Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bilateral optic disc edema: causes and clinical features at a tertiary center in South India

Aims: Bilateral optic disc edema: causes and clinical features at a tertiary center in South India. Bilateral Optic disc edema is one of the important fundus findings. Many times it indicates systemic pathology. The current study evaluated various causes of bilateral optic disc edema. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Methods and Material: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in north Karnataka part of India (southern India). This study was conducted from June 2016 to November 2018. Detailed ocular examination including vision, slit-lamp examination, Visual field analysis, detailed fundus evaluation using an indirect ophthalmoscope, 78 Dioptre lens and fundus camera was done. Systemic investigations like blood examination and radiological investigations like Computerized tomography (C.T), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were done whenever required. Results: A total of sixty-three cases with bilateral optic disc edema was recorded in this study. Thirty were females and thirty-three were males. Out of these, 36 cases had papilledema (increased intracranial pressure), 7 cases had optic neuritis, 6 cases of hypertensive retinopathy, 5 patients had Vogt Koyanagi Harada Syndrome (VKH), 3 had neuroretinitis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in 2 cases and in 4 cases causes could not be found. Total of 36 (57.14%) patients had papilledema, 7 (11.11%) had optic neuritis, 3 (4.8%) patient had neuroretinitis, 6 (9.52%) cases of hypertensive retinopathy, 5 (7.9%) patient had VKH, CMV retinitis in 2 (3.2%) and 4 (6.3%) idiopathic. Conclusions: Papilledema was the commonest cause followed by optic neuritis for bilateral optic disc edema.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal effects on plant competition and community structure

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) mediate plant interspecific competition and community structure. However, the magnitude and direction of AMF effects and underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we synthesized the results of 304 studies to evaluate how AMF affect plant competition and community structure and which abiotic and biotic conditions in experimental design modify these AMF effects. The magnitude and direction of AMF effects on plant competitive ability (in terms of competitive response) differed markedly among plant functional groups. When AMF inoculum was added, competitive ability was strongly enhanced in N‐fixing forbs and was significantly suppressed in C3 grasses, whereas no effect was observed in C4 grasses, non‐N‐fixing forbs and woody species. Furthermore, AMF inoculation increased competitive ability of perennial species when their competitors were annual species. AMF inoculation differentially influenced separate aspects of plant community structure and species composition. AMF inoculation significantly increased plant diversity but had no effects on plant productivity. Response of dominant plant species to AMF inoculation was the determining factor in explaining variations in how and to what degree plant diversity was influenced by AMF inoculation. When dominant species derived strong benefits from AMF, their dominance level was increased by AMF inoculation, which consequently decreased plant diversity. We did not find stronger AMF effects on plant diversity and productivity when greater numbers of AMF species were used in the inoculation. Synthesis. Despite large variations in AMF effects among studies, a unifying mechanism was observed that the mycorrhizal responsiveness (differences in plant growth between AMF and non‐AMF colonization treatments) of target and neighbouring plant species can determine AMF effects on the competitive outcome among plant species, which in turn influenced plant species diversity and community composition. Given that plant traits, soil nutrient conditions and probably mycorrhizal fungal traits are all factors determining the degree of mycorrhizal response of plant species, future studies should explicitly consider each of these factors in experimental design to better understand AMF effects on plant coexistence, plant community dynamics and ecosystem processes.
COMPLETE SEQUENCE OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME OF THE ENDANGERED NILE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE TRIONYX TRIUNGUIS -

: The Nile soft-shelled turtle, Trionyx triunguis , is a member of Trionychidae within Cryptodira and is considered the only extant species of its genus. The 16,590 base pairs (bp) mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) sequence of this species was determined in this study. It was found to have similar gene organization and base composition to that of most other vertebrates. Twenty-two tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and a control region were identified in this mtDNA. Similar to most turtle mtDNAs reported, an extra base was inserted at position 175 in the ND3 gene. This insertion could be processed by the translational frameshifting of the mRNA during protein synthesis or by RNA editing prior to translation. The control region was 1,078 bp long and it contained three conserved sequence blocks like most cryptodirans. Comparisons with three other soft-shelled turtles showed that the Trionyx triunguis control region contained a C-rich sequence at the 5' domain and twenty C (TA) 3 T-3' tandem repeat units at the 3' domain. This information could make soft-shelled turtles phylogeny being better understood. Preliminary survey of the genetic variation among Egyptian and Liberian individuals implied rather low gene diversity within species, calling the need for conservation of both the species and genetic biodiversity for Trionyx triunguis .
Spatial arrangement of biogenic reefs alters boundary layer characteristics to increase risk of microplastic bioaccumulation

Microplastics are now synonymous with human impacts on the environment and as a threat to marine organisms. Numerous taxa are at risk from microplastics including commercially valuable bivalves as seafood, which are also disproportionately important as biogenic reef-forming species that enhance biodiversity such that they are commonly protected under conservation actions. As a sessile filter-feeding organism, bivalves are highly susceptible to microplastic ingestion but despite their socio-economic and ecological importance, no research has been undertaken to assess how a reef’s structural arrangement might affect plastic ingestion. Here, using a series of flume experiments, we examined how change in spatial arrangement of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, interacts with different flow speeds to effect retention of microplastic over reef surfaces and ingestion risk by individual mussels. Our results show that clumped spatial arrangements reduce boundary layer velocities, and increase turbulence, boundary layer thickness and plastic retention over reef surfaces under faster flow conditions, increasing plastic ingestion by 3-fold. Our findings suggest that the structural arrangement and rugosity of natural reef structures may create natural sinks of anthropogenic pollution, and species like Mytilus that are also important species for human consumption, while disproportionately susceptible to microplastic pollution, may be useful bioindicators of microplastic pollution.
The grammaticalisation of never in British English dialects: Quantifying syntactic and functional change

Never originated as a temporal adverb expressing universal quantification over time (‘Type 1’, e.g. he’s never been to Paris). As Lucas & Willis (2012) report, it has developed non-quantificational meanings equivalent to didn’t, starting with the ‘Type 2’ use which depicts an event that could have occurred in a specific ‘window of opportunity’ (e.g. she waited but he never arrived). Subsequently, a non-standard ‘Type 3’ use developed, where never can be used with other predicates (e.g. I never won that competition yesterday). To what extent does variation in the use of never in present-day English reflect the proposed historical development of the form? This study addresses this question by integrating syntactic theory into a quantitative variationist approach, analysing never vs. didn’t in Type 2 and Type 3 contexts using speech corpora from three Northern British communities. The results show how syntactic–semantic constraints on never in Type 2 contexts persist in its newer, Type 3 uses, e.g. it is used at higher rates in achievement predicates. While Type 2 contexts are associated with the expression of counter-expectation, never has become pragmatically strengthened in its Type 3 use, where it is often used to contradict a previously-expressed proposition.
Housing prices and carbon emissions: a dynamic panel threshold model of 60 Chinese cities

ABSTRACT In the past two decades, both housing prices and carbon emissions have risen dramatically in China. However, it is unclear whether there is a nexus between them. This study employs a dynamic panel threshold regression model using residents' income levels as the threshold variable to investigate the relationship between housing prices and per capita carbon emissions. By considering 60 Chinese housing price-monitored cities, a threshold effect of income on carbon emissions was identified with a threshold value of 2.448, which divided the full sample into two regimes to further analyse the impacts of housing prices on per capita carbon emissions at each income level. The empirical results show that housing prices have a slight but positive effect on per capita carbon emissions both at two income levels. Specifically, a 10% change in housing prices can lead to a change in the same direction in per capita carbon emissions by 0.7% and 0.2% at lower and higher average income levels, respectively. However, in small cities, limited population may contribute to the negative impact of housing prices on carbon emissions. Furthermore, the results also confirm that the urbanization rate is an important factor of per capita carbon emissions.
Farming freshwater prawns: a manual for the culture of the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).

THE ORIGINAL MANUAL on freshwater prawn farming was published in English, French and Spanish by FAO and translated by others into Farsi, Hindi, and Vietnamese. In the two decades since that manual was written, many technical and practical advances have been made in the rearing of freshwater prawns. Greater farmed production, developing global markets, and the need to ensure that each form of aquaculture is sustainable, have led to an increased interest in the farming of freshwater prawns. A new manual has therefore been prepared, which will be issued in each of the FAO official languages. This manual provides information on the farming of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Many of the techniques described are also applicable to other species of freshwater prawns that are being cultured. The manual is not a scientific text but is intended to be a practical guide to in-hatchery and on-farm management. The target audience is therefore principally farmers and extension workers. However, it is also hoped that, like the previous manual on this topic, it will be useful for lecturers and students alike in universities and other institutes that provide training in aquaculture. After a preliminary section on the biology of freshwater prawns, the manual covers site selection for hatcheries, nurseries and grow-out facilities, and the management of the broodstock, hatchery, nursery and grow-out phases of rearing. Harvesting and post-harvest handling are also covered and there are some notes on marketing freshwater prawns. The reference and bibliography section is generally restricted to a list of relevant reviews, as well as other (mainly FAO) manuals on general aquaculture themes, such as water and soil management, topography, pond construction and simple economics. Every attempt has been made to illustrate the management principles described in this manual by photographs and drawings. The manual contains many annexes on specific topics, such as the production of larval feeds, size variation and stock estimation. The final annex is a glossary; this lists not only terms used in the manual itself but also terms which the readers may find in other documents that they may consult.
Engines of Growth in China: The Limits of Informal Institutions

Abstract: Since the 1978 reforms, China has experienced rapid economic and social development. GDP growth has been in the double digits on average yearly, creating the fastest sustained economic growth recorded by a major economy in history. Not only did this transform the economy and society at large, China reached important milestones in terms of reducing poverty and creating prosperity in a short period of time. This article uses the conceptual framework of new institutional economics to examine China’s economic growth and how growth has been achieved largely by ‘informal institutions’ that are grounded in culture, customs, and private interactions that emerge spontaneously. The trajectory by which these informal institutions left their imprint on China’s complex economic landscape and how they can constrain future economic growth are also of central importance. After examining decentralization and risk management practices, property rights, and the legal system, we emphasize the importance of creating formal institutions necessary for long-term growth, most importantly innovation. Preliminary evidence shows total factor productivity is tapering off which may reflect the constraints of China’s institutional environment. This ought to be reversed if China is to enjoy long-term sustained growth.
Validity and Reliability of Self-Perception-Based Submaximal Fitness Tests in Young Adult Females: An Educational Perspective

Background: In physical activity, testing procedures generally require maximal efforts. They are not always administrable or appropriate (e.g., with beginners, elderly, or in school); therefore, alternative submaximal procedures might be more fitting. This study aimed to assess the criterion validity and reliability of submaximal tests based on perceptual variables to be used instead of the corresponding maximal procedures to evaluate muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The sustainability of this “educational” rationale to achieve the individual self-government and self-determination of testing and exercising has been further discussed. Methods: A total of 16 female gym practitioners (age 23 ± 3 years) performed five submaximal tests (push-up, S-PU; crunch, S-CR; wall-sit, S-WS; bending forward, S-BF; Step test, S-ST), whose results were compared to those from the corresponding maximal tests (push-up, PU; crunch, CR; wall-sit, WS; sit-and-reach, SR Yo-yo, YY). Results: The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was higher than 0.8 in all of the submaximal tests. High correlations were found between all submaximal and maximal tests except between YY and S-ST, though their mean heart rates were correlated. Conclusions: Submaximal tests based on an internal load at about 50% of the maximal perceived exertion are equally valid and reliable to the corresponding gold-standard maximal tests, except for the cardiorespiratory evaluation. The educational rationale of this study supports self-acting as a calibration mechanism of physical activity, promoting a proper use of the body but not its overuse.
Eagle-Eyed Multitask CNNs for Aerial Image Retrieval and Scene Classification

In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become the predominant method for content-based aerial image retrieval (CBAIR) and aerial scene classification (ASC) due to their overwhelming performance advantages. However, existing CNN-based models have the following shortcomings: first, they do not deal with large intraclass variations, thereby overlooking the possibility of fine-grained retrieval and classification; second, all similarity learning methods for CBAIR consider similarity between two images as a constant, neglecting the fact that image similarity is uncertain in nature; third, similarity learning is separated from ASC, ignoring the advantages of joint optimization. To address these issues, we propose a novel metric learning method called center-metric learning, and couple it with a new kind of loss called positive-negative center loss, which, with the help of several “experts,” enables CNNs to cope successfully with within-class variations. Besides, we propose similarity distribution learning, making the first attempt to embed uncertainty regarding similarity into the training process. The resulting fine-grained similarity predictions can further strengthen CNNs’ fine discrimination ability. Furthermore, three tasks, that is, center-metric learning, similarity distribution learning, and ASC, are incorporated into one CNN, benefitting from one another and leading to a better generalization capability. Just like an eagle, our model is able to discriminate subtle differences among aerial images, hence the name “eagle-eyed multitask CNN. ” We carry out extensive experiments over four publicly available aerial image sets and achieve a performance better than all existing methods.
Everyday sexuality in social work field placement

Little research attention has been given to exploring manifestations of sexuality in social work field placement. Based on a thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews with Israeli social work students, this study gives empirical depth to our understanding of the ways in which sexuality, as a concept, emerges in interactions between social work students on field placements and service users. The analysis identified seven issues and four emotional reactions that commonly manifested in these discussions and encounters. The findings expand the existing theoretical discussion regarding the notion of ‘everyday sexuality’ in social work settings.
Strategic rebels: a spatial econometric approach to rebel fighting durations in civil wars

ABSTRACT Recent research on multi-actor civil wars highlights that rebel organizations condition their conflict behavior on that of other rebel organizations, with competition and free-riding constituting the core theoretical mechanisms. We provide a new actor-centric approach to explicitly model strategic interdependence in multi-actor civil wars. We argue that rebel organizations have incentives to remain mobilized until the end of a conflict to maintain their power to negotiate, power to spoil, power to enforce, and power to protect. This induces strategic complements that dominate duration dynamics in multi-actor conflicts. Based on a network game-theoretic model, we derive a spatial econometric framework that allows for a direct test of strategic interdependence. We find that the estimated duration interdependence is positive but partially offset in secessionist conflicts where the public goods nature of the incompatibility also induces strategic substitution effects.
Determinants of Disability in Progressive Onset Multiple Sclerosis.

Introduction To describe the clinical and socio-demographic profiles of the patients with the progressive onset Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to explore the determinants of disability. Method This is a retrospective study, which was conducted in a university hospital. Patients with a progressive clinical course at onset were included in the study. In the first analysis, the clinical and demographic properties of the cohort were defined. In the second analysis the effects of age, sex, clinical activity during course, initial clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid analyses on the course were evaluated. Results Clinical activity during the course, older age, male gender, medulla spinalis involvement at onset and detection of paraparesis at initial neurological examination was found as a poor prognostic factor. Conclusion This research confirms previous findings of the studies conducted in populations of Europe and America. Further studies are needed to confirm and validate these findings and to provide greater insight into the effects of ethnic or geographical differences on the course.
Phytochemical Analysis, Total Phenolic Content, Hemolytic and Antihemolytic
Activities of Centaurea iberica (Asteraceae)

Several plants contain chemical substances that have various biological activities that might cause harmful effects to cellular membranes. This work deals with Centaurea iberica (Iberian starthistle) plant. The objective of this study is to identify the main chemical groups in the methanolic extract 80% of the plant, determine its total phenolic content, evaluate its toxic effect on human erythrocytes in addition to assessing its activity in protecting normal and glucose -6phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme-deficient human erythrocytes membranes against oxidative hemolysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that C. iberica extract contains several bioactive compounds. The results also showed that the plant extract contained good level of total phenolic compounds. The extract exhibited low hemolytic effect. It also showed excellent activity in the protection of normal and G6PDdeficient human erythrocytes against oxidative hemolysis.
Internet of Things Empowered Smart Greenhouse Farming

The rapid change of climate, population explosion, and reduction of arable lands are calling for new approaches to ensure sustainable agriculture and food supply for the future. Greenhouse agriculture is considered to be a viable alternative and sustainable solution, which can combat the future food crisis by controlling the local environment and growing crops all year round, even in harsh outdoor conditions. However, greenhouse farms persist many challenges for efficient operation and management. The evolving Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which encompass the smart sensors, devices, network topologies, big data analytics, and intelligent decision is believed to be the solution in addressing the key challenges facing the greenhouse farming, such as greenhouse local climate control, crop growth monitoring, crop harvesting and etc. This paper reviews the current greenhouse cultivation technologies as well as the state-of-the-art of IoT technologies for smart greenhouse farms. The paper also highlights the major challenges that need to be addressed.
Plant–microbe interactions change along a tallgrass prairie restoration chronosequence

Soil microbial communities are critical in determining the performance and density of species in plant communities. However, their role in regulating the success of restorations is much less clear. This study assessed the ability of soil microbial communities to regulate the growth and performance of two potentially dominant grasses and two common forbs in tallgrass prairie restorations. Specifically, we examined the effects of soil microbial communities along a restoration chronosequence from agricultural fields to remnant prairies using experimentally inoculated soils. The two grass species, Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans, grew best with the agricultural inoculates and experienced a decline in performance in later stages of the chronosequence, indicating that the microbial community shifted from being beneficial to grasses in the early stages to inhibiting grasses in the later stages of restoration. Growth of the forb, Silphium terebinthinaceum, varied little with inoculation or position along the restoration chronosequence. Growth of Baptisia leucantha, a legume, appeared limited by nodule formation in agricultural soils, peaked in young restoration soils along with nodule formation, but decreased in older soils as the microbial community became more antagonistic. Overall, negative feedbacks tended to be less important early in restoration, but appeared important in remnant and older restored prairies. Our results provide evidence that it may be advantageous for management practices to take negative soil feedbacks into consideration when trying to recreate the diversity of tallgrass prairies.