Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Could the Combination of eGFR and mGPS Facilitate the Differential Diagnosis of Age-Related Renal Decline from Diseases? A Large Study on the Population of Western Sicily

The assessment of renal function is critical to diagnosing and managing renal age-related decline, disease (KD), and failure, which are prevalent in the elderly population. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is widely used as an indicator of kidney function, but its direct measurement is challenging, as are its age and gender caveats. This makes difficult the differential diagnosis between age-related physiological decline and KD and/or failure. Currently, the inflammation-based modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) is emerging as a promising biomarker of several inflammatory acute/chronic diseases. In this study, the large variability of eGFR with age and gender was evaluated as the association of eGFR values with mGPS levels. A population of 57,449 adult participants (age ≥ 18 years) was enrolled. Appropriate circulating biomarkers were measured to detect eGFR and mGPS values. The data obtained demonstrated a significant decrease in eGFR in men vs. women across the four selected age classes (18–40, 40–60, 60–80, 80–100 years); eGFR classes were significantly associated with mGPS (p < 0.001), as were age classes and gender with mGPS categories. Accordingly, the percentage of people having an mGPS score = 2 significantly increased across the eGFR classes: with an 11% in the G1/eGFR class needed to achieve 44% in G5/eGFR. Thus, the combination of mGPS with eGFR could represent the best benchmark risk model for the differential diagnosis of kidney disease from the age-related eGFR reduction.
Differences in the structure of bat assemblages among habitats in the Caatinga dry forest

Abstract The Caatinga is the largest seasonal tropical dry forest with extreme environmental and meteorological conditions. It harbours many phytophysiognomies and vegetational units, but bat fauna is poorly known in many regions. We analysed the structure of bat assemblages by mist-netting during 99 nights in seven habitats throughout six sites in the northeasternmost region of the Caatinga in Rio Grande do Norte State, in the Brazilian northeast. With a sampling effort of 239 665 m2h, we captured 1575 individuals of 31 species of bats. Bat assemblages’ structure and species distribution changed according to the habitat type, and differences in richness, abundance, species composition, and trophic guild representation were found. The frugivore A. planirostris was widespread, and its superabundance hold for all habitats. The distinct array of the most abundant species with several exclusive species in each habitat suggests species- and trophic guild-specific preferences to particular habitats. Differences in the structure of bat assemblages may be driven by each habitat’s vegetational structure and plant composition (e.g., semi-open habitats vs. tall forest stands) that offers distinct exploitable resources (e.g., food and roosts). Finally, we discuss the importance of foraging habitats for the conservation of these unique bat assemblages in the northeasternmost region of the Caatinga dry forest.
U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico marine mammal stock assessments--2002

1National Marine Fisheries Service, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543 2National Marine Fisheries Service, 75 Virginia Beach Dr., Miami, FL 33149 3National Marine Fisheries Service, 219 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412 4National Marine Fisheries Service, 3209 Frederic St., Pascagoula, MS 39567 5Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy. , Sarasota, FL 34236 6Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821
Consumer preferences for produce grown with reduced pesticides: a choice experiment in Missouri

Abstract There have been growing concerns about exposure to chemical pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables, which are an important part of a healthy diet. This study investigates consumer preferences for reduced pesticide, organic, local, and Missouri Grown produce using a discrete choice experiment. An online survey of fresh tomato consumers was conducted in Missouri to collect choice data, demographic information, and the individual health and environmental attitudes of shoppers. Respondents were willing to pay a premium of 6% for tomatoes produced with 50% less pesticide than conventional tomatoes. The finding indicates there may be a demand for reduced pesticide produce as a compromise between conventional and organic products in terms of price and safety. Also, we found complementary effects between the reduced pesticide attribute and local or Missouri Grown labels, which means consumers in this segment would pay more for fruits and vegetables that were also locally produced. The results suggest important implications for local producers and policy makers in terms of the production and marketing of reduced pesticide produce, such as the need to develop a reduced pesticide label.
Could Cariprazine Be a Possible Choice for High Functioning Autism? A Case Report

This case report was conducted by searching for the following keywords on PubMed: High Functioning Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cariprazine, aripiprazole, partial agonist antipsychotic, DRD2/DRD3. High Functioning Autism (HFA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with average intellectual abilities, behavioral symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and mood symptoms. HFA is not a term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM), but it is commonly used to identify patients diagnosed with Autistic Disorder (AD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) with average or above average intellectual abilities. Several factors are involved in HFA development, including environmental and genetic factors. In particular, over the last several decades, dopaminergic signaling system dysfunction has been highlighted as being responsible for behavioral patterns. Nowadays, symptoms of ASD lack a specific pharmacological treatment. The only medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for symptoms associated with ASD, in particular the irritability, are risperidone and aripiprazole. According to the hypothesis that dopamine receptor DRD2 and DRD3 might be involved in impulsive behavior, stereotypy, repetitive behaviors and language impairment, cariprazine could be a therapeutic option. This molecule is primarily characterized by DRD3 partial agonism and serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonism, with a lower ability to activate DRD2 than other third-generation antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. We have reported here a case study of treatment of HFA with cariprazine.
Sentinel-1 bathymetry for North Sea palaeolandscape analysis

ABSTRACT Submerged palaeolandscapes can contain pristine underwater heritage. Regular monitoring of these areas is essential to assess and mitigate threats from development including construction, mining, and commercial trawling. While bathymetry alone may be insufficient to detect submerged palaeolandscape features, it can nonetheless recognize previously mapped structures that have a topographic expression. The Sentinel-1 constellation will provide unprecedented access to freely available, high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, acquired systematically and with long-term continuity, and may constitute a cost-effective solution for the monitoring of submerged palaeolandscapes. The article shows the application of a recently developed bathymetric algorithm to Sentinel-1 SAR data over a region of the southern North Sea. Results show general agreement with water depth data obtained from the European Marine Observation and Data Network portal for bathymetry (EMODnet). To assess the support that SAR bathymetry can provide to the analysis of submerged palaeolandscapes, the Sentinel-1-derived water depths were compared to a palaeolandscape map of the same area produced by the North Sea Palaeolandscapes Project (NSPP). Results show a clear correspondence between certain topographic structures identified in the Sentinel-1 water depth map and features interpreted by the NSPP as early Holocene lakes, rivers, and landscape topography.
Turkish high school students’ susceptibility to peer pressure as a function of religiosity, self-esteem, and autonomy

This study examined high school Turkish adolescents’ susceptibility to peer pressure across four domains (family, peer, school, and misconduct) as a function of religiosity (extrinsic/intrinsic), self-esteem, and self-perceived level of autonomy. Further analysis examined religiosity in the context of educational institutions (religious/non-religious) and its relationship with peer pressure susceptibility. A non-random convenience sampling method generated a sample of 259 students enrolled in the 9(n=168) and 11(n=89) grades at three high schools in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average age of 15.78 years (SD=1.11). A series of multiple hierarchical regression analyses and correlational analyses indicated several sex differences across domains and highlighted the importance of religiosity to understanding adolescent peer pressure susceptibility. Self-esteem was the most consistent predictor of susceptibility to peer pressure in the four domains.
Fabrication of Silver Iodide (AgI) Patterns via Photolithography and Its Application to In-Situ Observation of Condensation Frosting

This study introduces an innovative photolithography-based method for patterning ionic and inorganic particle materials such as silver iodide (AgI). Conventional methods lack precision when patterning powdered materials, which limits their applicability. The proposed method stacks layers of a particle material (AgI) and negative-tone photoresist for simultaneous ultraviolet exposure and development, resulting in well-defined AgI patterns. The sintering process successfully removed binders from the material layer and photoresist, yielding standalone AgI patterns on the Si substrate with good adhesion. The pitch remained consistent with the design values of the photomask when the pattern size was changed. In-situ observation of condensation frosting on the patterns was conducted, which confirmed the practicality of the developed patterning process. This versatile method is applicable to large areas with a high throughput and presents new opportunities for modifying functional surfaces.
Geometrization of 3-orbifolds of cyclic type

We give a complete proof of Thurston's Orbifold Theorem for very good 3-orbifolds of cyclic type. An orbifold is said to be very good when it has a finite cover which is a manifold. A 3-orbifold is of cyclic type if the singular set is a non-empty 1-manifold transverse to the boundary.
Dominant Drivers for Terrestrial Water Storage Changes Are Different in Northern and Southern China

Subsurface water storage is a key component in the water cycle, and China is facing severe issues with water resource shortage. This study estimates the terrestrial water storage (TWS) changes from 2003 to 2017 using a water balance approach over seven large basins in China. The estimated inter‐annual variations and trends in TWS correspond well with those obtained from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment observation. Variance analysis shows that annual precipitation in northern China plays a more important role in controlling annual TWS variability than that in southern China. This increased sensitivity is primarily attributed to the limited availability of water resources and the arid climate conditions prevalent in northern China. Interestingly, actual evapotranspiration is the dominant driver, contributing more than 55% to the declining trend in TWS in two northern basins: Hai River and Yellow River basins, where the leaf area index has strongly increased. Precipitation and evapotranspiration account for over 89% of the TWS trend over basins in northeastern China. Meanwhile, the dominant drivers for TWS in southern China are precipitation (50%–54%) and runoff (33%–41%). Our results suggest that it requires strong ecological conservation actions in order to keep water resources sustainable in northern China.
A Computationally Efficient Approach to Non-cooperative Target Detection and Tracking with Almost No A-priori Information

—This paper addresses the problem of real-time detection and tracking of a non-cooperative target in the challenging scenario with almost no a-priori information about target birth, death, dynamics and detection probability. Furthermore, there are false and missing data at unknown yet low rates in the measurements. The only information given in advance is about the target-measurement model and the constraint that there is no more than one target in the scenario. To solve these challenges, we model the movement of the target by using a trajectory function of time (T-FoT). Data-driven T-FoT initiation and termination strategies are proposed for identifying the (re-)appearance and disappearance of the target. During the existence of the target, real target measurements are distinguished from clutter if the target indeed exists and is detected, in order to update the T-FoT at each scan for which we design a least-squares estimator. Simulations using either linear or nonlinear systems are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in comparison with the Bayes optimal Bernoulli ﬁlters. The results show that our approach is comparable to the perfectly-modeled ﬁlters, even outperforms them in some cases while requiring much less a-prior information and computing much faster.
Los costes, gastos, burocracia e incremento de productividad por la certificación en lanorma ISO 9000 en la empresas certificadas en la norma ISO 9000 de la ComunidadValenciana

One of the question we can ask ourseselves due to the certification in the quality rule ISO 9000 is its usefulness or instead of this, if it is only a way to show what it is done in a company. This question has been asked the certfied companies of the Valencian Comunity, also other questions have been also necessary to find out if this introduction gives rise to an increase of producctivity, and the importance that companies stand up to the costs when the quality system must be introduced. The results are that in most of the sistuations the introduction of these quality systems go with an increase in productivity
Struktur dan Komposisi Makrofauna Tanah Sebagai Bioindikator Kesehatan Tanah pada Kasus Perubahan Sistem Penggunaan Lahan di HTI Sengon

Structure and composition of soil macrofauna are important component of soil sub-system correlated with soil function dynamics. So it is expected can be used as bioindicator of soil health. The objective of this research was to evaluate of using structure and composistion of soil macrofauna as bioindicator of soil health, espescially on land forest of albizia stand.The research conducted on Aprl to September 2003 at Jatirejo forest resort, District of Kediri, East Java. Soil macrofauna collected by hand sorting and pit-fall trap methods. Structure and composition of soil macrofauna expressed by the value of modified-Simpson diversity index. The results indicated: (1) diversities of soil macrofauna influenced by ages of albizia stand and undergrowth vegetation; (a) the highest diversity obtained on 7 years ages of stand, (b) papaya indicated a negative effect to diversities of soil macrofauna; (2) Diversity index of deep soil macrofauna was a bioindicator of C-organic and K-total content of soil. Key words: soil macrofauna, soil health, bioindicator, albizia.
Relacoes entre a produtividade de sitios florestais de eucalyptus grandis e eucalyptus saligna com as propriedades de alguns solos de textura arenosa e media no esatdo de sao paulo

The objective of this work was to determine the relationships between site productivity and some physical and chemical characteristics of soils of low productivity potential of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and E. saligna Smith in the State of Sao Paulo. For this study, 18 sites of E. grandis and 8 sites of E. saligna, located in commercial forest stands in the State of Sao Paulo, were selected. These sites showed high homogeneity in terms of forest stand, climate and topography . On the other hand, these sites showed variability both in terms of their forest productivity and of soil characteristics. In each site, one rectangular plot was located, so as to include 10 lines of trees, each line with 10 trees, with a total of approximately 100 trees per plot. The following dendrometric parameters were recorded: mean height of all trees, mean height to the dominant trees, site index, mean dbh, solid volume with bark and basal area. The soils on all sites were characterized in terms of their physical, chemical and morphological features. The relationships between site productivity and soil physical and chemical characteristics were determined by multiple regression analyses. The volume of solid wood with bark was more related to soil physical and chemical characteristics than the site index, when the coefficients of determination and the number of independent variables in the adjusted multiple regression equations were considered. However, the values predicted by the equations, which had as dependent variables the site index, were more similar to the real ones, if compared with those obtained by equations which had as dependent variables the solid wood volume with bark. The equations relating solid wood volume with bark with soil characteristics were found to be more precise when the superficial soil layers (up to 20 cm depth) were considered. This indicates that these top soil layers were more appropriate for sampling purposes to evaluate soil fertility in E. grandis and E. saligna plantations. The soil characteristics pH in CaCl2, silt content, available phosphorus, total clay SiO2 content and organic matter content showed the best relationships with site productivity. E. grandis and E. saligna showed similar relationships for dependent and independent variables in the adjusted equations.
Efficacy of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-Incomplete Response to Chemoembolization

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Several liver-targeted intra-arterial therapies are available for unresectable HCC, including selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Those two are the most used treatment modalities in localized non-operable HCC. TACE is the treatment option for patients with stage B, according to the BCLC staging system. In contrast, SIRT does not have an official role in the treatment algorithm, but recent studies showed promising outcomes in patients treated with SIRT. Although TACE is globally a safe procedure, it might provoke several vascular complications such as spasms, inflammatory constriction, and, in severe cases, occlusion, dissection, or collateralization. Hence, it is acclaimed that those complications could restrain the targeted response of the radio-embolization when we use it as second-line therapy post TACE. In this study, we will assess the efficacity of SIRT using Yttrium 90 Microspheres post incomplete or failure response to TACE. In our retrospective study, we had 23 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Furthermore, those patients have been followed radiologically and biologically. Then, we evaluated the therapeutic effect according to the mRECIST criteria, in addition to the personalized dose analysis. We found 8 patients were treated with TheraSphere®, with a median tumor absorbed dose of 445 Gy, while 15 received SIR-Spheres® treatment with a mean tumor dose of 268 Gy. After radiological analysis, 56.5% of the patients had a complete response, and 17.3% showed partial response, whereas 13% had stable disease and 13% had progressive disease. For patients treated with SIRT after an incomplete response or failure to TACE, we found an objective response rate of 73.8%. Despite the known vascular complications of TACE, SIRT can give a favorable response.
How much do trees reduce landsliding

ABSTRACT: A method is presented for calculating the effectiveness of trees in reducing the incidence of shallow landslides on hillslopes. Computer processing of digitat imagery is applied to aerial photographs of hillslopes on which widely spaced trees and landslide scars are both visible. A graph of average fraction of ground eroded versus distance from tree is derived. From this graph, the average radius of influence of trees and the area of ground saved from sliding by the trees are deduced. The area of ground that would have been saved from sliding had the trees been planted at other spacings also may be estimated. To demonstrate the method, it is applied to a hillslope that had experienced landsliding during a severe storm. The derived graph of average fraction of ground eroded versus distance from trees showed the landslide scars tending to occupy areas away from the trees. Because the trees had not been planted deliberately on areas that were less likely to fail, it is inferred that this preference is due to the influence of the trees for whatever reason. This influence decreased with distance from the trees, becoming undetectable at a radius of 11 m (36 feet). The storm caused 20.9% of the study am to become immediately unproductive for pasture growth, either through landsliding or deposition of debris. The method predicted that without the poplar trees this figure would have been 24.2%, that is, 3.3 % of the study area was saved from immediate production loss. The trees, therefore, reduced storm damage by 13.8 %. If the trees had been planted on a 10-m (32-foot) grid, with a 100 % establishment rate, storm damage would have been reduced at least 70 %.
Recent podocopid Ostracoda of the Sedili River and Jason Bay, southeastern Malay Peninsula

The recent podocopid Ostracoda of the Sedili River, its estuary and the open shelf of Jason Bay, off the southeast coast of the Malay Peninsula, have been studied quantitatively. The distribution of live and dead assemblages is recorded. A total of 101 species were recorded in the study. Of these, 50 were recorded live in the area. In the freshwater system of the Sedili River, only two species were recorded live, in the brackish water of the Sedili Estuary only 4 live species were recorded while 48 live species were recovered from the open shelf. The dead assemblage exhibits a much higher diversity yet lower dominance than the live assemblage and constitutes a total of 98 species from the 3 biotopes. The dead representatives of species which also occur live are more widely distributed than their live counterparts due to postmortem transportation. In this study one new genus is erected, Malaycythereis, n. gen., and the following new species and subspecies are erected: Malaycythereis trachodes, Caudites asiaticus, C. scopulicolusjasonensis, Cytherella incohatus, Hemicytheridea wangi, Keijella gonia, Loxoconcha malayensis, L. triconicula, Neocytheretta murilineata, Paracytheroma ventrosinuosa, Semicytherura contraria, Leptocythere pulchra, and Xestoleberis malaysiana.