Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gaze-Height and Speech-Timing Effects on Feeling Robot-Initiated Touches

This paper reports the effects of communication cues on robot-initiated touch interactions at close distance by focusing on two factors: gaze-height for making eye contact and speech timing before and after touches. Although both factors are essential to achieve acceptable touches in human-human touch interaction, their effectiveness remains unknown in human-robot touch interaction contexts. To investigate the effects of these factors, we conducted an experiment whose results showed that being touched with before-touch timing is preferred to being touched with after-touch timing, although gaze-height did not significantly improve the feelings of robot-initiated touch.
Electrophysiological correlates of saving‐enhanced memory: Exploring similarities to list‐method directed forgetting

People regularly outsource parts of their memory onto external memory stores like computers or smartphones. Such cognitive offloading can enhance subsequent memory performance, as referred to the saving‐enhanced memory effect (Storm & Stone, 2015). The cognitive mechanisms of this effect are not clear to date, however similarities to list‐method directed forgetting (LMDF) have been stated. Here, we examined in 52 participants the electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of the saving‐enhanced memory effect and compared our results to earlier LMDF findings (Hanslmayr et al., 2012). For this purpose, EEG alpha power and alpha phase synchrony during the encoding of two word lists were compared as a function of saving or no‐saving. We hypothesised that if saving‐enhanced memory was related to LMDF, saving in comparison to no‐saving between lists should reduce alpha power and alpha phase synchrony during List 2 encoding, two effects that have been related to List 2 encoding benefits and List 1 inhibition in the earlier LMDF work. The results showed no statistically significant saving‐enhanced memory effect and no significant effects in EEG alpha power or alpha phase synchrony. Possible explanations for and implications of these non‐significant findings are discussed.
Maternal Cosmetics and the Risk of Autism: A Case-Control Pilot Study

Background: There has been much debate and inquiry surrounding the nature of the increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are many environmental risk factors that have been postulated to be associated with the development of ASD. Cosmetic products are widely used in daily life. The aim of this study was to clarify whether maternal cosmetics usage is a risk factor of ASD. Patients and Methods: The present work was a cross sectional case-control study. Fifty eight mothers with children, who have been diagnosed with ASD by meeting the DMS-5 criteria, were compared with 49 mothers with neurotypical children. The mothers were asked to complete a short questionnaire comprised their use of cosmetics outside of pregnancy and changes in use during pregnancy. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between cases and controls as regard the overall usage of cosmetics. Indoors usage of makeup was significantly higher among mothers with autistic children than mothers of controls (p = 0.36). The duration of cosmetics usage was significantly higher among the mothers of controls than mothers with autistic children (p = 0.011). Eyes and lips makeup were the most frequent of makeup type among mothers with autistic children and controls while hair protein or keratin were the least frequent of makeup type among both groups. The number of women who reported the usage of lips makeup was significantly higher among the mothers of controls than those with autistic children (p = 0.024). The number of mothers with autistic children who reported “no change” as regard the usage pattern during pregnancy was significantly higher than those of the controls (p = 0.042). Conclusions: According to our results, cosmetics could not be considered as a risk factor for ASD. Further understanding of this issue requires future studies with different designs.
Treeline Research—From the Roots of the Past to Present Time. A Review

Elevational and polar treelines have been studied for more than two centuries. The aim of the present article is to highlight in retrospect the scope of treeline research, scientific approaches and hypotheses on treeline causation, its spatial structures and temporal change. Systematic treeline research dates back to the end of the 19th century. The abundance of global, regional, and local studies has provided a complex picture of the great variety and heterogeneity of both altitudinal and polar treelines. Modern treeline research started in the 1930s, with experimental field and laboratory studies on the trees’ physiological response to the treeline environment. During the following decades, researchers’ interest increasingly focused on the altitudinal and polar treeline dynamics to climate warming since the Little Ice Age. Since the 1970s interest in treeline dynamics again increased and has considerably intensified from the 1990s to today. At the same time, remote sensing techniques and GIS application have essentially supported previous analyses of treeline spatial patterns and temporal variation. Simultaneously, the modelling of treeline has been rapidly increasing, often related to the current treeline shift and and its implications for biodiversity, and the ecosystem function and services of high-elevation forests. It appears, that many seemingly ‘new ideas’ already originated many decades ago and just confirm what has been known for a long time. Suggestions for further research are outlined.
Distribution and seasonal abundance of predatory bugs, Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in Adana Province, Turkey

Orius species are considered effective biological control agents of thrips both in fields and greenhouses worldwide. The seasonal abundance and distributions of Orius and thrips species were determined from different arable crops and weeds in Adana Province in 2015-2016. In this study, a total of six species of genus Orius namely, Orius albidipennis (Reuter,1884), Orius horvathi (Reuter,1884), Orius laevigatus (Fieber, 1860), Orius minutus (L., 1758), Orius niger (Wolff, 1881) and Orius vicinus (Ribaut, 1923) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were identified. Orius niger was the most common predatory Anthocorid species with 1944 specimens, and followed by O. laevigatus with 447 specimens. While, O. laevigatus and O. niger were found to be active throughout the year, O. vicinus was only active in spring and summer, and the other Orius spp. were collected in summer. The predatory bugs were mostly found with the pestiferous thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, 1895 and Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan, 1913) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in diverse agricultural areas. Alfalfa, faba bean and sunflower were determined as a crucial host plant for Orius spp. Also, sesame could be potential companion (trap or banker) plant to support the predatory bugs in augmentative and conservative biological control strategies. Of the weeds sampled, Glebionis segetum Fourr. and Sinapis arvensis L. were the most colonized by Orius spp. From results it is concluded that O. niger and O. laevigatus are well adapted to the geographical conditions and plant biodiversity in Adana Province. Therefore, these predatory bugs could be crucial biological control agents of thrips species in field crops.
Agronomic and biochemical evaluation of cassava clones with roots that have pink pulp

ABSTRACT: Sweet cassava breeding programs are focused on the development of bio fortified cultivars that combine significant amounts of carotenoids in their reserve roots with desirable agronomic. The objective of this research was to evaluate agronomic and biochemical traits in sweet cassava clones with roots that have pink pulp. The nine genotypes were evaluated in two seasons in a randomized block design with three replications. Among the evaluated clones, the following stood out: i) for the height of the first branch (390/08, 345/08 and the control IAC 576-70); ii) for plant height (390/08, 345/08 e 378/08); iii) for shoot weight without original steam cutting (390/08, 406/08, 378/08 e 341/08); iv) for the percentage of starch in roots (378/08, 413/08, 390/08 and the control IAC 576-70); and v) for the root yield (the control IAC 576-70 and 341/08, 390/08, 406/08 e 387/08). In the 2011/2012 season, all clones cooked within 30 minutes, indicating that they all have good culinary qualities. Regarding the total carotenoid content in the roots, the clones that stood out were 406/08 and 341/08. All clones evaluated had HCN content below 100 mg kg-1. Clones 341/08 and 406/08 have agronomic and biochemical potential for direct cultivation by producers in the Cerrado region of Central Brazil and / or for use as stock in sweet cassava breeding programs.
Transposon mobilization during infection promotes drug resistance in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus deneoformans

When transitioning from the environment, pathogenic microorganisms must adapt rapidly to survive in hostile host conditions. This is especially true for environmental fungi that cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients since these microbes are not well adapted human pathogens. Cryptococcus species are yeast-like fungi that cause lethal infections, especially in HIV-infected patients. Using Cryptococcus deneoformans in a murine model of infection, we examined contributors to resistance to antifungal drug exposure and demonstrated that transposon mutagenesis drives the development of 5-fluoroorotic acid (5FOA) resistance. Inactivation of target genes URA3 or URA5 primarily reflected the insertion of two transposable elements (TEs): the T1 DNA transposon and the TCN12 retrotransposon. Consistent with in vivo results, increased rates of mutagenesis and resistance to several antifungal drugs were found when Cryptococcus was incubated at 37° compared to 30° in vitro, a condition that mimics the temperature shift that occurs during the environment-to-host transition. Inactivation of the RNAi pathway, which suppresses TE movement in many organisms, was not sufficient to elevate TE movement at 30° to the level observed at 37°. We propose that temperature-dependent TE mobilization in Cryptococcus is an important mechanism that enhances microbial adaptation and promotes pathogenesis and drug resistance in the human host. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The incidence of infections due to fungal pathogens has dramatically increased in the past few decades with similar increases in human populations with weakened or suppressed immune systems. Understanding the mechanisms by which organisms rapidly adapt during human infection to enhance virulence and evolve drug resistance is important for developing effective treatments. We find that transposon mobilization in the human pathogen Cryptococcus promotes mutations in the genome resulting in enhanced drug resistance in a mouse infection model. Thermotolerance is a key virulence determinant for pathogenic fungi during the environment-to-host transition, and we demonstrate that a temperature increase is sufficient to trigger transposon mobilization in vitro. The link between temperature stress and transposon-associated mutations may significantly impact adaptation to the host during infection, including the acquisition of drug resistance.
Global distribution and bioclimatic characterization of alpine biomes

Although there is a general consensus on the distribution and ecological features of terrestrial biomes, the allocation of alpine ecosystems in the global biogeographic system is still unclear. Here, we delineate a global map of alpine areas above the treeline by modelling regional treeline elevation at 30 m resolution, using global forest cover data and quantile regression. We then used global datasets to 1) assess the climatic characteristics of alpine ecosystems using principal component analysis, 2) define bioclimatic groups by an optimized cluster analysis and 3) evaluate patterns of primary productivity based on the normalized difference vegetation index. As defined here, alpine biomes cover 3.56 Mkm 2 or 2.64% of land outside Antarctica. Despite temperature differences across latitude, these ecosystems converge below a sharp threshold of 5.9 ° C and towards the colder end of the global climatic space. Below that temperature threshold, alpine ecosystems are influenced by a latitudinal gradient of mean annual temperature and they are climatically differentiated by seasonality and continentality. This gradient delineates a climatic envelope of global alpine biomes around temperate, boreal and tundra biomes as defined in Whittaker’s scheme. Although alpine biomes are similarly dominated by poorly vegetated areas, world ecoregions show strong differences in the productivity of their alpine belt irrespectively of major climate zones. These results suggest that vegetation structure and function of alpine ecosystems are driven by regional and local contingencies in addition to macroclimatic factors.
A Cross-Culture Study of Academic Procrastination and Using Effective Time Management

Duties, tasks, different situations or decisions need to be resolved on a daily basis. However, it often happens that because of over-information from different sides, an excessive number of tasks, the fast pace of life, and so on we tend to procrastinate important tasks for later. This phenomenon can occur in almost every area, including the academic area. This contribution, therefore, addresses the occurrence of academic procrastination and the establishment and use of time management by university students. The main objective is to identify possible differences in procrastination and the right use of time management in a cross-cultural context. A research sample consisted of 292 students from the Uzhhorod National University and from the University of Prešov, on which we surveyed the rate of procrastination and rate of time management through our own questionnaire. Subsequent testing of the obtained data revealed that there are statistically significant differences in procrastination between Ukrainian and Slovak students, but differences in time management have not been confirmed.
Study of obesity and hypertension in adolescents and their relationship with anthropometric indices

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased worldwide in recent decades. Historically, a heavy child meant a healthy child, and the concept “bigger is better” was widely accepted. Today, this perception has drastically changed on the basis of evidence that obesity in childhood is associated with a wide range of serious health complications and an increased risk of premature illness and death later in life. 1
Restoration, dispersal and settlement of native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) in energetic tidal areas

We modelled the pelagic larval phase of native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) in the Solent. The Solent is a complex and tidally energetic environment on the south coast of the UK. Until recently it was the largest self-sustaining fishery of the native oyster in Europe. We developed a new larval settlement behavioural model that is the simplest plausible model which remains consistent with all available data and evidence on larval behaviour. We used a hydrodynamic sub-model, a Lagrangian advection sub-model, and an individual agent based model. The results demonstrate how isolated oyster assemblages can re-populate larger areas of historical inhabitance. We predict the most likely patterns of redistribution from refugia or from fisheries seeding. We show that settlement swimming behaviour is as equally important as passive hydrodynamic transport for larval survival and adult distribution and that settlement swimming behaviour has a profound impact on settlement patterns. The models show that managed broodstock refugia have the potential to seed much larger oyster beds in contrast to broad-scale seeding. Such refugia have the advantage of maintaining a locally high and mature population with potential for reef features and their associated biodiversity. We show that such refugia may be best placed in the tidally dynamic and exposed areas rather than on sheltered coastal sites as they have been in the past. Our model is insensitive to parameter variation and could be an effective and practical management tool in the face of a paucity of field data on larval distribution and behaviour.
The Effect of Means Ends Analysis Model on Reasoning Skills of Planes

This research aimed to determine the effect of the Means Ends Analysis (MEA) learning model on the reasoning skills of planes in the fourth-grade students of the public elementary schools of Nakula cluster of UPTD DIKPORA, Serengan District, Surakarta City in the 2018/2019 academic year. The approach used in this research is a quantitative descriptive approach. The research design is a one-group pretest-posttest, with a population of fourth-grade students in the public elementary schools of Nakula cluster and the sample obtained is SDN Serengan II No. 256 Surakarta. The reasoning-skill test was used to collect the data, which were then analyzed using N-Gain. The research findings stated that there was an increase in reasoning skills. The percentage of indicators of proving and concluding is 89% (high), testing validity 79% (high), guessing 57% (moderate), determining patterns 66% (moderate), and mathematical manipulation 38%. These findings indicate that the Means Ends Analysis (MEA) learning model can improve reasoning skills.
Relationship of Udder Morphometric Traits to Mothering Ability of Landrace X Large White Primiparous Sows

The use of udder morphometry is often neglected during the selection of replacement gilts. This study was aimed to characterize the udder morphometry of primiparous Landrace x Large White sows across different production stages; and to show its relationship to some mothering ability traits. A total of 20 primiparous Landrace x Large White sows were bred. For each sow, the udder morphometry was characterized by measuring traits like teat tip diameter (DIA), teat length (LEN), inter-teat distance on the same row (SAMER), adjacent teat base distance on opposite row (OPPR), and teat tip to floor distance (FLO) during pre-breeding, post-breeding, and post-farrowing stages. A comparison of observed traits was also made between left and right udders as well as between anterior and posterior udders. Furthermore, the relationship between mothering ability and udder morphometry was evaluated using correlation and regression analyses. Across stages, udder traits were symmetric; however, higher values were measured for traits in posterior than in anterior udders. In the pre-breeding stage, OPPR and FLO of the anterior part had moderate negative correlations to average weaning weight (AWWt) and average daily gain (ADG). On the other hand, in the post-breeding stage, OPPR of the posterior part had a moderate positive correlation to litter size born alive (LSBA) but had a moderate negative correlation to average birth weight (ABWt). Furthermore, IgG content in the colostrum had a strong positive correlation to SAMER of the anterior part but had a strong negative correlation to FLO of the anterior part. It can be concluded that the pre-breeding combined with post-breeding udder morphometry measurements in gilts is useful as a predictor of sow mothering ability. These traits can be included in the criteria when selecting replacement gilts to enhance the productivity of sow herd.
Effect of Natural Potassium Resource (K2O 10 %) with Bio-fertilizer on Performance of Date Palms Cv. Zaghloul

Performance of the palm trees and fruit quality of cv. Zaghloul under different levels of natural potassium (NP) resource (K2O 10 %) individually or in combination with potassium soluble bacteria (KSB) were studied in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Treatments included 3, 6 or 9 kg/palm per year of NP either individually or in combination with KSB on ‘Zaghloul’ date palms grown on sandy soil with 7 meters apart under surface irrigation system; whereas, palms received 2 kg/palm per year potassium sulfate (50% K) served as the control. The results revealed that 9 kg of NP in combination with KSB enhanced vegetative growth, pinnae mineral content, chlorophyll, bunch weight, palm yield and fruit quality than other applications or control palms. Therefore it is recommended to use 9 kg of NP in combination with KSB/palm/year for increasing yield of Zaghlol date palms and improving fruit quality.
Analysis of Gene Interaction Graphs as Prior Knowledge for Machine Learning Models.

Gene interaction graphs aim to capture various relationships between genes and can represent decades of biology research. When trying to make predictions from genomic data, those graphs could be used to overcome the curse of dimensionality by making machine learning models sparser and more consistent with biological common knowledge. In this work, we focus on assessing how well those graphs capture dependencies seen in gene expression data to evaluate the adequacy of the prior knowledge provided by those graphs. We propose a condition graphs should satisfy to provide good prior knowledge and test it using `Single Gene Inference' tasks. We also compare with randomly generated graphs, aiming to measure the true benefit of using biologically relevant graphs in this context, and validate our findings with five clinical tasks. We find some graphs capture relevant dependencies for most genes while being very sparse. Our analysis with random graphs finds that dependencies can be captured almost as well at random which suggests that, in terms of gene expression levels, the relevant information about the state of the cell is spread across many genes.
Environmental determinants of perch (
 Perca fluviatilis
 ) growth in gravel pit lakes and the relative performance of simple versus complex ecological predictors

1Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany 2Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Institut Mediterrani d’Estudis Avançats, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Balearic Islands, Illes Balears 3Division for Integrative Fisheries Management, Albrecht Daniel ThaerInstitute of Agriculture and Horticulture, Faculty of Life Sciences, HumboldtUniversität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
An interaction network of RNA-binding proteins involved in Drosophila oogenesis

During Drosophila oogenesis, the localization and translational regulation of maternal transcripts relies on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Many of these RBPs localize several mRNAs and may have additional direct interaction partners to regulate their functions. Using immunoprecipitation from whole Drosophila ovaries coupled to mass spectrometry, we examined protein-protein associations of 6 GFP-tagged RBPs expressed at physiological levels. Analysis of the interaction network and further validation in human cells allowed us to identify 26 previously unknown associations, besides recovering several well characterized interactions. We identified interactions between RBPs and several splicing factors, providing links between nuclear and cytoplasmic events of mRNA regulation. Additionally, components of the translational and RNA decay machineries were selectively co-purified with some baits, suggesting a mechanism for how RBPs may regulate maternal transcripts. Given the evolutionary conservation of the studied RBPs, the interaction network presented here provides the foundation for future functional and structural studies of mRNA localization across metazoans.