Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fish fauna in forested and rural streams from an ecoregion of high endemism, lower Iguaçu River basin, Brazil

Abstract The fish fauna of eight streams with different land uses of their watersheds (forested and rural areas) in the lower Iguaçu River basin was inventoried, in order to evaluate the composition and species richness. The fishes were sampled quarterly from May 2015 to February 2016, using the electrofishing technique. In total, 4,239 individuals were captured, belonging to six orders, 11 families and 26 species. The orders Siluriformes and Characiformes, and the families Characidae and Trichomycteridae were the most specious. Of the total species sampled, 65% were endemic to the Iguaçu River basin, four are not described and four are non-native. As expected to the Iguaçu River basin, the inventoried fauna revealed low richness and high endemism, however was highly nested within the species composition reported for main channel of Iguaçu River and their larger tributaries. The species recorded here corresponded to a subset of 24.5% of the 106 species documented for the basin. The streams presented different faunas, with only two species (Astyanax bifasciatus and Trichomycterus stawiarski) common to both forested and rural streams. In addition, higher species richness was recorded in streams inserted in conservation units. The presence of non-native species was more frequent in rural streams. These results highlight the importance of the preservation of forested areas in the watersheds of lower Iguaçu, which presents a peculiar fish fauna, along with several threats to biodiversity such as habitat loss by intensive agriculture use.
The Evidence of Non n-glycan Linked Mannose in Exochitinase 42kDa, from Trichoderma harzianum BIO10671 Glycosylation

Chitinase 42 kDa produced by Trichoderma harzianum has been proven as a prime compound to be excreted onto the hyphae of the pathogen causing localised cell wall lysis at the point of interaction. Later it will initiate the process of the host cell becomes empty of cytoplasm, disintegrates and shows a rapid collapse. This study investigates the existence of N-glycan linked mannose in chitinase 42 kDa produced by the Malaysian T. harzianum strain BIO10671. The chitinase 42 kDa from T. harzianum BIO10671 was initially purified using anion exchange chromatography prior to a series of experiments such as immunoblotting against the chitinase 42 kDa antibody, lectin staining for detecting any terminal linked mannose, and galactofuranose detection to determine the presence of galatofuranase components in glycoproteins. The enzyme purification harvested about 12-fold of chitinase 42 kDa from T. harzianum BIO10671 with strong indication of the chitinase 42 kDa presence on SDS-Page. This was confirmed by immunoblotting with a strong response around 42 kDa after overnight incubation in chitinase 42 kDa antibody suggesting that the gene for chitinase 42 kDa was greatly expressed in this strain. There are no intervation of galatofuranose on any of the terminal mannose in chitinase 42 kDa as shown by negative results on samples treated with or without endoglycosidase-H and lectin staining. Therefore, it can be concludeed that glycosylation occurred in the chitinase 42 kDa from T. harzianum 42 kDa was not in the form of N-glycan linked mannose as expected.
Feasibility of chitosan-alginate (Chi-Alg) hydrogel used as scaffold for neural tissue engineering: a pilot study in vitro

ABSTRACT In tissue engineering, scaffolding plays an important role in accommodating and stimulating new tissue growth. Chitosan and alginate are two widely used natural polymers in tissue engineering. Here, we prepared the chitosan-alginate (Chi-Alg) hydrogel from naturally derived chitosan and alginate polymers. The Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that a chitosan-alginate hydrogel was constructed due to the strong ionic interaction between the positively charged amino groups of chitosan and the negatively charged carboxyl groups of alginate. The scanning electron microscopy and contact angle results showed the inner porous structure and highly hydrophilic property of chitosan-alginate hydrogel. As the two most promising cell types in nerve tissue engineering, both olfactory ensheathing cells and neural stem cells proliferated well on the chitosan-alginate hydrogel. All results indicated the good potential application of a chitosan-alginate hydrogel for neural tissue engineering.
Decadal Viscoelastic Postseismic Deformation of the 1964 Mw9.2 Alaska Earthquake

Viscoelastic postseismic deformation after the 1964 Mw9.2 Alaska earthquake extends thousands of kilometers from the rupture region and lasts for decades, providing unique opportunities to better understand the three‐dimensional rheological properties of the Alaska subduction zone. We have optimized a three‐dimensional viscoelastic finite element model to study processes that control the postseismic deformation of the 1964 event. The model includes an elastic continental plate and an elastic oceanic plate, a two‐layered viscoelastic oceanic upper mantle, and a uniform viscoelastic mantle wedge. Stress‐driven afterslip is simulated by a thin weak shear zone. The viscoelastic relaxation of the upper mantle and shear zone is represented by the bi‐viscous Burgers rheology. The model has determined the viscosities of the mantle wedge and shear zone to be 3 × 1019 Pa s and 8 × 1016 Pa s, respectively. The afterslip takes place mostly within the first 5 years after the earthquake and is up to 4 m, equivalent to a modeled earthquake of Mw8.5. Model results reveal a spatial and temporal correlation between the afterslip distribution and later slow slip events. The model predicts that the surface deformation about 200 years after the earthquake will be controlled mostly by the relocking of the fault. Further tests on the impact of lateral variation in the mantle wedge viscosity indicate that the viscosity in the continental upper mantle thousands of kilometers from the rupture area may be about an order of magnitude higher than that of the mantle wedge in the subduction zone.
Who Differentiates between Muslims and Islamist Terrorists in Terrorism News Coverage? An Actor-based Approach

ABSTRACT The present study took an actor-based approach to explain news differentiation in terrorism coverage. Actors were defined as non-Muslim sources, Muslim sources, and journalists. Actors who generate undifferentiated statements actively link Muslims to terrorism, whereas actors who use differentiated statements explicitly distinguish Muslims from terrorism. We examined actor-specific, media-specific, and event-specific predictors of differentiation using a quantitative content analysis in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, 2015–2017 (12 quality/tabloid newspapers, N = 1071 articles). Results reveal that non-Muslim sources and journalists are more likely to make undifferentiated statements and less likely to make differentiated statements compared to Muslim sources. This gap between Muslim sources on the one side and non-Muslim sources as well as journalists on the other side is more accentuated for severe terroristic attacks and for articles mentioning dead and injured victims. For differentiated statements, the gap is also more pronounced in tabloid newspapers as compared to quality newspapers.
Regional Variance of the Early Use of Tolvaptan for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Background The development and prompt dissemination of the first drug against a particular disease can contribute to improvements in national health status and medical economy end points and are assumedly affected by socioeconomic factors that have yet to be analyzed. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist, was developed to treat hyponatremia, congestive heart failure, and cirrhosis ascites, although the approved indications may differ among countries. In Japan, high-dose tolvaptan tablets were approved as the first drug for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in 2014. This study aimed to better understand the factors that influence the total number of regional prescriptions of tolvaptan for ADPKD since its launch. Methods The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan Open Data was used as a national claim-based database. In each of the 47 prefectures in Japan, the total prescribed number of 30 mg tolvaptan tablets between 2015 and 2017 was examined. The parameters explaining the prescription variation among regions were then examined by correlation analysis. Results Prescriptions for high-dose tolvaptan increased substantially 2 years after the drug's approval; however, the increase differed by approximately 21-fold between regions. Population density was positively associated with prescribed 30 mg tolvaptan tablets per 1000 population in 2015 (r=0.47, P<0.001). In addition, the increase in prescribed number of tablets per 1000 population was correlated with population density in 2016-2017 (r=0.30, P=0.04). Conclusions This macro perspective analysis revealed an urban-rural inequity in prescriptions for the newly approved drug for ADPKD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the factors affecting the geographic variation.
Coping with H-1B Shortages: Firm Performance and Mitigation Strategies

The H-1B visa program allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers. Before 2014, the vast majority of these visas were allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Since then, the program has been severely oversubscribed and all cap-subject visas have been allocated through lotteries. The authors merged Compustat data with administrative firm-level data on the universe of approved petitions for H-1B visas. Using difference-in-differences and matching estimators, this article finds that the switch in the visa allocation system negatively affected the growth of companies that used the H-1B program. Results indicate that these effects are quantitatively large and that their magnitudes grow over time.
Do deliberate firesetters hold fire-related scripts and expertise? A quantitative investigation using fire service personnel as comparisons

ABSTRACT Purpose: This research investigated, for the first time, the presence of fire-related scripts and expertise in males who have set deliberate fires. Method: One hundred and twenty-seven participants (34 firesetters, 34 offender comparisons, 34 fire service personnel, and 25 community comparisons) were asked to solve problem scenarios (e.g. destroying evidence) using fire. These scenarios were designed to tap into fire-related scripts and expertise. Other known fire-related variables (e.g. serious fire interest) were also examined using the Four Fire Factor Scales (Ó Ciardha, C., Tyler, N., & Gannon, T. A. (2016). A Practical guide to assessing adult firesetters’ fire specific Treatment Needs using the four Factor fire Scales. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 78(4), 293–304). Results: Firesetters held more scripts and were more expert in firesetting relative to Offender and Community Comparisons. However, firesetters’ responses could not be differentiated from Fire Service Personnel. A multiple regression showed that identification with fire was an important predictor of firesetting scripts, and both identification with fire and serious fire interest uniquely predicted firesetting expertise. Conclusions: This study has empirically demonstrated for the first time that firesetters hold fire supportive scripts and expertise in fire misuse. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fire Service Personnel demonstrated that both those who misuse fire and those who interact with it pro-socially exhibit cognitive and behavioural characteristics associated with the presence of fire-related scripts and expertise.
Ultrasonographic echogenicity of normal salivary glands in adults: comparison of submandibular and parotid glands

Purpose The normal submandibular gland (SMG) and parotid gland (PG) are thought to have similar homogeneous ultrasound (US) hyperechogenicity; however, this has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the normal SMG and PG have similar US echogenicity. Methods We included 969 consecutive adult patients with normal salivary glands. The patients were categorized into three age groups: group 1 (19 to 29 years, n=27), group 2 (30 to 49 years, n=273), and group 3 (≥50 years, n=669). The echogenicities of the SMG and PG were prospectively evaluated by an experienced radiologist. Computed tomography (CT) attenuation in Hounsfield units (HUs) was quantitatively measured for the SMG, PG, and sternocleidomastoid muscle in 140 patients. Results Relative to the PG, the echogenicity of the SMG was similar in 706 (73.0%) and homogeneously hypoechoic in 263 patients (27.0%). The frequency of SMG hypoechogenicity decreased with increasing age (group 1, 59.3%; group 2, 36.3%; group 3, 22.1%; P<0.001). The CT attenuation levels (in HUs) of the SMG and PG were significantly higher in patients with hypoechoic SMGs than in patients with SMG echogenicity similar to that of the PG (P<0.001). Conclusion Hypoechogenicity of the SMG was observed in more than a quarter of this sample of adults with normal salivary glands. The SMG may be inadequate as a reference standard for evaluating thyroid nodule echogenicity in patients with diffuse thyroid disease with decreased echogenicity.
From motivation to segmentation in coastal and marine destinations: a study from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

ABSTRACT National parks with marine reserves have great potential for coastal and marine tourism. In this regard, the Galapagos archipelago is an important coastal and marine destination in Ecuador declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The objective of this empirical study was to analyze demand segmentation considering tourists’ motivations in this destination. The research was carried out in situ, and multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the 407 questionnaires collected. The results show six motivational factors: learning, heritage and nature, sun and beach, sports, authentic coastal experience, novelty, and social interaction. Two different segments of visitors have also been found. The first group, called ‘Multiple Motives,’ is formed by tourists with high motivation in all the motivational variables that include sun and beach. The second group, called ‘Eco-coastal,’ is made up of tourists who have a great motivation to experience marine life and national parks, discovering new things they are not used to, and for knowing their flora and fauna. From these findings, useful recommendations emerge for service providers and institutions related to the tourist offer in this kind of coastal and marine destinations.
Phytochemical Screening & in vivo Fertility Enhancing Activity (Aphrodisiac) of Abutilon indicum Roots on Male Wistar Rats

The plant Abutilon indicum (Linn) is an important medicinal plant used in our Traditional System of Medicine to treat various health aliments. The plant has been traditionally used for used as demulcent, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, pulmonary and sedative. The plant is found in India, Sri Lanka, topical regions of America and Malaysia. The aim of the present study was to carry out the preliminary phytochemical screening of the root extracts and further to evaluate the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the of the root part of plant Abutilon indicum L. In this study, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the roots of Abutilon indicum L. were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening which showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids and phytosterol, tannins, gums and mucilages are found to be absent. The total extracts were tested for their aphrodisiac activity in experimental rats. The ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum L. roots at higher concentration (400 mg/kg body weight) showed significant aphrodisiac activity on male wistar albino rats as evidenced by an increase in number of mounts, mating performance, hormonal analysis, testes-body ratio and sperm count. On the other hand, ethanolic Original Research Article Chakraborty et al.; AJOCS, 2(2): 1-9, 2017; Article no.AJOCS. 32705 2 extract at lower dose (200 mg/kg. body weight) and aqueous extract (400 mg/kg body weight) showed moderate aphrodisiac property. Thus, in experimental rats, the results of the present study suggest that the root extracts of Abutilon indicum L. exert significant aphrodisiac activity. Further, detailed studies are needed to know whether in-vivo administration of the extracts is beneficial for patients suffering from sexual disorders.
Victimizing innovative employees: joint roles of in-role behavior and task interdependence

Purpose This study aims to examine how an employee’s engagement in innovative behavior (IB) can lead to the experience of aggressive actions from other members of an organization and the joint roles of employee in-role performance and task interdependence in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A field study conducted among a diverse sample of employees working in various industries provided converging evidence for the theorized predictions. The sample of 204 full-time employees is included in the analyses. Findings The results confirmed that innovative employees can be targets of victimization in an organization and employees’ high in-role performance and high task interdependence jointly moderate the negative relationship between innovative performance and victimization. Research limitations/implications The current study should be evaluated in light of some limitations, such as single-source data and the use of cross-sectional data. Practical implications It is advised that innovative individuals should accomplish their required duties in highly task-interdependent contexts to avoid harmful responses from peers. Managers should be aware of the potential negative side of IB. The data involving various industries provide evidence for the generalizability of the research findings and conclusions. Originality/value This paper advances the understanding of the consequences of creative behavior by examining the unexplored aspect that innovative employees can become victims of peer mistreatments. It also expands the understanding of negative outcomes of engaging in creativity by concurrently examining moderating roles of in-role behavior and task interdependence.
Application of formulated diets and their effects on nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance of female mink (Neovison vison) during gestation

ABSTRACT This study was designed to investigate the possibility of total replacement of conventional diet by formulated experimental feed in farmed mink during gestation. Ninety female mink (Neovison vison) were randomly assigned to three groups: control group was fed conventional diet with normal (36%, C) protein level composed of fresh or frozen animal by-products and extruded corn. Formulated experimental diets contained animal meals, vegetable ingredients and fat, with normal (36%, E1) or high (44%, E2) protein level, and were mixed with water prior to administration. Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N)-balance and reproductive performance were determined to compare the effect of diets fed to female mink during gestation. Mink fed both experimental diets had lower nutrient digestibility than the control. Higher barren females, decreased birth survival rate and birth weight were noted for the two experimental groups, especially diet E1 with normal dietary protein, indicating impaired reproduction performance, but signs of improvement were seen in the experimental group with high protein level (44%, E2).
Ownership concentration, innovation and firm performance: empirical study in Indian technology SME context

PurposeThis study aims to understand the influence of R&D intensity and ownership concentration on performance of Indian technology SMEs, at the intersection of “value creation” perspective of corporate governance and country cultural context in innovation.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional data of 264 Indian technology SMEs have been employed to probe the impact of ownership and R&D intensity on market performance of the technology SMEs.FindingsThis study does not find support of individual influence of R&D intensity on SME performance. The authors find support for the “value creation” hypothesis of corporate governance in Indian technology SME context. This study finds that interaction of promoter's ownership concentration and R&D intensity has a positive influence on the performance of Indian technology SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has deployed cross-sectional data. Future studies can examine the “value creation” hypothesis based on panel data for a long-run understanding. Ownership can be further segregated into different categories of ownership in future studies.Practical implicationsThis study underscores on distinct necessity in the concentrated ownership in the context of Indian technology SMEs. The findings of the study may encourage policymakers to focus on the “value creation” of the technology SMEs than “value protection. ”Originality/valueThis study aims to understand the market value of R&D practice of SMEs. The findings of this study establish that R&D intensity individually may not have any significant influence on SME performance. R&D intensity coupled with concentrated ownership can significantly increase SME performance. Thus, this study identifies factors that can help in SME innovation and growth options. Additionally, this study advocates for the fact concentrated ownership in technology SMEs of India by establishing the link with SME performance.
The Impact of Real Estate Maintenance Costs on the Potential Resettlement of Elderly People: The Case of Slovenia

The article focuses on the question how maintenance costs impact the potential resettlement of elderly people into suitable accommodation units. In Slovenia, more than 80 percent of households own their own homes, and among these more than 60 percent of owners are over 65 years of age. The main instrument used to measure their opinions was a questionnaire which 471 participants over 65 years of age were asked to complete. The main conclusion is that despite high maintenance costs, Slovenian participants would not sell their property under any circumstances, not even in return for a better-quality living environment. Their attachment to the environment in which they live is extremely high. They prefer to solve problems related to maintaining rather than moving to a more suitable home or environment. We explain this to be due to their strong social affiliation to the micro-environment, strong intergenerational attachment, and the reluctance of Slovenians to migrate.
Tourists’ mindsets and choice of adventurous holiday activities

ABSTRACT People’s mindsets are considered vital since mindsets influence their behaviours. Surprisingly, research investigating how mindsets influence tourists’ behaviours is very scarce. The present study examines the effects of tourists’ mindsets on the choice of holiday activities in a scenario-based experiment. In a 2 × 2 study, which includes tourist mindsets (fixed, growth) and the perception of adventurousness (high, low) of the holiday activities, we show that mindsets influence the choice of holiday activities. Tourists who endorsed growth mindset tend to choose more adventurous activities, while tourists who endorsed fixed mindset seem to be indifferent. The implications for these findings for destination managers are discussed.