Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Both Mature Patches and Expanding Areas of Juniperus thurifera Forests Are Vulnerable to Climate Change But for Different Reasons

Research Highlights: Water use efficiency (WUE) varied along a gradient of Juniperus thurifera (L.) forest expansion, being higher in recently colonised areas. Background and Objectives: WUE is a classic physiological process of plants that reflects the compromise between carbon assimilation and water loss and has a profound influence on their performance in water-limited environments. Forest expansion in Mediterranean regions associated with land abandonment can influence the WUE of plants due to the existence of two opposing gradients: one of favourable–unfavourable environmental conditions and another one of increased–decreased intraspecific competition, the former increasing and the latter decreasing towards the expanding front. The main objective of this study was to elucidate how the WUE of Juniperus thurifera varied along the stages of forest expansion and to provide insight on how this variation is influenced by intraspecific competition and abiotic factors. Materials and Methods: Seventeen plots at different distances from the mature forest core were selected at three sites located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. For 30 individuals within each plot, we measured biometric characteristics, age, tree vigour, and C/N ratio in leaves, and the leaf carbon isotope signature (δ13C (‰)) as a proxy for WUE. Around each individual, we scored the percentage cover of bare soil, stoniness, conspecifics, and other woody species. Results: WUE of J. thurifera individuals varied along the forest expansion gradient, being greater for the individuals at the expanding front than for those at the mature forest. WUE was influenced by the cover of conspecifics, tree age, and C/N ratio in leaves. This pattern reveals that less favourable environmental conditions (i.e., rocky soils and higher radiation due to lower vegetation cover) and younger trees at the expanding front are associated with increased WUE. The increased cover of conspecifics decreases irradiance at the mature forest, involving milder stress conditions than at the expanding front. Conclusions: Lower WUE in mature forests due to more favourable conditions and higher WUE due to abiotic stress at expanding fronts revealed high constraints on water economy of this tree species in these two contrasting situations. Climate change scenarios bringing increased aridity are a serious threat to Juniperus thurifera forests, affecting both mature and juvenile populations although in different ways, which deserve further research to fully unveil.
Are Sporadic Plasma Layers at 90 km in the Mars Ionosphere Produced by Solar Energetic Particle Events

Layers of dayside ionospheric plasma have been sporadically observed on Mars at 90 km altitude. Several causes for these layers have been proposed. Here we test the hypothesis that solar energetic particle (SEP) events produce these layers. Several independent lines of evidence show that SEP events do increase plasma densities at low altitudes. We compare the occurrence of low‐altitude plasma layers to a proxy for the flux of solar energetic particles at Mars. For the ionospheric layers, we use 71 instances of low‐altitude plasma layers found in 5,600 electron density profiles acquired by Mars Global Surveyor. For the proxy for solar energetic particle flux, we use the flux recorded in the highest energy channel of the Mars Global Surveyor Electron Reflectometer. We find that these low‐altitude plasma layers are not significantly more likely to occur during SEP events.
Perceived collaborative risk in small and medium technology enterprises

ABSTRACT We study risk perceived by small and medium technological enterprises (SMTEs) in their collaborative activities. We aim to explain prior findings regarding the situational factors that shape collaborative activities by focusing on assessments of risk made by managers. This study confirms that trust, business performance, and environmental turbulence affect the level at which managers assess risk. Trust and turbulence lower the assessment of collaborative risk, increasing the willingness to collaborate. In contrast, business performance increases perceived risk and potentially reduces manager’s willingness to collaborate. The article contributes to studies of technological collaboration and management practice.
A theoretical model of micro-learning for second language instruction

Abstract The notion of “Micro-Learning” (ML) has been repeatedly accented as a successful learning approach in different learning phenomena. Despite these optimistic emphases, several studies lack a theoretical grounding in adoption of ML, thus missing a shared perspective of the education community. The scarce theoretical justification for understanding the nuanced dynamics of ML restricts the practical use of this pedagogical approach in “Second Language” (L2) instruction. Therefore, this paper seeks to fill the gap by proposing a theoretical model of ML for L2 instruction. First, a brief background on ML is provided evaluating its benefits and pitfalls in general teaching and learning enterprise. Second, three established theories are explicitly discussed based on a careful examination of the conceptual characteristics and empirical observations of ML. A theoretical model of ML is then devised based on relations postulated among proposed theories and application of the model to existing L2 MLs is made explicit. Finally, implications for research and practice are discussed to offer a more robust and descriptive picture of how ML can promote L2 teaching and learning across different contexts. Drawing from these theoretical insights, a principled way to integrating ML into L2 instruction can be made available for future research.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON WILD ORPHAN ANIMALS IN AFYON KOCATEPE UNIVERSITY WILDLIFE RESCUE REHABILITATION, TRAINING, PRACTICE AND RESEARCH CENTER (AKUREM)

Bu arastirma Turkiye'deki oksuz yaban hayvanlari uzerine yapilan ilk calismadir. Bu calismanin amaci, Afyon Kocatepe Universitesi Yaban Hayati Kurtarma Rehabilitasyon Egitim Uygulama ve Arastirma Merkezi’ne getirilen yaban hayati oksuz yavrularinin gelis nedenlerini, saglik durumlarini ve akibetlerini degerlendirmektir. Merkeze, 2017, 2018 ve 2019 yillarinda getirilen 118 oksuz yavruya ait veriler degerlendirilmistir. Onikisi kus ve dordu memeli olmak uzere toplamda onalti farkli tur kayit altina alinmistir. Oksuz yavrularin cogunlugu kuslardan (%89), azinligi ise memelilerden (%11) olusmustur. Oksuz yavrular ureme sezonunda, yogun olarak da Temmuz ayinda (%45.8) merkeze kabul edilmistir. Oksuz kuslarin buyuk kismi (%94.3) kentsel alanlardan, oksuz memeliler ise daha cok (%84.6) kirsal alanlardan getirilmistir. Rehabilitasyon merkezine kabul edilen oksuz yavrularin cogunlugu (%81.4) zarar gormemis ve saglikliydi. Rehabilitasyon merkezindeki olum orani (%47.5), yaban hayatina basariyla salinanlardan (%40.7), esaret altinda tutulanlardan (%5.9) ve otenazi yapilanlardan (%5.9) daha yuksek bulunmustur. Saglikli yavru orani yuksek olmasina ragmen olum oraninin yuksek olmasi rehabilitasyon surecinin guclugunu ve uzmanlik gerektirdigini gostermektedir. Sonuc olarak, insanlar tarafindan bulunan her yabani yavru oksuz degildir. Saglikli yavrularin yasam alanlarinda kontrollu bir sekilde birakilmasi hayatta kalma sanslarini artirabilir. Bu konuda, hem rehabilitasyon merkezlerinde hem de toplumda egitim ve bilinclendirme faaliyetlerinin artirilmasinin yaban hayatindaki oksuz yavru sorununu azaltacagi kanaatine varilmistir.
Impact of injectable hormonal contraceptives on innate immune environment in the genital tract in women at high risk for HIV-1 infection.

xviii CHAPTER 1: Introduction . 2 1.3 Study Aims and Objectives . 10 CHAPTER 2: Literature Review . 17 2.1 Progestin-only injectable contraceptives . 17 2.1. 1 DMPA . 19 2.1. 2 Norethisterone Enanthate (NET-EN) . 21 2.2 Link between injectable HCs and risk for HIV-1 acquisition. 22 2.3 Mechanisms for increased HIV-1 risk in women using injectable HCs . 24 2.3.1 Influence of injectable HCs on genital epithelial thickness and cell proliferation . 24 2.3.2 Influence of injectable HC use on mucosal immunity . 27 2.3. 3 Influence of injectable HC use on innate and soluble factors in the genital tract . 28 2.3. 4 Susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and stability of the vaginal microbiome following injectable HC use . 32 2.3. 5 Injectable HCs and susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . 34 2.4 Injectable HCs and HIV-1 shedding from HIV-1 infected women . 39 2.5 Injectable HCs and rate of disease progression in HIV-1 infected women . 41 2.6 Injectable HC and anti-retroviral therapy during HIV infection . 42 2.7 Conclusions . 42 CHAPTER 3: Lower concentrations of chemotactic cytokines and soluble innate factors in the lower female genital tract associated with use of injectable hormonal contraceptives . 45 3.1 Abstract . 45 3.2 Introduction . 47
Assessment of psychiatric co-morbidities in patient of interstitial lung disease attending a tertiary medical centre:

Aims and Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a diverse group of conditions that are characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. In general, ILD is chronic and progressive diseases that result in substantial morbidity and mortality. The cardinal symptom of ILD is dyspnea; however, other pulmonary and extra-pulmonary symptoms are often present [1]. ILD is a common respiratory illness, in which some of the disease-related factors may increase the vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. This study was done to determine the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients of ILD. Methodology: It is an observational study conducted in 110 follow-up patients of Interstitial lung disease attending respiratory medicine OPD at a tertiary care center in central India. Psychiatric comorbidities are assessed by a pre-designed short structured questionnaire using Mini international neuropsychiatric interview. Result: Among 110 patients of ILD 28% had psychiatric co-morbidity mainly depressive episodes (59%). A significant association is found between upper socioeconomic status (P =0.01), duration of active illness (more than 1 year) (P =0.001), and age of patient between 40 to 60 years (P =0.001) with psychiatric co-morbidity of ILD patient. Conclusion: Our study shows there is an increased prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities in patients of ILD, higher than the national average. The predominant psychiatric disorder seen is depressive disorder, so treatment of ILD should be a multidisciplinary approach including medical treatment of ILD and psychiatric evaluation to prevent psychiatric comorbidity or its early management. This will greatly reduce the morbidity, visits to hospitals, expenditure on treatment and thereby having better outcomes in our patients of ILD.
Quality of jackfruit seedlings under saline water stress and nitrogen fertilisation

The lack of good quality water for agriculture purposes regarding salts and quantity in relation to demand for the plants has, for more than 30 years, been forcing the use of restrictive water because of salinity issues in agricultural production systems worldwide. In Brazil, the situation is no different, in the semi-arid areas, there are reports of losses of seed germination, initial growth of seedlings and yield of crops of commercial importance due to the salinity of the water used in irrigation systems. Therefore, an experiment was carried out from June to September/2014 in a protected environment, with a plastic film on the upper base and a thin screen against insects on the sides, to evaluate the effects of salinity interaction between water irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation sources on soil salinity, initial plant growth and the quality of the jackfruit seedlings. The treatments were distributed in randomised blocks, in the factorial scheme 5 × 3, reference irrigation water of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1, in soil with and without ammonium sulfate and urea. An increase in the salinity of the irrigation water to 1.32 and 1.70 dS m-1 on the substrate without nitrogen stimulated an increase in the number of leaves and leaf area of the jackfruit seedlings. The ammonium sulfate was the nitrogen source that mainly contributed to the increase of soil salinity and to the reduction of the quality index of the seedlings. Despite the reduction of the Dickson quality index due to the salinity of the irrigation water and the nitrogen sources, the seedlings were suitable for cultivation.
Cytogenotoxicity potentials of cocoa pod and bean-mediated green synthesized silver nanoparticles on Allium cepa cells

Abstract Nanotechnology is a ground-breaking scientific innovation, but there are possible hazards to environment and human health. Therefore, there is a need to understand the toxic potential of nanoparticles. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biogenic cocoa pod husk and cocoa bean silver nanoparticles (CPHE-AgNPs and CBE-AgNPs, respectively), and silver nitrate salts (Ags) were evaluated using the A. cepa root assay. Twenty onion bulbs were exposed to various concentrations (0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 μg ml–1) of AgNP and Ags solutions. Effects on cell division and chromosomes were observed at 24, 48 and 72 h, while root number and growth inhibition were evaluated at 72 h. Both biogenic AgNPs have potential to be cytotoxic with disturbances to mitotic phases. Mitotic index was less than one half the values of control for almost all concentrations throughout exposure periods. The highest concentration of both AgNPs induced complete cell arrest at both 48 and 72 h, except for Ags. Induction of chromosomal aberrations (chromosomal bridge, c-mitosis, vagrant chromosome, sticky chromosome) pointed to potential for genotoxicity. AgNPs demonstrated a clear mito-depressive effect culminating in growth inhibition of the A. cepa roots, except for 0.01 μg ml–1 of CPHE-AgNPs (p < 0.05). EC50 values showed that growth inhibition was in the order of CPHE-AgNPs>Ags>CBE-AgNPs. While indiscriminate usage of AgNPs might have an impact on the health status of exposed organisms, raising concerns, the cell arresting potential of both AgNPs can be explored in the control of growth of cancerous cells.
Point‐of‐care Ultrasound–guided Central Venous Catheter Confirmation in Ultrasound Nonexperts

Emerging evidence suggests that chest radiography (CXR) following central venous catheter (CVC) placement is unnecessary when point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is used to confirm catheter position and exclude pneumothorax. However, few providers have adopted this practice, and it is unknown what contributing factors may play a role in this lack of adoption, such as ultrasound experience. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS to confirm CVC position and exclude a pneumothorax after brief education and training of nonexperts.
Dissecting the Genetic Basis of Salt Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Salinity is a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Rice (Oryza sativa), a staple crop for the majority of the world, is highly sensitive to salinity stress. To discover novel sources of genetic variation for salt tolerance-related traits in rice, we screened 390 diverse accessions under 14 days of moderate (9 dS·m) salt stress. Considerable natural variation was observed among the major subpopulations for root Na content, with indica accessions generally displaying higher root Na and japonica accessions exhibiting lower root Na content. The genetic basis of the observed variation in salinity phenotypes was elucidated through genomewide association (GWA) using 397,812 single nucleotide polymorphisms. The strongest associations were identified for root Na:K ratio and root Na content in a region spanning ~575 Kb on chromosome 4, named Root Na Content 4 (RNC4). Two Na transporters, HKT1;1 and HKT1;4 were identified as candidates for RNC4. Reduced expression of both HKT1;1 and HKT1;4 through RNA interference indicated that HKT1;1 regulates shoot and root Na content, and is likely the causal gene underlying RNC4. Three non-synonymous mutations within 33 HKT1;1 were present at higher frequency in the indica subpopulation. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes the predominant indica isoform exhibited higher inward (negative) currents and a less negative voltage threshold of inward rectifying current activation compared to the japonica predominant isoform. The introduction of a 4.5kb fragment containing the HKT1;1 promoter and CDS from an indica variety into a japonica background, resulted in a phenotype similar to the indica subpopulation, with higher root Na and Na:K. Shoot growth responses to moderate levels of salinity were independent of tissue ion content. This study provides evidence that HKT1;1 regulates root Na content, and underlies the divergence in root Na content between the two major subspecies in rice. 2.
M&A goodwill, information asymmetry and stock price crash risk

Abstract The collapse of stock prices have a huge negative impact on financial markets and the real economy, the mechanism and prevention methods of stock market crashes have become the focus of academic attention. This article takes Chinese A-share listed companies from 2008 to 2016 as samples and investigates the impact of M&A goodwill on the risk of stock price crashes. The study finds that, compared with non-goodwill companies, companies with goodwill have a greater risk of future stock price crashes; with the increase of goodwill value (GW), the risk of future stock price crashes increases significantly. Further research shows that the GW affects the risk of stock price crashes through information asymmetry at the corporate and market levels. This article not only deepens the research on the factors influencing the risk of stock price crashes, but also has great significance in understanding the role of M&A goodwill in the capital market and how to prevent stock price crashes and promote the orderly development of the capital market.
Visual perception skill profile pattern in children with learning disorder

Visual perception is the process responsible for the reception (sensory functions) and cognition (specific mental functions) of visual stimuli. Visual – receptive component is the process of taking and organizing information from the environment, and the specific mental functions that constitute the visual-cognitive component provide the capacity to organize, structure, and interpret visual stimuli. These two components help a person to understand what he or she sees, and both are necessary for functional vision. The visual-cognitive components are visual attention, visual memory, visual discrimination, and visual imagery. The visualreceptive components include visual fixation, pursuit and saccadic eye movements, accommodation, binocular fusion and stereopsis, and convergence and divergence.
The Role of Supply Chain Management in Service and Satisfaction to Loyalty in Transportation Business

Abstract — Communication between buyers and sellers is central to the supply chain philosophy, which can improve customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of supply chain on service scape and customer satisfaction to loyalty in transportation business. This study also analyze the role of satisfaction as mediating variable in the relationship between service scape and customer loyalty in supply chain process. Design of this study is quantitative, which developed an estimation model based on structural equation model to analyze the relationship among latent variables in this study. Data collection instruments using questionnaires were collected directly and online. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. It involves 115 respondents. Service scape is proven to have a significant effect on passenger satisfaction, but does not have a significant effect on passenger loyalty. Passenger satisfaction is proven to have a mediating role on the relationship between service scape and passenger loyalty. Service scape could be developed as a strategy to increase the quality of the service in transportation business. In this study, aesthetics, comfort, cleanliness and lay out of transportation vehicle and support plays a significant role to customer satisfaction. Service provider should redesign their business process based on supply chain process. Service scape represents an important aspect in service business, physical aspect in the intangibility. All factors in the supply chain aesthetics, comfort, cleanliness and lay out are operational variables of intangibility in service quality.
Variations in the diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) and its association with meat tenderness in Gannan yaks (Bos grunniens)

Abstract Diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) has been recognised as one of the functional genes during fat deposition and closely related to meat quality. It is well known that yak meat has low intramuscular fat (IMF) and poor tenderness, influencing the purchase decision for consumers. In this study, the variations of DGAT1 gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction single-stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis so as to ascertain the association of DGAT1 variation with yak carcase and meat quality traits. Two variants (A1 and B1 ) in intron 1 – exon 2 and another three variants (A2 to C2 ) in intron 15 – exon 17 were identified in the yaks investigated. Three sequence variations (c.192-117 G > A, c.1252-23 C > T and c.1339 C > T) were detected among these variants, with c.192-117 G > A located in intron 1, c.1252-23 C > T located in intron 15 and c.1339 C > T located in exon 17. The mutation c.1339 C > T resulted in an amino acid change (p. Arg 447 Cys). Variants A1 and B2 were associated with a decrease and increase in Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001), respectively. Variant C2 was associated with a decrease in WBSF and hot carcase weights (HCW) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). The presence of haplotype H3 and absence of H5 were highly associated with a decrease in WBSF (p < 0.05). These finding suggested that the variations in DGAT1 could be potential targets for gene-assisted selection to improve meat tenderness in Gannan yak. Highlights Three SNPs were identified in the DGAT1 gene in Gannan yak. Variants (A1 , B2 and C2 ) and haplotypes (H3 and H5) have a significant influence on Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in Gannan yak. DGAT1 variations may have potential in selection for improving meat tenderness in Gannan yaks.