Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Constrained Divergence and Conservatism in Climatic Niches of the Temperate Maples (Acer L.)

Research highlights: The availability of global distribution data and new, fossil-calibrated phylogenies has made it possible to compare the climatic niches of the temperate maple (Acer L.) taxa and assess phylogenetic and continental patterns in niche overlap. Background and Objectives: The maples have radiated from East Asia into two other temperate continental bioregions, North America and Eurasia (Europe and West Asia), over a roughly 60-million-year period. During this time, the Earth’s climate experienced pronounced cooling and drying, culminating in cyclic periods of widespread temperate glaciation in the Pliocene to Pleistocene. The objective of this study is to use newly available data to model the climatic niches of 60% of the temperate maples and assess patterns of niche divergence, constraint, and conservatism in the genus’s radiation out of East Asia. Materials and Methods: I assembled global occurrence data and associated climatic information for 71 maple taxa, including all species endemic to temperate North America and Eurasia and their closely related East Asian congeners. I constructed Maxent niche models for all taxa and compared the climatic niches of 184 taxa pairs and assessed phylogenetic signal in key niche axes for each taxon and in niche overlap at the continental and global scale. Results: Maxent models define a fundamental climatic niche for temperate maples and suggest that drought-intolerant taxa have been lost from the Eurasian maple flora, with little continental difference in temperature optima or breadth. Niche axes and niche overlap show minimal evidence of phylogenetic signal, suggesting adaptive evolution. Pairwise niche comparisons reveal infrequent niche overlap continentally and globally, even among sister pairs, with few taxa pairs sharing ecological niche space, providing evidence for constrained divergence within the genus’s fundamental climatic niche. Evidence of niche conservatism is limited to three somewhat geographically isolated regions of high maple diversity (western North America, the Caucasus, and Japan). Conclusions: Over 60 million years of hemispheric radiation on a cooling and drying planet, the maple genus experienced divergent, though constrained, climatic niche evolution. High climatic niche diversity across spatial and phylogenetic scales along with very limited niche overlap or conservatism suggests that the radiation of the genus has largely been one of adaptive diversification.
Effect of Starter Culture Types on Textural, Rheological, and Melting Properties of Spreadable Processed Cheese Made from UF Milk Retentate

STARTER cultures types have a substantial effect on the structural characteristics of spreadable processed cheese made from Ultra filtered (UF) milk retentate and can minimize the final product cost. In this study, the effect of starter culture type which had been used on the meltability, firmness and rheological properties of the processed spreadable cheese manufactured from UF milk retentate was investigated. Standardized UF processed cheese was inoculated with three starter cultures (ABT-8, CHN-22 and FRC-60). Half of the inoculated starter cultures samples were incubated at 25° C for 24 hr while the other half was incubated at 25 °C for 72 hr. The control treatment was prepared without adding any starter cultures. Rheological modelling, firmness and meltability of UF processed cheese properties were examined through the period of 3 months of storage at 6±2 °C. Significant differences in flow behaviour indexes were shown as a result of adding various starter cultures during storage and PC22-3 had the highest value. The highest decrease in consistency coefficient (k-values) was found with PC8-1 and PC60-1 throughout the storage period. Viscosity of processed cheese decreased corresponding to the increase in shear rate in all treatments. Furthermore, all the tested samples displayed the typical Herschel-Bulkley model having shear-thinning Pseudoplastic, while the flow curves lacked a linear characteristic. The cheese structure was rapidly broken down after the initial shearing. However, the breakdown rate decreased at the higher shear rate. Additionally, the treatments fermented with starter cultures (PC8-1, PC22-1 and PC60-1) for 24 hr had lower firmness than control and other treatments. Good meltability for all starter cultures treatments was obtained corresponding to the two factors, fermentation time and storage period.
“Side by side”: Development of twin relationship dimensions from early to middle childhood and the role of zygosity and parenting

Twin relationships have a significant effect on the twins’ life and their families. In the first comprehensive study of this topic, our purpose was to examine the developmental courses of four dyadic dimensions of twins’ relationships: closeness, dependence, conflict and rivalry, and the impact of zygosity and parenting on their relationships. Parents reported on their twins’ relationships (N = 1547 mothers and 536 fathers with data from at least one of four measurement points from 3 to 8–9 years of age). The sample included 322 monozygotic twin dyads (sharing virtually 100% of their genes), and 1194 dizygotic twin dyads (sharing 50% of their genetic variance, on average). Our findings indicated that closeness and dependence decreased while rivalry increased through childhood. Dependence and rivalry also presented quadratic change. The twins’ conflict increased only for dizygotic twins. As expected, we found that the twins’ closeness and dependence were highly associated, as did the associations between conflict and rivalry. The mostly nonsignificant associations of closeness with conflict and rivalry reinforced the notion that they are not bi-polar opposites. However, dependence was positively related to the twins’ conflict and rivalry. A zygosity effect was also evident as monozygotic twins had higher levels of closeness and dependence than dizygotic twins through childhood, but there was no significant difference in the levels of their conflict and rivalry. In congruence with family system theories, parental positivity predicted the twins’ closeness and dependence, and parental negativity predicted the twins’ dependence, conflict and rivalry. The results were discussed in light of an evolutionary perspective and the twins’ developmental challenges through childhood.
Effects of complex extracts of traditional Chinese herbs on gastric mucosal injury in rats and potential underlying mechanism

Five complex extracts (CEs) of seven Chinese herbs ( Astragalus , Poria cocos , Alpinia officinarum Hance , Radix Puerariae , Ginseng , Licorice , Hericium erinaceus ) were prepared by hot water extraction and evaluated for their effect on gastric ulcer in rats. In rats with acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer, gross and microscopic appearance showed that gastric mucosal injury index and lesion inhibition rate were improved after CEs gavage for 21 days. Pretreatment with CEs for 21 days in rats with acute gastric ulcer could also improve the gastric mucosal injury by ethanol. CE1, CE4, and CE5 showed moreobviouseffectintwomodels.ThecellexperimentsresultsshowedthatCE1,CE4, and CE5 effectively inhibited Wnt signaling activity. Thus, they could protect gastric mucosa through inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway. These results indicated that CE1, CE4, and CE5 had significant protective effects on gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting Wnt signalling pathway and could be developed into safe functional products. peptic high It is believed to be caused by an imbal-ance between the offensive factors (such as reactive oxygen species, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, Helicobacter pylori , etc.) and defensive factors (such as mucosal barrier, mucus secretion, bicarbon-Abbreviations: of using at
Do disasters affect policy priorities? Evidence from the 2010 Chilean Earthquake

ABSTRACT Disasters can destroy and damage private property like houses and public property like roads, schools, and hospitals. Do people prioritize the distribution of both private and public goods after being exposed to these negative events? How long do these priorities last after disasters? Using ten surveys spanning four years — half conducted before and half after the 2010 Chilean earthquake — and a difference-in-differences design, I find that exposure to this disaster makes people care more only about housing but not about crucial public goods also affected by the earthquake such as infrastructure and transportation. Additionally, these effects on policy priorities vanished after two years. These findings further our understanding of citizens’ policy priorities after shocks that severely deteriorate people’s living conditions, such as disasters.
Thyroid Function During Pregnancy in A Multiethnic Population in Norway

Abstract Context Ethnic differences in thyroid function during pregnancy have been reported. However, it is unclear if this is equally valid across ethnic groups within multiethnic populations. Objective We aimed to assess ethnic differences in thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity during pregnancy. Methods In a population-based cohort of 785 pregnant women in Oslo, Norway, TSH, FT4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Abs) were measured twice: at gestational week (GW) 15 and 28, and urine iodine concentration at GW 15. Associations were assessed using multivariate linear regression. Results We found ethnic differences in TSH levels at both time points, but not for fT4. South Asians had 0.42 mU/L (95% CI, 0.20-0.64) higher TSH than Europeans in GW 15. This difference persisted after adjusting for covariates (including TPO Ab positivity and iodine status), and increased further as pregnancy progressed. In contrast, East Asians had the lowest TSH. No new cases of overt hypothyroidism were detected in early pregnancy, but subclinical hypothyroidism was found in 6.6% among all, highest in South Asians (14.2%). Hyperthyroidism early in pregnancy was observed in 3.7% (almost all subclinical), highest in East Asians (11.9%). The prevalence of TPO Ab positivity was 4%, highest in South Asians (8%). Conclusion In a multiethnic population of presumably healthy women, we found ethnic variations in TSH but not FT4 levels throughout pregnancy. South Asians had higher TSH and more subclinical hypothyroidism, not explained by their higher prevalence of TPO Ab positivity. Larger studies are needed to define ethnic- and trimester-specific reference ranges in pregnancy.
Validation of the Arabic Childbirth Care Satisfaction Survey.

Background Measuring maternal satisfaction in Arab countries is an essential indicator of care quality. However, existing surveys have limited psychometric properties and inclusion criteria. Aims To present the psychometric properties of the Arabic Childbirth Care Satisfaction Survey (CCSS). Methods The Arabic CCSS was developed from 2 English surveys. In 2017, 13 mothers assessed survey items in terms of clarity, importance and acceptability. The CCSS was distributed to all mothers who delivered a live baby during the 4-week study period in 9 hospitals in Oman. A sample of 461 participants was used for principal component analysis (PCA) and another sample of 408 participants (after removing missing data) was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Two-sample independent t tests were conducted to establish discriminant validity. Stata software was used for the analysis. Results The survey demonstrated good face and content validity with all items rated above 3 out of 5. Out of the 3566 targeted population, 958 (26.9%) mothers participated. PCA identified 2 factors labelled as communication and control (Cronbach's α = 0.90) and care organization (Cronbach's α = 0.68) with good internal reliability. CFA demonstrated good model fit, confirming construct validity. Mothers who had vaginal delivery were more satisfied (P < 0.05) compared with those who underwent caesarean section, thus establishing good discriminant validity. Conclusion A short Arabic CCSS tool was developed. This new 10-item tool had good face and content validity, good internal reliability, construct validity and discriminant validity. It can provide valuable information to clinicians and decision-makers about the quality of maternity services.
Isolation and Characterization of Phytoconstituents from Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarinaceae)

The methanolic extracts of bark, wood, leaf and fruits of Casuarina equisetifolia were studied for isolation of tannins and flavonoids by thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography and preparative-thin layer chromatography (P-TLC) and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, H and C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry). The tannins (catechin, ellagic acid and gallic acid) were isolated from bark and flavonoid (quercetin) and lupeol from leaf and fruit, respectively and identified with help of preliminary phytochemical methods, physical properties, spectroscopic data and Co-TLC with authentic standards.
Harvesting, postharvest handling, hygiene knowledge and practices of guava fruit farmers: A comparative study of two counties of Kenya

The guava (Psidium guajava) grows on farms or in the bush in many parts of Kenya, including Kitui and Taita Taveta, and remains virtually unattended. Guava fruit value chain is commercially disorganized and standard postharvest handling and storage procedures are not practiced as there is no bulk handling. This study evaluated the harvesting and postharvest handling practices of the guava fruit in two counties of Kenya. A total of 417 farmers were selected from the two counties (Kitui, n=214 and Taita Taveta, n=203). Using a structured questionnaire, data was collected utilizing Open Data Kit (ODK). Results showed that the main indicative maturity indices in Kitui and Taita Taveta were skin color (98.59 and 92.12%) and full ripe (38.79 and 18.72%) respectively. Results indicated that no packaging was done at farm level as only small quantities were harvested. Storage period was short (< 4 days) mainly to await consumption as reported by 41.6 and 55.2% handlers in Kitui and Taita Taveta, respectively. A cluster analysis of hygiene and postharvest handling practices indicated that Kitui farmers were more knowledgeable (71.9%) as compared to Taita Taveta (49.8%). Additionally, female farmers were more knowledgeable (65.4%) on postharvest handling than males (55.4%). Postharvest handling practices were informal with little packaging, poor hygiene practices, short term storage and informal marketing of small quantities in both Counties. Key words: Guavas, postharvest, preservation, postharvest handling, hygiene, postharvest losses.
Home Environment and Psycho-Social Competency among School-going Adolescents with Single and Dual Parents, India

Untouched by the harsh realities, adolescent’s life is said to be the golden period. The primary source of strength in shaping the development of adolescents’ life is the home environment. However, it is doubtful, whether single parent or dual parents’ adolescence has better competence development. The present study is to understand the association and difference between the home environment and psychosocial competency among adolescents with single and dual parents. For the present quantitative study, a sample of 63 (both male and female) was taken, comprising of 31 adolescents with a single-parent and 32 adolescents with dual-parents with a mean age of the participants (M=16.69; SD= 1.26) from different government senior secondary schools of Assam through purposive sampling technique. Home environment scale and psychosocial competency scale was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23 via correlation and t-test. The study portrayed a significant difference between the adolescents with single and dual parents, where dimensions of home environment such as protectiveness, punishment, reward, and nurturance were and dimensions of psychosocial competence such as creative thinking, coping with emotion and coping with stress were found to be lower for single-parent adolescents. Better quality of the home atmosphere is essential that prepares adolescents to deal with the demands and hassles of the modern societies, thereby, leading to a healthier adjustment.
Does Sentiments Impact the Returns of Commodity Derivatives? An Evidence from Multi-commodity Exchange India

The advancements in technology, increased accessibility to various modes and platforms of communication, and increased willingness on the part of participants to share their ideas/opinions has resulted in huge amounts of data on the World Wide Web, hence, easily available to impact decision-making. Furthermore, commodity prices are primarily driven by demand and supply, wherein such news is open to the cognitive thinking of individuals. Thus, using the principles of natural language processing, which combines concepts of linguistics, computer science and artificial intelligence, helps in improving the accuracy of price determination. Therefore, this article aims to examine the relationship between sentiments conveyed through various sources and the performance of India’s largest commodity market, multi-commodity exchange (MCX). The correlation and causation between sentiment scores extracted from such textual content and the daily returns of select commodity derivatives are analysed. The results show varying levels of significance of sentiments on the returns of commodity contracts and imply that there is an increased scope of using such unstructured content in the field of finance.
Farmers’ Adoption of System of Rice Intensification in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) among rice farmers in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. A 3-stage sampling technique was used to collect data for the study through a structured questionnaire and interview schedule administered to 200 rice farmers. The results indicated that majority of the farmers were males (83.0%), married (68.5%) with no formal education (50.5%). Mean age was 44.1 years, household size was 8.8 persons, farming experience of 16 years, average monthly income was N590,000.00 and average farm size was 1.7 ha. The most adopted SRI production practice was fertilizer and herbicide application (100.0%), planting depth (91.5%) manual land cultivation and planting method (91.0%). The respondents were at different stages of adoption with accelerating growth, rotary weeding and use of organic fertilizer having positive adoption index of 0.972, 0.970 and 0.601 respectively. Level of adoption of SRI technologies was low (34.5%) with positive perception. Major constraints to SRI technologies were high labor ( =3.27), non-awareness of SRI technologies ( =3.14) inadequate understanding of SRI ( =2.89). The profitability of SRI in rice cultivation is higher compared with conventional method. There should therefore, be provision of more training and demonstration programmes and input subsidy to boost adoption of SRI for improved rice production.
Mindfulness and positive activities at work: Intervention effects on motivation‐related constructs, sleep quality, and fatigue

Positive psychology research is increasingly being transferred to organizational contexts, andorganizationsareincreasinglystrivingforhealthierandmoremotivatedemployees.Inthisstudy,athree-weekself-instructedonlineinterventionwhichcombinespositiveactivitiesandmindfulnesswasdevelopedandevaluatedusingarandomized-controlled group design with employees. All exercises could be easily integrated into the daily working routine. The intervention is based on broaden-and-build theory, the two-componentmodelofmindfulnessandthepositive-activitymodel.Resultsindicatethatthe interventioniseffectiveinincreasingworkengagement,hopeandsleepqualityaswellasinreducingfatigue.Practicalimplicationsforhumanresourcedepartmentsandcorporatehealthmanagementarediscussed. workday employees to improve motivation and reduce health impairment.
Shark fisheries during the second millennium BC in Gramalote, north coast of Peru

Abstract This paper stresses the importance of shark fisheries at the site of Gramalote, an early Initial Period (1500–1200/1100 cal BC) fishing settlement, which has yielded the largest amount of shark remains ever reported along the coast of Peru. The article discusses fishing techniques utilized to capture such dangerous fish with limited technology. Moreover, it highlights the economic importance of this abundant source of marine food for small-scale residential settlements along the north coast of Peru. Based on current evidence, sharks may have played an important role in the domestic and community-level rituals at Gramalote. Due to the abundance of shark remains, it is suggested that the surplus of its flesh was processed in storage facilities at family level and later was traded with residential settlements for products not available on the coast. Finally, this article suggests that, during the Late Preceramic and Initial Periods, a subsistence pattern may have emerged: while the Central Coast and the Norte Chico regions relied on anchovy as one of the most important fish species for subsistence and other needs, on the north coast of Peru sharks may have played a pivotal role for daily subsistence and economic transactions at the household level.
Soil Fertility Management Practices by Smallholder Farmers in the Bamboutos Mountain Ecosystem

Low soil fertility is one of the major constraints faced by smallholder farmers in the Bamboutos Mountain ecosystem. A survey of 261 randomly selected smallholder farmers was conducted using a standard questionnaire to identify the major cropping systems used by smallholder farmers, the practices that smallholder farmers use to maintain or improve soil fertility, the types of manure or fertilizer used as well as the major crops grown in the area. An interview schedule was used to collect data and the descriptive statistics used for data analysis. Findings indicated the farmers practiced, inter cropping, crop rotation and agroforestry with intercropping being the most practiced cropping system. The farmers use both organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for crop production with the major organic manure being fowl dropping and the major inorganic fertilizer being N-P-K 20-10-10. To increase soil fertility, 73% of the farmers allow for fallow periods and the dominant vegetation during the fallow were: grasses, grasses + Tithonia and Grasses + shrubs. The major crops planted both organically and with inorganic fertilizers were Potato, cabbage, carrot, maize, beans, leeks and celery.