Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Lactating Women: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Moyale District, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background. Undernutrition is one of the most widespread public health problems that affect both developed and developing countries. In Ethiopia, it is one of the factors leading to unacceptable high morbidity and mortality among women. However, little is documented on undernutrition among lactating women particularly in such a purely pastoral community. Therefore, this study was designed to assess prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among lactating women living in pastoral community of Moyale District, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2018. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from a random sampled 545 lactating women using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Height and weight measurements of the study participants were also taken to compute body mass index. Data were entered in to Epi info version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 21 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, and percentage were computed to describe characteristics of the sample. Multivariable analysis was carried out, association between independent and dependent variables were measured using adjusted odds ratios, and its 95% confidence interval and P value below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. This study showed that prevalence of undernutrition among lactating women was 17.7%. Dietary diversity (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.43–4.36), monthly income (AOR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.40–19.40), extra meal taking (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.43–5.29, delivery place (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.24–5.65), and household food insecurity (AOR = 6.57, 95% CI: 3.50–12.34) were independent variables showing statistically significant association with undernutrition of lactating women. Conclusion and recommendations. The study revealed that magnitude of undernutrition among lactating women was high. Dietary diversity, monthly income, extra meal, delivery place, and household food insecurity were found to be predictor of undernutrition. Finally, we recommend that governmental and nongovernmental organizations should organize timely interventions targeting lactating women.
Physiological and biochemical changes in shoots of coconut palms affected by lethal yellowing

summary Noon stomatal conductance of lethal-yellowing (LY) affected coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L. Atlantic Tall ecotype) decreased progressively as the disease developed. In the early stages of the disease and before leaf yellowing started, stomatal conductance decreased to a minimum in leaves at both the top, the middle and the base of the crown. Since altered stomatal behaviour might affect gas exchange and related processes in the plant, such as water movement and photosynthesis, these results support the hypothesis that LY-induced stomatal closure is central to the development of LY symptoms in coconut palms, and therefore to the mode of pathogenicity of the LY mycoplasma-like organism. Leaf yellowing occurred simultaneously with a decrease in photosynthetic rates and a decrease in protein, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Based on these biochemical changes a second hypothesis is proposed, that LY-associated leaf yellowing is part of a leaf senescence process. The concentration of abscisic acid in the leaves and the capacity of leaf tissue to form ethylene increased in diseased palms, suggesting that a hormonal imbalance occurs in LY-affected palms. Furthermore, treatment of symptomless palms with an ethylene-releasing agent (ethephon) resulted in symptoms that mimicked some of the LY symptoms. A third hypothesis is therefore proposed, that a hormonal imbalance might be related to LY symptom development, at least with respect to nutfall and leaf senescence.
Satellite-based separation of climatic and surface influences on global aerosol change

ABSTRACT Both climatic and surface factors affect aerosol change. It is crucial to separate these influences for environment management and air pollution controlling. Though numerous models have been applied to assess contributions of climatic and surface influences, the results were great controversy because of the models’ avoidable uncertainties from initial conditions, model error, and prediction scenarios. Here, we separate the contribution of climatic and surface influences on global aerosol change through satellite observations and statistical methods. Satellite and ground observation data sets of global aerosol, climatic (precipitation, windspeed, temperature, and relative humidity) and surface (land cover and terrain) factors are collected for the investigation. Methodologically, a multilinear regression (MLR) model is first built to simulate the theoretical influence of climatic factors under conditions with a fixed surface influence. Then, the actual surface influence is estimated by measuring the residual trend between observed and MLR-simulated results. Our results show that global aerosol was reduced in the past decade (2001–2016), represented by a temporal trend of −0.00105 a −1 in the aerosol optical depth (AOD). Both climatic and surface factors tend to enhance the reduction of global aerosol. Specifically, the climatic and surface influences are −0.00041 a −1 and 0.00064 a −1, which contribute 39.05% and 60.95% of global aerosol reduction, respectively. Spatially, surface influence is more heterogeneous compared to climatic influence due to the spatial variability of surface properties. Meanwhile, the interaction of climatic and surface factors plays a significant effect on the magnitude and sign of the individual influence, with extreme climate strongly disturbing surface influence. It could be concluded that surface influence acts as the primary contribution to global aerosol change, which fluctuates with the interaction of climate change.
A Survey on Packing Colorings

Abstract If S = (a1, a2, . . .) is a non-decreasing sequence of positive integers, then an S-packing coloring of a graph G is a partition of V (G) into sets X1, X2, . such that for each pair of distinct vertices in the set Xi, the distance between them is larger than ai. If there exists an integer k such that V (G) = X1 ∪ ∪ Xk, then the partition is called an S-packing k-coloring. The S-packing chromatic number of G is the smallest k such that G admits an S-packing k-coloring. If ai = i for every i, then the terminology reduces to packing colorings and packing chromatic number. Since the introduction of these generalizations of the chromatic number in 2008 more than fifty papers followed. Here we survey the state of the art on the packing coloring, and its generalization, the S-packing coloring. We also list several conjectures and open problems.
On the diet of the Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Bubo ascalaphus (Savigny, 1809), in Qatar, with an overview of its feeding habits

The diet of Bubo ascalaphus in Qatar was assessed based on pellets collected from the first known nesting site of the species in the country. The pellets contained a total of 68 prey items, representing 9 different species: 4 mammals, 1 bird, 1 reptile, and at least 3 scorpions. Mammals clearly comprised the major food source (89.7% and 97.7% in frequency and biomass respectively). Our data suggest that Pharaoh Eagle Owls are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey depending on their temporal/spatial availability, which is consistent with previous studies. A literature review clearly suggests that Eagle Owls in arid to semi-arid environments are opportunistic predators with small mammals being their main prey. Predation on migrating Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters Merops persicus supports this hypothesis.
Sampling to determine density of arthropods in intensively grazed grasslands

Arthropod population field studies undertaken to understand the impacts and population dynamics of the target organism rely on sampling methods that provide accurate measurements of population density. Unsuitable methods may underestimate or provide widely variable measures of population density. The suitability of three vacuum sampling methods: a domestic vacuum cleaner, Vortis™, and blower‐vac (G‐vac), plus heat extraction of turves were compared for sampling common species in an intensively grazed irrigated dairy pasture. Each method used a different approach to sampling with the number of samples per method based on protocols that had been used in grasslands. Overall, for adults of the weevil Listronotus bonariensis, no method provided a consistently high mean density, while for adults of the weevil Sitona obsoletus, the vacuum cleaner and turf heat extraction methods gave generally higher mean densities. For predatory beetles and lacewings, heat extraction was the most effective for density measurements, while for ladybirds and spiders, the Vortis™ provided the best estimate of mean density. Increasing pasture dry matter (kg Dm/ha) generally had a significant negative effect on S. obsoletus density but not for L. bonariensis. While no method was consistently superior than another, the vacuum cleaner and heat extraction methods generally provided higher mean densities. The G‐vac generally produced the lowest density estimates, but the sampling protocol meant a larger collection area per unit effort and therefore the probability of detection was higher compared with the three other methods. In conclusion, the study showed that the optimal sampling method depends on the taxa targeted, and more than one method may be required to measure density and diversity of species in both natural and modified grasslands.
Impact of automatic chest compression devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background High quality chest compressions (CCs) are of crucial importance during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Currently, there are no clear evidences that the use of automatic chest compression devices (ACCD) are superior to manual CCs during out-of-hospital CPR. This study aimed to estimate if availability of ACCDs for two-man rescue teams had any impact on CPR efficiency and a rate of successful transport of patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to emergency departments. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study. The research tool was the analysis of medical charts of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in one million agglomeration in Poland in 2018. ACCDs were available for two-man paramedical teams in a half of ambulances and this fact was criterion of group division [ACCD (n=181) and manual CC (MCC) (n=303)]. The following variables such as gender (male/female), age, area of intervention (town/countryside), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) followed by successful transport to hospital were compared between subgroups. Results Among 71,282 interventions in 2018, there were 484 resuscitations undertaken with complete medical data. ROSC and transport to hospital was achieved in 54.9% of individuals, statistically more often among ACCD subjects (63.5%) than those compressed manually (49.8%) (P=0.003). Moreover, the use of ACCD was associated with higher chances of ROSC in younger patients (P=0.027) and if cardiac arrest had place in the town centre (P=0.002). Conclusions Our observation revealed that the use of ACCD in the pre-hospital emergency care involving two-man rescue teams may increase the prevalence of ROSC among OHCA patients.
Applying the utility index to review single best answer questions in medical education assessment

In professional training programmes it is vital to ensure individuals have accomplished all required competencies before qualifying, otherwise patient safety could be placed at risk. This increased emphasis on patient safety and accountability has heightened the need for reliable, valid and suitable methods of assessment that not only can inform if learning outcomes have been achieved but can also promote and encourage learning. One method of assessment that has been traditionally applied in clinical education assessment is the Single Best Answer (SBA) question approach. In this review paper, the benefits and limitations associated with using SBA questions as a method of assessment were critically evaluated. The review clearly highlighted that emphasis should be mainly placed upon the design, coverage and content of SBA questions rather than evaluating the concept of SBA questions as a method of assessment. More specifically, the paper pointed towards the complex skills required for developing a set of SBA questions that can both promote learning as well as evaluate learning. To summarise, the need for defining the necessary skills and criteria required for the careful design and successful application of SBA exam paper is an important avenue to investigate.
Influence of irrigation on the occurrence of organic and inorganic pollutants in soil, water and sediments of a Spanish agrarian basin (Lerma)

In order to understand the several possible environmental impacts caused by irrigation, the existence of a study area under transition from unirrigated to irrigated land is a great advantage. This work investigates the presence of 44 pesticides and metabolites, 11 organochlorinated compounds, 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 13 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and several metals and metalloids such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Se and Hg, in the soil, water and sediments of an agrarian basin in Northeast Spain. The study area was unirrigated until 2006, when irrigation began. The objective of this work was to verify if the first irrigation years influenced the concentrations of the substances and elements analyzed. The main contaminants detected were organochlorinated compounds, PAHs and metals in the soil; atrazine, desethylatrazine, terbuthylazine, dicofol and pp’-DDT in the water; and PAHs, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and metals in the sediments. Until the conclusion of this study, no serious contamination issues existed related to the analyzed substances, and for the moment, irrigation has not signif icantly influenced the concentrations of such substances in the basin. Nevertheless, slightly elevated punctual values were observed for endrin in the soil, pp’-DDT in the water, and Ni and Zn in the sediments.
The Combined Effect of Volume Water Supply and Varieties on Physiological Aspects, Growth, and Yield of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in Dryland Jatikerto, Indonesia

Increasing public awareness of living a healthy life, causing red beetroot demand in Indonesia has increased. However, with increasingly limited area of the plateau to the development of the plant, causing its development are directed to dry land are still many obstacles, such as limited availability of water for the plant level, and the high air temperature. Therefore, research that aims to obtain information about the right water needs and tolerant varieties on dry land needs to be done. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in UB's experimental station in Jatikertot village from June to September 2019. This study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD), consisting of 10 treatment combinations, namely the volume of water supply (350,550,750, 950, and 1150) mm water/season + varieties (ie Vikima and Ayumi), repeated 3 times. F test at 5% is used to determine the effect of treatments, while differences between treatments were referred to Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) value at 5%. The highest yield which includes chlorophyll a-b content, stomata density, root length, leaf surface area, total dry weight of plants and fresh weight of tubers/ plants was obtained in water supply volume of 1150 mm/season + Ayumi varieties. While the lowest was obtained in the volume of 350 - 550 mm water/season for both varieties for all variables observed.
The materno-fetal interface in llama (Lama guanicoe glama)

Samples from 9 llamas (28 through 36 weeks of gestation) were collected and fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (light microscopy) and in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde (transmission and scanning electron microscopy). The material was processed in paraplast and slides (5mm) were stained with HE, PAS, Masson-Trichrome, acid phosphatase and Perl's. The uteroferrin was immunolocalized. The results show that llama placenta is chorioallantoic, diffuse, folded and epitheliochorial, and the fetus is covered with an epidermal membrane. The trophoblast cells have variable morphology: cubic, rounded and triangular cells, with cytoplasm containing PAS-positive granules. Binucleated cells with large cytoplasm and rounded nuclei, as well as giant trophoblastic cells with multiple nuclei were also observed. Numerous blood vessels were observed beneath the cells of the uterine epithelium and around the chorionic subdivided branches. Glandular activity was shown by PAS, Perl's, and acid phosphatase positive reactions in the cytoplasm and glandular lumen, and by immunolocalization of the uteroferrin in the glandular epithelium. The uterine glands open in spaces formed by the areoles, which are filled by PAS-positive material. The llama fetus was covered by the epidermal membrane, composed of stratified epithelium, with up to seven layers of mono-, bi- or trinucleated cells. The high level of maternal and fetal vascularization surfaces indicates an intense exchange of substances across both surfaces. The metabolic activity shown in the uterine glands suggests an adaptation of the gestation to the high altitudes of the natural habitat of this species.
Patterns of locomotion of polyphagous arctiid caterpillars in relation to foraging

Abstract. 1. Patterns of locomotion of three species of arctiid caterpillars, Diacrisia virginica, Fabr. , Pyrrharctia Isabella (J. E. Smith) and Estigmene congrua Walk, were studied in the field and laboratory in an attempt to understand factors determining foraging behaviour.
The systematic position of Hemicircus and the stepwise evolution of adaptations for drilling, tapping and climbing up in true woodpeckers (Picinae, Picidae)

The cladistic analysis of 69 morphological and behavioural characters supports the recent DNA sequence–based hypothesis that Hemicircus forms the sister group of all the remaining true woodpeckers (Picinae), but also indicates a sister-group relationship between Dendropicini and Malarpicini, which challenges the results of previous analyses. The present phylogeny further allows a more detailed reconstruction of the stepwise evolution of adaptations for drilling, tapping and climbing up head first on vertical surfaces. The last common ancestor of woodpeckers (Picidae) was neither capable of excavating nest cavities by drilling with its beak nor of climbing up tree trunks. First adaptations for drilling such as reinforced rhamphotheca, frontal overhang and proc. dorsalis pterygoidei evolved in the ancestral lineage of piculets (Picumninae) and true woodpeckers (Picinae s.l.). Further adaptations for drilling and tapping are an enlarged condylus lateralis of the quadrate and fused cotylae mediales and laterales of the lower jaw, but these characters evolved in the ancestral lineage of Picinae s. str. and are primarily lacking in Hemicircus. The inner rectrix pairs became stiffened, and the lamina pygostyli was enlarged in the ancestral lineage of true woodpeckers (Hemicircus + Picinae s. str.). These features can be regarded as first adaptations for climbing up head first and were retained by Hemicircus. In the ancestral lineage of Picinae s. str. , however, the tail feathers became further transformed into a specialized support tail, the discus pygostyli became greatly enlarged, and the ectropodactyl toe arrangement evolved. The last mentioned characters might have been the prerequisites for the enormous increase in body size in different lineages of Picinae s. str. , namely Megapicini such as Campephilus and Malarpicini such as Dryocopus and Mulleripicus.
The Effects of the Pollution on Wood of Cecropia Glazioui (Cecropiaceae)

The wood of nine trees of Cecropia glazioui Sneth. from three different areas of Serra do Mar in Sao Paulo was quantitatively analysed. One of the areas is highly polluted by petrochemical, chemical, fertilizer and steel industries, another has hardly any pollution, and a third one was intermediate. The modifications found in sampies of the most polluted region were in general in agreement with those present in woods from unfavourable environments, such as water-stressed sites. Since the water is not a limiting factor in the area, pollution is believed to be responsible for the modified wood structure.
Integrative revision of Dianthus superbus subspecies reveals different degrees of differentiation, from plasticity to species distinction

Within many species, confusions occur between infraspecific taxa, recurrent ecotypic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity. Subspecies are often debated when they are supported only by slight morphological differentiation coupled to habitat variation. In this context we tested the evolutionary support of the four contested subspecies of Dianthus superbus. Based on 147 Eurasian accessions, our integrative study combines three complementary approaches: (i) Genetic differentiation, with neutral genetic markers, i.e. 326 AFLP markers, 25 nuclear microsatellites and nrDNA ITS ribotypes; (ii) morphological differentiation, with 20 morphometric characters measured in situ and ex situ to assess phenotypic variation; (iii) ecological differentiation, indirectly based on 128 floral volatile compounds under selection of habitat-specific pollinators. Phylogenetic, morphometric and biochemical analyses support the distinction between European and East Asian samples, with an intermediate position of Central Asian samples. However, in Europe, phylogenetic markers only slightly distinguish West from Central European samples, without support for subspecies. Morphometric differentiation was found for subsp. alpestris. This morphotype was stable ex situ under different climatic conditions, and also supported by slight differences in volatile scents and phenology. Infraspecific taxonomy still reveals interesting polymorphisms, but also calls for a revision toward refined taxa. Dianthus superbus subspecies highlighted three dissimilar cases: (i) the East Asian subsp. longicalycinus must be considered as a distinct species; (ii) the morphometric and ecological distinction of subsp. alpestris supports its ecotypic differentiation despite a lack of phylogenetic divergence; (iii) subsp. sylvestris was not supported by any markers, arguing for an artefact of phenotypic plasticity under different environmental conditions.
The Development and Sustainability of School-Based Parent Networks in Low-Income Latinx Communities: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

Research suggests that school-based parent networks have significant benefits for children’s education, yet scholars know very little about how such relationships form and develop over time. This study uses interview and survey data with elementary school parents in predominantly low-income Latinx communities to examine how parents meet one another; how deeper, more trusting relationships develop; and how the size and quality of parent networks change over time in the presence and absence of a family engagement program. Interview data suggest few and infrequent opportunities for parents to meet one another, which makes building relationships characterized by trust and shared expectations more difficult. The quantitative results show positive short-term effects of the program but differential effects over time.