Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predator diversity and the functioning of ecosystems: the role of intraguild predation in dampening trophic cascades

Single trophic-level studies of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning highlight the importance of mechanisms such as resource partitioning, facilitation, and sampling effect. In a multi-trophic context, trophic interactions such as intraguild predation may also be an important mediator of this relationship. Using a salt-marsh food web, we investigated the interactive effects of predator species richness (one to three species) and trophic composition (strict predators, intraguild predators, or a mixture of the two) on ecosystem functions such as prey suppression and primary production via trophic cascades. We found that the trophic composition of the predator assemblage determined the impact of increasing predator species richness on the occurrence of trophic cascades. In addition, increasing the proportion of intraguild predator species present diminished herbivore suppression and reduced primary productivity. Therefore, trophic composition of the predator assemblage can play an important role in determining the nature of the relationship between predator diversity and ecosystem function.
The Relationship Between Malaria Status in Under-five Children and Some Household Demographic, Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Associated with the Disease in Sierra Leone

Background: Malaria in under-five children is a significant public health problem in subSaharan African countries with unprecedented mortality and morbidity. In Sierra Leone, the disease accounts for fourteen percent of under-five mortality and 95% of the population is at risk. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between malaria status in under-five children and household demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental risk factors potentially associated with the disease and to compare the test performance of rapid diagnostic test kit. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data from the 2016 Sierra Leone Malaria Indicator Survey, which selected a nationally representative sample of 6,720 households in 336 clusters. Children aged 6–59 months in the selected households were tested for malaria using the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions to identify risk factors associated with malaria at a 5% level of significance. Results: The overall prevalence of malaria in under-five children was 52.67% and 40.05% using RDT and microscopy methods, respectively. RDT method was more sensitive than specific (85.52% vs. 69.23%, p<0.0001). The odds of malaria infection were significantly higher among older children aged 48–59 months (aOR= 3.28, CI: 2.61-4.13, p<0.0001), and children in the lowest wealth quintile (aOR= 5.47, CI: 2.89-10.37, p<0.0001). Other risk factors of malaria infection include children whose mothers/caregivers have attained primary educational level (aOR= 1.35, CI: 1.00-1.82, p<0.05), children living in houses built with unimproved wall materials (aOR= 0.79, CI: 0.64-0.97, p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that demographic and socioeconomic factors like age, wealth quintile, and educational levels of mothers/caregivers were predictors of malaria in under-five children in Sierra Leone. The Relationship Between Malaria Status in Under-five Children and Some Household Demographic, Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Associated with the Disease in Sierra Leone
8-Iso-Prostaglandin F2α Reduces Trophoblast Invasion and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication in the latter half of gestation diagnosed by hypertension and proteinuria. A key feature of preeclampsia is an altered placentation with reduced trophoblast invasion. Normal placentation requires controlled invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal uterine wall, with secretion of specific proteolytic enzymes able to degrade basement membranes and extracellular matrix, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). 8-Iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2alpha)) is a marker of oxidative stress in vivo and is biologically active. We have recently reported an elevated content of free 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) in preeclamptic gestational tissue at delivery. Assuming an elevated level of 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) during the invasion period of the pregnancy, we hypothesized that 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) could reduce invasion of JAR cells, a choriocarcinoma cell line. We investigated JAR cell invasion with 2 types of Transwell assays and demonstrated that 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) (10 micromol/L) resulted in reduced cell invasion in both the colorimetric and radioactivity Transwell assays (P<0.01). Zymograms revealed reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in conditioned media from JAR cells incubated with 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) (10 micromol/L) (P<0.02). 8-Iso-PGF(2alpha) (10 micromol/L) also reduced the collagenase type IV activity in the conditioned media of JAR cells (P=0.04). No effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA levels were observed after incubation with 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) (10 micromol/L), whereas protein levels were significantly decreased (P<0.02), suggesting a posttranscriptional regulation. We hypothesize a potential role for 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) in the reduced trophoblast invasion in preeclampsia.
Anthocoridae of the Pacific Northwest with Notes on Distributions, Life Histories, and Habits (Heteroptera)

This paper is an account of the distributions of the Anthocoridae of the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho), with notes on the life histories of the more common species. It brings together the published and unpublished data on the family in that area. Seven species listed were previously unrecorded there and five others are new species recently described (Kelton and Anderson, 1962). In 1956 and 1957 intensive collecting was done in southern British Columbia and some material was collected in the Willamette Valley and east of the Cascade Range in Oregon. Specimens were examined in the important museum collections of the area and in some private collections.
Factors affecting birth weight and performance to weaning of Bunaji calves

Birth weight and pre-weaning performance are recognized as important components in determing economic returns from beef cattle. The accuracy of ranking animals based on their breeding values, and hence the effectiveness of selection, will be increased when allowance is made for non-genetic sources of variation. Furthermore, the proper evaluation of identifiable sources of variation in calf weaning weight aids in more accurate appraisal of genetic differences in mothering ability among beef cows.
Dispersal potential in plant communities depends on environmental conditions

1 Local plant communities can only function within a metacommunity context if they are connected by appropriate dispersal vectors, accommodating the transport of propagules between sites. The capacity for long‐distance dispersal may be a key factor in the survival of local populations, especially in fragmented landscapes, and hence may have a large impact on local species composition. Dispersal vectors with a large efficiency for long‐distance dispersal included in this study are: water, wind, large mammals and birds. 2 We tested the hypothesis that variation in dispersal traits across plant communities is related to the position of the communities along major environmental gradients. This hypothesis was tested for (i) separate long‐distance dispersal vectors and (ii) multiple dispersal vectors (the number of potential long‐distance dispersal vectors per species). 3 To quantify linkages between dispersal traits and environmental gradients, we coupled a data base containing dispersal attributes with another data base, containing 40 000 local vegetation descriptions aggregated into 123 plant communities. For each dispersal vector, the proportions of species that have access to this vector per community (weighted trait scores) were projected along three major environmental gradients: soil moisture, nutrient availability and light availability. 4 The potential importance of individual dispersal vectors showed clear differences along the three environmental gradients, with the greatest differences along the light availability gradient. The differences in dispersal traits probably reflect environmental constraints on the availability or efficiency of individual dispersal vectors. 5 The ability to be dispersed by multiple dispersal vectors is a common phenomenon in most plant communities (an average of 2.15 vectors per species). The mean number of potential long‐distance dispersal vectors per species increases with light availability. This probably implies that plant communities differ in their response to both habitat fragmentation and habitat restoration. 6 Despite differences in trait spectra among communities, all dispersal syndromes are represented in nearly all communities. An important consequence of this complementarity in dispersal traits is that species within the same community may experience different connectivity. 7 The results emphasize the need for dispersal models based upon multiple dispersal vectors that explicitly include parameters for habitat characteristics.
Seed size-number trade-off in Euterpe edulis in plant communities of the Atlantic Forest

Investigations of seed size and number differences among plant populations growing in contrasting habitats can provide relevant information about ecological strategies that optimize reproductive effort. This may imply important consequences for biodiversity conservation and restoration. Therefore, we sought to investigate seed size-number trade-off in Euterpe edulis populations growing in plant communities in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Seed dry mass and seed number per bunch were evaluated in 2008 and 2009 in large remnants of the Seasonally Dry Forest, Restinga Forest and Atlantic Rainforest in southeastern Brazil, in 20 individuals per site and year. Seed size and seed number varied among forest types, but a seed size-number trade-off was neither observed within nor among populations. Positive association between seed size and number was found in the Atlantic Rainforest, and reduced seed crop was not accompanied by heavier seeds in the Restinga Forest. Seed dry mass declined in 2009 in all three forest types. Compared to seed number in 2008, palms of both the Restinga Forest and the Atlantic Rainforest produced in 2009 higher yields of smaller seeds - evidence of between years seed size-number trade-off -, while the Seasonally Dry Forest population produced a reduced number of smaller seeds. Such a flexible reproductive strategy, involving neutral, positive, and negative associations between seed size and number could enhance the ecological amplitude of this species and their potential to adapt to different environment conditions.
The Nexus of Romantic Relationship and Motivation among Students of a University: A Quantitative Study

This study is an effort to investigate the nexus of romantic relationship and motivation at university level students. The study used the survey method for data collection. A sample of 50 respondents consisting of 25 males and 25 females has been taken purposively. The results of the present study demonstrated that all of the respondents were involved in romantic relationship. The romantic relationship has motivational effects on the respondents and they perform better on their academic ground. It is obvious from the results that romantic relationship causes comfortable feeling among the partners. They share and respond to each other in time of need and support. They enjoy company of partner and get encouragement to accomplish their tasks in time.
Observations on swimming pattern and morphology of secondary zoospores of Spongospora subterranea

Secondary zoospores of Spongospora subterranea were observed during and after emergence from sporangia using a light microscope, video equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Freshly discharged zoospores showed rapid movements and sudden changes in direction. Electron micrographs of secondary zoospores showed a lateral insertion of two flagella at an angle of 180o to each other. A biflagellate contaminant appeared to be distinguishable on the basis of its morphology and manner of swimming.
Optical coherence tomography angiography measured capillary density in normal and glaucoma eyes: RPCs and ONH capillary density in glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic ability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) derived radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) measured capillary density (CD) and inside the optic nerve head (ONH) CD measurements to differentiate between the normal and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes. Methods: AngioVue disc OCT-A images were obtained and assessed in 83 eyes of POAG patients and 74 age matched healthy eyes. RPC CD was quantitatively measured in the peripapillary area within 3.45 mm circle diameter around the ONH and inside the ONH in 8 equally divided sectors, using Bar – Selective Combination of Shifted Filter Responses method after the suppressing large vessels. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the two scanning regions of CD to differentiate between the normal and POAG eyes. Results: The mean peripapillary RPC density (0.12 ± 0.03) and mean ONH CD (0.09 ± 0.03) were significantly lower in POAG eyes when compared to the normal eyes (RPC CD: 0.17 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001 and ONH CD 0.11 ± 0.02, p = 0.01 respectively). The POAG patients showed 29% reduction in the RPC CD and 19% reduction in the ONH CD when compared to the normal eyes. The AUROC for discriminating between healthy and glaucomatous eyes was 0.784 for mean RPC CD and 0.743 for the mean ONH CD. Conclusions: Diagnostic ability of OCT-A derived peripapillary CD and ONH CD was moderate for differentiating between the normal and glaucomatous eyes. Diagnostic ability of even the best peripapillary average and inferotemporal sector for RPC CD and average and superonasal sector for the ONH CD was moderate.
MP3602_02_Torppa 156..174

THE PERCEPTION OF SPEECH IN NOISE IS challenging for children with cochlear implants (CIs). Singing and musical instrument playing have been associated with improved auditory skills in normal-hearing (NH) children. Therefore, we assessed how children with CIs who sing informally develop in the perception of speech in noise compared to those who do not. We also sought evidence of links of speech perception in noise with MMN and P3a brain responses to musical sounds and studied effects of age and changes over a 14–17 month time period in the speech-in-noise performance of children with CIs. Compared to the NH group, the entire CI group was less tolerant of noise in speech perception, but both groups improved similarly. The CI singing group showed better speech-in-noise perception than the CI non-singing group. The perception of speech in noise in children with CIs was associated with the amplitude of MMN to a change of sound from piano to cymbal, and in the CI singing group only, with earlier P3a for changes in timbre. While our results cannot address causality, they suggest that singing and musical instrument playing may have a potential to enhance the perception of speech in noise in children with CIs.
Directional Movement Distribution in the Bitcoin Markets

The crypto exchanges operate primarily on the internet, where the speed of information spreading is significant. Therefore, it is expected that there should be no significant differences among the individual exchanges concerning the same asset being traded. Prices should quickly reach comparable values on all stock exchanges, and they should return to equilibrium in a relative time frame. Hence, the investors, while making decisions on the selection of a cryptocurrency market, should be guided primarily by the exchange security considerations, its flexibility, availability of a product offer, and costs of order processing. The work aims to check whether virtual currency exchanges differ from each other in the context of directional movement, both in an upward and downward trend. To achieve the objective of the paper, we used Directional Movement Index, supported by the Directional Indicators, to compare the distribution of the strength of the directional movement across three different cryptocurrency exchanges (Bitstamp, Coinbase, Kraken) within the up and the downward price movement phase. The comparison is made based on the results of the non-parametrical tests such as Wilcoxon test, Hodges Lehmann test, Ansari-Bradley test, and Conover test. The results show that theoretically, the choice of a cryptocurrency exchange in an upward trend will cause no significant difference for an investor and its strategy. However, the choice of a stock exchange in a downward trend may have a substantial impact on the rates of return.
Assessment of Performance Using an Advanced Upper Extremity Prosthesis: A Case Report

Background: As upper extremity prosthetic devices continue to advance, it is unclear if traditional outcome measures accurately assess their impact on function and quality of life. This case report describes the experiences of a military veteran with a transhumeral amputation utilizing the advanced DEKA prosthetic arm system. Objective: Observe the performance of the DEKA Arm over one year; assess its impact on function using traditional outcome measures and subjective feedback from the subject. Methods: Three previously validated assessment procedures on prosthetic hand control – viz., Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), and Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC) – were used as endpoints to compare the performance of the novel DEKA Arm System with that of the subject’s bodypowered prosthesis. First, with the body-powered prosthesis that the subject had used for over four decades, a baseline occasion of assessment was observed. Next, the subject was fitted and trained with the DEKA Arm System and repeated the tests at eight occasions over one year. Then, the longitudinal trends of the indexed scores for each of the three functional assessments were estimated using ordinary least squares linear regression. Finally, a qualitative assessment was conducted to understand the overall impact that the DEKA Arm System had on the subject’s quality of life. Results: Linear estimates of each of the three functional assessments suggested a gradual longitudinal improvement; however, the estimated effects were neither statistically nor clinically significant. Moreover, the subject’s performance with the DEKA Arm system at the exit assessment did not surpass that with the body-powered prosthesis at baseline. In the qualitative assessment, the subject held that the DEKA Arm system simplified many of his routine tasks and improved his quality of life when compared to the body-powered prosthesis he had used for several decades. Conclusion: This case report illustrates the likely disconnect between current upper-extremity prosthetic assessment tests and their ability to substantively capture a prosthetic’s impact on quality of life, functional performance, and body mechanics.
Inequality in the Welfare Costs of Disinflation

We use an incomplete markets economy to quantify the distribution of welfare gains and losses of the US "Volcker" disinflation. In the long run households prefer low inflation, but disinflation requires a transition period and a redistribution from net nominal borrowers to net nominal savers. Even with perfectly flexible prices, welfare costs may be significant for households with nominal liabilities. When calibrated to match the micro and macro moments of the early 1980s high inflation environment, almost half of all borrowers (14 percent of all households) would prefer to avoid the redistribution and equilibrium effects of the disinflation. This share depends negatively on the liquidity value of money and positively on the average duration of nominal borrowing.
Density, productivity, diet and population status of the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus in the Italian Alps

Capsule The population of Peregrine Falcon in the central-eastern Italian Alps is much larger than previously thought. Aims To assess the status of the species in the Alps and re-estimate the overall Italian population size. Methods We monitored a Peregrine Falcon population of 45 territorial pairs between 1998 and 2003 in a 3570 km2 study area located in the central-eastern Italian Alps. Results All nests were on large cliffs at a mean elevation of 830 m (range = 250–1950 m). The population trend was stable at a mean density of 1.16 pairs/100 km2. Mean nearest-neighbour distance between territorial pairs was 5.1 km. The percentage of pairs consisting of an adult male and an immature female was low (1.3% of 225 breeding attempts). Mean laying date was 11 March, the percentage of successful pairs was 46%, and the mean number of fledged young was 1.10 per territorial pair and 2.40 per successful pair. Diet was dominated by Turdidae, Columbidae and Corvidae. Density, diet and breeding performance were comparable to those reported for other European populations in the 1980s and 1990s. Conclusion The population of the central-eastern Alps, previously underestimated at 20–30 pairs, is re-estimated at 400–460 pairs. The overall Italian population is consequently re-estimated at 1085–1335 pairs (i.e. about 20% of the European population). The conservation status of the population appears satisfactory.
Knowledge of Patients about Association between Orthodontic Treatment and Periodontal Diseases

Background: Little is known about periodontal health knowledge among orthodontic patients. Orthodontists through their long-term treatment procedure have opportunity and responsibility to educate their patients about periodontal health and to promote proper oral health behavior with emphasis on the prevention of periodontal disease. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of patients about association between orthodontic treatment and periodontal diseases. Results: About 18% of the subjects identified what does bleeding gum indicate. Only 25% did not know what plaque is and only 24% did not know what does it cause. Only 24 subjects (8%) correctly answered all related questions. No significant differences were found among the studied groups. A high positive correlation was found between educational level of the subjects and their periodontal health knowledge (R2 = 0.172, P = 0.005). An awareness score was taken. Conclusion: Periodontal health knowledge among orthodontic patients was poor. Orthodontic patients’ awareness of their periodontal health was moderate and was affected by age, attitude, and duration of orthodontic treatment.