols by vanadium pentoxide.

The kinetics of oxidation of sugars and sugar alcohols by vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in acidic medium have been investigated spectrophotometrically under pseudo-first order conditions and over a wide range of experimental conditions. Each reaction was first order with respect to the substrate and oxidant.The kinetic data for the oxidation by V2O5 solution showed that increase in temperature and sugar concentration increased the rate of the reactions. It was also observed that with increase in pH and KNO3 concentration, the reaction rate decreased with increase in V2O5 concentration with the exception of fructose which showed significant increase in reaction rates. The mechanism of these reactions involved the formation of a 1:1 intermediate complex. The order of reactivities of the sugars was Maltose > Fructose > Sucrose > Glucose > Sorbitol >Mannitol.
Reproductive biology and population parameters of Petrolisthes laevigatus (Anomura: Porcellanidae) in southern Chile: consequences on recruitment

The present study describes the reproductive cycle and population structure of the intertidal crab Petrolisthes laevigatus, an abundant inhabitant of the upper rocky intertidal zone, as well as the relationship between seasonal patterns in the release of its planktonic larvae and recruiting. A total of 22900 individuals was collected along the coast of southern Chile between May 2001 and March 2003.The structure and density of the adult population (males and females) was relatively constant throughout the study period, although seasonal variations were observed in these two parameters of the benthic population (males, females, juveniles and megalopae), principally due to the incorporation of new individuals (recruitment) into the intertidal zone. Petrolisthes laevigatus presented a prolonged reproductive period. Females with initial eggs were present from the end of summer through to the middle of the following summer (11 months) and the breeding season lasted seven months (from August to February), as reflected in the six months of intertidal settlement (October–March). The interannual patterns and variations observed in the settlement along the southern Chilean coastline were related to the patterns in the abundance of potential released planktonic larvae. Petrolisthes laevigatus, unlike most temperate species, has a broad reproductive and settlement period in the south of Chile, which allows a highly stable structure and population abundance in this intertidal zone.
Relationship between Latent Aggression, Inflated Responsibility, Guilt Feeling and Reaction Formation with Severity of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

Article history: Received: 22 Oct 2011 Accepted: 23 Nov 2011 Available online: 16 Oct 2012 Background: This research aims to study previous findings about interpersonal ambivalence in people with obsessive compulsive disorders that shows itself as hidden aggression, excessive responsibility, feelings of guilt, and reverse reaction formations. Materials and Methods: In this correlational study, 60 individuals (33 women and 27 men) with obsessive-compulsive disorders who were referred to psychologists' offices and clinics of the city of Shiraz were selected through available sampling. Participants completed the Padua Inventory, Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Inventory, the Responsibility Attitude Scale, the Guilt Inventory, and the Defense Mechanisms Inventory. SPSS-16 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that the Pearson correlation coefficient was significant between excessive responsibility, hidden aggression, feelings of guilt, and reverse reaction formations with the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Based on the results of the regression analysis, feelings of guilt were the strongest predictor of obsessivecompulsive symptoms (β=0.388). Also, the results of path analysis suggest that hidden aggression had predicted feelings of guilt (β=0.47), which was also a predictor of excessive responsibility (β=0.30). Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that a high interpersonal ambivalence exists among people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Therefore, this structure has the eligibility to be considered in research, especially in the treatment. Copyright © 2012 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Positive Airway Pressure: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and GRADE Assessment.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this systematic review is to provide supporting evidence for the clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults using positive airway pressure (PAP). METHODS The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that compared the use of PAP with no treatment as well as studies that compared different PAP modalities. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of using PAP in several modalities (ie, continuous PAP, auto-adjusting PAP, and bilevel PAP), to treat OSA in adults. In addition, meta-analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of using an in-laboratory versus ambulatory strategy for the initiation of PAP, educational and behavioral interventions, telemonitoring, humidification, different mask interfaces, and flexible or modified pressure profile PAP in conjunction with PAP to treat OSA in adults. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence for making recommendations. RESULTS The literature search resulted in 336 studies that met inclusion criteria; 184 studies provided data suitable for meta-analyses. The data demonstrated that PAP compared to no treatment results in a clinically significant reduction in disease severity, sleepiness, blood pressure, and motor vehicle accidents, and improvement in sleep-related quality of life in adults with OSA. In addition, the initiation of PAP in the home demonstrated equivalent effects on patient outcomes when compared to an in-laboratory titration approach. The data also demonstrated that the use of auto-adjusting or bilevel PAP did not result in clinically significant differences in patient outcomes compared with standard continuous PAP. Furthermore, data demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in PAP adherence with the use of educational, behavioral, troubleshooting, and telemonitoring interventions. Systematic reviews for specific PAP delivery method were also performed and suggested that nasal interfaces compared to oronasal interfaces have improved adherence and slightly greater reductions in OSA severity, heated humidification compared to no humidification reduces some continuous PAP-related side effects, and pressure profile PAP did not result in clinically significant differences in patient outcomes compared with standard continuous PAP.