Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal and geographic origin effects on cold hardiness of white spruce buds, foliage, and stems

Cold hardiness of dormant vegetative buds from white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) trees originating from throughout the species' North American range was measured by differential thermal analysis between August and April at Vernon, B.C. Buds were least hardy in early fall (low temperature exotherm −12 to −25 °C) and most hardy midwinter (low temperature exotherms −20 to −34 °C). Buds of northerly origin trees were more hardy in early fall (September–October) than buds of more southerly origin trees. Similar results were observed for foliage and stem tissue in early fall using electrolyte leakage measurements following −16 °C freezing.
Effectiveness of Video Recording and Self-Evaluation for Skill Training in Undergraduate Nursing Education

Background/Objectives: In present nursing education, educators worked to apply new educational strategies that made use of technological development. Evidence emerged for the effectiveness of video-recording and self-evaluating to motivate students’ self-directed learning.Method/Statistical Analysis: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a skill-training program using video recording and self-evaluation. A quasi-experimental design was used such that 43 students were allocated into experimental (n = 22) and control groups (n = 21). Prior to the intervention, confidence to practice and problem-solving ability were assessed and actual performance of each core nursing skill added to the post experimental evaluation. For statistical data analysis, paired t-test, independent t-test, X2-test/Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were conducted. SPSS was used and statistical significance was determined at the p < . 05 level.Findings: Comparing posttest scores, study results showed statistically significantly better performance in nursing skills (p< .001) and confidence to practice (t = 2.95, p = .003) in the experimental group. The change of scores in the experimental group on confidence to practice statistically significantly improved in the experimental group compared to changed scores in the control group. No statistically significant difference emerged in problem-solving ability.Improvements/Applications: Based on the study findings, video recording and self-evaluation provided effective training on core nursing skills. However, caution is needed as no clear evidence emerged for problem solving, which is a critical element in nursing education. Thus, we recommend the use of these strategies as a supplement to clinical placement. Future interventions need to provide additional strategies with robust study designs using randomized controlled trials.
Teaching quality: The satisfaction of university students with their professors

Desde hace casi un siglo la preocupación de las universidades sobre la satisfacción de los estudiantes con la calidad de la docencia recibida se ha ido incrementando. La revisión de la literatura permite clasificar los atributos de una docencia de calidad en tres grandes tipos de competencias: pedagógicas, genéricas y disciplinares. El objetivo de este trabajo es señalar las variables, que a juicio de los estudiantes, más influyen en la satisfacción del alumnado con la calidad de la docencia. Los participantes fueron 476 estudiantes del grado de Administración y Dirección de Empresas de la Universidad Castilla La Mancha. Se utilizó un cuestionario construido ad hoc para valorar la satisfacción de los estudiantes con la docencia. Se utilizaron pruebas paramétricas (Análisis de Regresión Logística) y no paramétricas (árbol de decisión). Nuestros datos indican que si el profesor explica con claridad, se preocupa por averiguar si los conceptos explicados han sido entendidos y prepara sus clases la valoración sobre la calidad de su docencia será muy satisfactoria. El identificar los atributos de una docencia de calidad permitirá a las universidades elaborar planes de formación inicial y permanente de su profesorado teniendo presente el papel crucial que juegan las competencias genéricas, pedagógicas y disciplinares en la interacción profesor-estudiante. For almost a century now, the concern of universities about student satisfaction with teaching quality has been increasing. A literature review has enabled the attributes of quality teaching to be classified into three main types: pedagogical, generic, and disciplinary. The aim of this paper is to identify the variables that, in the opinion of students, most influence student satisfaction regarding teaching quality. A total of 476 undergraduate students participated from Business Administration and Management of the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). An ad hoc questionnaire was used to assess student satisfaction with teaching. Parametric (Logistic Regression Analysis) and non-parametric (Decision Tree) models were used. Our data indicate that if the professor explains the subject clearly, is concerned to find out whether the explanations have been understood, and carefully prepares the classes; the teaching-quality assessment will be very satisfactory. The identification of the attributes of quality teaching will enable universities to draw up initial and ongoing training plans for their teaching staff, bearing in mind the crucial role played by generic, pedagogical, and disciplinary competences in professor-student interaction.
The Effect of New Nurse’s Peer Satisfaction and Educational Satisfaction on Clinical Performance

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analysis the effects of peer satisfaction and educational satisfaction to nurses’ clinical performance.Methods/Statistical analysis: The subjects of this study were 162 nurses who understood the purpose of the study and agreed to voluntarily participate in the study. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression analysis using the IBM SPSS 25.0 program.Findings: The results showed that peer satisfaction and education satisfaction were significant factors, and their explanatory power was 27.5% (F = 6.08, p <.001). Improvements/Applications: In order to improve the clinical performance of new nurses, education programs considering the impact factors are needed. This study can be used as the evidence.
Evolution and Development of the Spikelet and Flower of Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae)

Premise of research. Rhynchospora, one of the biggest genera of sedges, displays several spikelet and flower modifications and is one of a few genera where the pollination strategy changes from wind to insect pollination; however, the mechanisms that have promoted such diversity in the genus are unknown. We have performed a comparative study of spikelet and flower development of Rhynchospora from an evolutionary perspective to get insight into the bases of spikelet and flower evolution. Particularly, we investigate correlations between the change from wind to insect pollination that occur in the genus and the spikelet and flower traits. Methodology. The spikelet and flower development of nine species of Rhynchospora were studied using SEM images. Parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian reconstruction analyses were conducted to evaluate the evolutionary history of flower and spikelet developmental programs. Pivotal results. We identified seven morphological and developmental traits that vary among Rhynchospora species; ancestral character reconstructions show that the spikelet and flower morphology and their developmental pathways support the diversification of Rhynchospora lineages. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the evolution of spikelet and flower developmental programs in Rhynchospora may be related to the evolution of its pollination type and mating system. The evolution toward a bisexual spikelet and flowers in which the androecium develops faster than the gynoecium may represent important steps for the transition from a wind- to insect-pollination system. In addition, we found new traits of spikelets and flowers that may help to distinguish natural groups within Rhynchospora.
Ecophysiological aspects of nectar reabsorption

A number of approaches, both direct and indirect, have shown that nectar is reabsorbed by numerous plant species, irrespective of the age or sex of the flower. Furthermore, reabsorption occurs regardless of whether or not the flower has been pollinated. Reabsorption helps to maintain concentration of nectar and their viscosity and thereby encourages continued visits by pollinators. Conversely, the capacity to vary concentration of nectar sugars may confer evolutionary advantage by encouraging visits by more than one kind of pollinator and this is particularly important in regions where there is a paucity of pollinators. A further important role of nectar reabsorption is the maintenance of the energy equilibrium of the plant. A number of studies have shown that nectar production involves considerable energy expenditure requiring as much as 37% of the plant's daily production of energy by photosynthesis. The increased metabolic costs incurred by the plant during nectar production and secretion can reduce its growth and reproduction during the following season. Reabsorption of nectar that has not been collected by pollinators enables the plant to conserve at least some of the energy reserved for the secretion of nectar. Sugars reabsorbed from nectar can be re-used for the development of fruit and ovules - processes which demand large quantities of sugar. Despite convincing evidence for the reabsorption of nectar, few detailed studies have addressed the transport and incorporation of reabsorbed sugars. One of the questions that remain to be answered is 'What is the cellular basis for nectar reabsorption by the nectary? '
The Study of Swedish Massage on Anxiety Situation and PPT in Stressed Office Workers..

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Swedish massage on anxiety and pressure pain threshold in office workers with psychological stress.Method: Sixty office workers with psychological stress were randomly assigned to experimental group 1 and control group. They were assigned into either a Swedish massage group (Experimental group 1, n = 30) or a resting group (Control group, n = 30). A single measurement mediated Swedish massage and rest for 20 minutes and was measured before and after intervention.Findings: In state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), there were significant differences between before and after the experiment and between the two groups (p<.05). The pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius increased in the Swedish massage group (p<.05). Application: These findings indicate that, the Swedish massage applied to stressed office workers showed a significant difference in increase of PPT and decrease of STAI.
Genetic diversity of barley cultivars grown in Spain, estimated by RFLP, similarity and coancestry coefficients

This study was conducted with the objective of characterizing the genetic variation among a representative set of 37 barley cultivars currently grown in Spain, using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Thirty-two RFLP probes, in combination with three restriction enzymes, were used to analyse polymorphism at the molecular level. Genetic distances (GD), based on RFLP band patterns, and coancestry coefficients (f), based on pedigree records, were calculated. Of the 95 clone-enzyme combinations analysed, 71 (74.7%) were polymorphic, representing 246 RFLP patterns. A cluster analysis of GD split the sample into five distinct germplasm groups that were consistent with the history of the cultivars (winter European, spring European, CIMMYT-ICARDA materials, the single cultivar ‘Dobla’ and Spanish local materials). The Spanish group was the most distinct one and had unique alleles at markers close to major loci determining phonological adaptation. The probes which best distinguished among groups were also identified. Genetic similarity estimates were moderately consistent with f (for cultivars with complete pedigrees). The implications for integration of diversity studies into breeding programmes are discussed.
Bow tie Model of Palliative Care as an Early Approach to Providing care for Patients with Heart Failure

Background & objective: In patients with heart failure due to the complications of the disease and the lack of definitive curative treatment, in the majority of cases, the emphasis is laid on reducing these complications and the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, to manage the symptoms and the complications, and reduce the effect of the disease on the patients’ quality of life, in addition to routine care, additional care is required among which palliative care is of great importance. The present narrative review aimed to introduce bow tie model of palliative care as an early approach in care for patients with heart failure. Methodology: This study introduces early palliative care for patients with heart failure by reviewing the literature on the bow-tie model. Results: Although the bow-tie model Early Palliative Care is an important part of end-of-life care, it is not limited to that stage. It is also applied for patients who are in the early stages of their disease. Conclusion: Based on the NYHA New York Heart Association functional classification, patients with heart failure are classified in one of four categories and it seems that bow tie model of palliative care is an effective method of reducing the symptoms, complications, and effect of the disease on the quality of life of the patients especially in the patients of Class I and class II who are in the early stages of the disease.
Biodiversity of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Canadian agricultural soils

In Canada, ground beetles (Carabidae) are abundant and diverse in agricultural ecosystems. Adults of all species are well characterized, but only 10% are known in the immature stages. In a typical agricultural site, one could find 40 to 60 species. While the ground beetle species composition consists mainly of native species in agriculture sites in the Prairie regions, a mixture of local and accidentally introduced species is the norm elsewhere. Although the diversity of introduced European species is not as great as that of native of ground beetles, the absolute number of European species may dominate an agricultural site. The basic biology and habitat requirements of almost all species occurring in agricultural habitats are known. Each species of beetle has special requirements based on soil type, moisture, pH, and light exposure. They are excellent indicators of habitat modification and of the quality of the environment. Although, most species of ground beetles are predators or scavengers, some are see.
Comparison Study of Major Thalassemia, Thalassemia Intermedia of Iraqi Patients and Control Groups for Effectiveness of Liver Enzymes

Beta-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by absence or reduction in the synthesis of the β-globin chain, which is one of three special scientific types, thalassemia grand, secondary and medium. In Iraq, the β-thalassemia is a real problem due to the lack of medicines and equipment during the exclusive periods of wars and insecurity. The aim of this study is to evaluate some liver enzymes among Iraqi thalassemia and β-thalassemia patients and the volunteer group. The study included 100 patients (57 females and 43 males) who were divided into two groups (53 with major thalassemia and 47 with moderate thalassemia), with an average age ± SD (14.28). The study also included 30 healthy individuals (16 males and 14 females) with average age of 15.25 years as a control group. The groups were matched by gender and age and had the same geographical and socio-economic status. The colorimetric methods were used to estimate the values of serum transaminases (GOT, GPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). There were no statistically significant differences between primary thalassemia and the control group regarding, mean age, sex, WBC count and serum serotonin, while there was statistically significant differences between thalassemia (grand) and thalassemia (mean) compared to control groups (P=0.001) in regard to (GPT), (GOT), bilirubin and (ALP) values.
Impact of Political Instability on International Investment and Trade in Pakistan

This paper focuses on the effect of political instability on international investment and trade in Pakistan. The sample comprised of annual data for a period of 41 years (from 1976 to 2016). To test the long and short run relationships among the variables, ARDL model is applied and particularly Error Correction Model is used for short run analysis. To check the serial correlation in the ECM models, LM serial correlation test is applied. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) is also utilized to test the stability of the ARDL models. The unit root of all the variables is also tested and it is found that all the variables are stationary either at level or at first difference. Findings conclude that political instability badly hampers both the international investment and trade in the long-run. Moreover, in short-run, the political instability significantly hinders the foreign portfolio investment and exports. No significant impact of political instability is found on foreign direct investment and imports in the long run.
Abnormal hermaphroditism in the multispine skate Bathyraja multispinis (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae)

A hermaphroditic individual of the multispine skate, Bathyraja multispinis, caught on the Argentinean continental shelf, is described. This is the first record of hermaphroditism in the genus Bathyraja and one of the very few hermaphroditic specimens reported in the Rajidae.
Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of NF‐κB activation in human prostate cancer cells by the cis‐9, trans‐11 but not the trans‐10, cis‐12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have anti‐tumorigenic properties in animal models and anti‐proliferative effects on cancer cells in vitro. Previous studies have shown that the NF‐κB pathway is involved regulating anti‐apoptotic gene expression. The present study investigated the effects of CLAs (cis‐9, trans‐11, and trans‐10, cis‐12 isomers and a 50:50 mixture) on apoptosis and NF‐κB activation in LNCaP cells.
Litter size, sex ratio, and age structure of gray wolves, Canis lupus, in relation to population fluctuations in northern Belarus

Gray wolf (Canis lupus L., 1758) population fluctuations in northern Belarus (Vitebsk region) between 1990 and 2003 were significantly affected by hunting pressure by humans. Mean litter size was inversely density dependent and varied from 4.8 to 7.7 pups (range 2–10). The increase in litter size with declining density of wolf population concerned only female pups, whereas the number of male pups in a litter was not related to population density. The sex ratio of pups varied significantly: the proportion of females reached 70% in a low-density wolf population and declined to 40%–50% in a high-density population. The age structure also varied. In years following heavy hunting pressure, 55% of individuals shot were juveniles <1 year old (with a strong predominance of females that constituted 69% of juveniles shot), and only 11% of wolves were older than 4 years. The mean age of all wolves shot was 1.5 years. In years following low hunting pressure, 34% of animals shot were juveniles and 20% exceeded 4 years.
Developmentof a real-time PCR-based method for detection of Xylophilusampelinus. Plant Pathol

A real-time PCR MGB-probe-based detection method specific to Xylophilus ampelinus, the cause of grapevine bacterial blight, was developed. Used in combination with the DNeasy plant mini kit, the sensitivity of X. ampelinus detection was approximately 100 cells from tissue extracts, surpassing the sensitivity of an existing nested PCR method at least tenfold. In field samples a high correlation was observed between real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained and X. ampelinus isolation on artificial media. Isolation was successful from samples with Ct values below 25. Lower concentrations of X. ampelinus, with Ct values up to 36, could also be reliably detected in real-time PCR. The newly developed method offers a reliable and sensitive test for X. ampelinus, suitable as a screening test, complementary to isolation on media or other methods, and could also be used for fast and specific identification of isolated colonies and for relative quantification of X. ampelinus bacteria.
Progresses and emerging trends of arsenic research in the past 120 years

Abstract Arsenic has been used for various purposes throughout human history, such as medicinal and industrial applications, while its health risks have only been gradually recognized in the 20th century and have raised global concerns since the 1990s. Reviewing the progress of arsenic research from a scientometric viewpoint is of great value and importance to predict future trends in arsenic studies. Unfortunately, such review is lacking, which could possibly lead to a biased understanding of the role of arsenic in human health. In this study, we collected 61,988 published literatures on arsenic research in the past 120 years from Web of Science, on which scientometric analysis using CiteSpace and subsequent review were conducted. Our scientometric-based review demonstrated the progress in the past 120 years of arsenic research and identified emerging trends in recent years, emphasizing the health risks posed by arsenic, arsenic applications, and their interaction. The information summarized in this study will shed light on the wise and extensive use of arsenic, which could be a double-edged sword in human health. Graphical abstract