Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus Disease 2019: Initial Detection on Chest CT in a Retrospective Multicenter Study of 103 Chinese Patients

Purpose To evaluate the performance of chest CT regarding the initial presentation of patients suspected of having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods Data from 103 patients who were under investigation for COVID-19 based on inclusion criteria according to the World Health Organization Interim Guidance were retrospectively collected from January 21, 2020, to February 14, 2020. All patients underwent chest CT scanning and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for COVID-19 at hospital presentation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated to evaluate the performance of CT. Subgroup analyses were also performed based on the geographical distribution of these cases in the province of Henan, China. Results There were 88/103 (85%) patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR testing. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93% (85%, 97%), 53% (27%, 77%), 92% (83%, 96%), and 42% (18%, 70%), respectively. Similar results were shown in both geographic regions. The respective sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for chest CT in the districts of Xinyang and Zhumadian (n = 56) were 92% (80%, 97%), 63% (26%, 90%), 93% (81%, 98%), and 56% (23%, 85%), while these indicators in the district of Anyang (n = 47) were 95% (81%, 99%), 43% (12%, 80%), 90% (76%, 97%), and 60% (17%–93%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of positive examinations in the two geographic subgroups for CT (P = .423) or RT-PCR (P = .931). Conclusion Although initial chest CT obtained at hospital presentation showed high sensitivity in patients under investigation for COVID-19 in the two geographic regions in Henan Province, the NPV was only modest, suggesting a low value of CT as a screening tool. © RSNA, 2020
Aspects of the Antiandrogenic/Antifertility Property of Azadirachtin-A from Azadirachta indica Leaves in Male Albino Rats: Effect on the Biochemical and Cauda EpididymalSperm Parameters

Technical azadirachtin, a major component of A. indica leaves, has low acute/subchronic toxicity and non-mutagenic/teratogenic in mammalian species along with minimal disruption to the ecosystem. The aim of the present study is to examine the dose dependent effect of azadirachtin-A on biochemical, s perm functional parameters and fertility performance in treated groups. Wistar strain male albino rats were administered subcutaneously with graded concentrations of azadirachtin-A ( 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg in suspension of 50% DMSO, respectively / kg body weight) followed by maintaining suitable controls for 24 days. Five animals from each group were used for fertility test. 24 hrs after the last dose, the control and treated animals were sacrificed; reproductive organs were then used for biochemical analysis and cauda epididymal plasma for sperm analysis. N o significant differences in their body weight were observed. However, at high dose level of 1.5 mg/ kg body weight, there was a general decrease in reproductive organs weights, altering in biochemical parameters and reduction in the sperm functional parameters with increased abnormal sperms. Furthermore, fertility performance test showed 30% even at high dose of azadirachtin-A treated for 24 days. In this study such high dose effects may have resulted from the deficiency in the level of circulating androgen , probably due to androgen deficiency consequent to the anti-androgenic property of azadirachtin-A and using this compound, in effective dose manner, may be a potential candidate as a contraceptive agent for the induction of infertility in humans by means of phytochemical approach.
Effect of postharvest UV-C irradiation as physical elicitor on anti-nutritional factor, B-vitamins and mineral profile of Clerodendrum volubile leaves

The effect of postharvest UV-C irradiation on the antinutrients (phytate, saponin, tannin), B-vitamins, and mineral profile of Clerodendrum volubile leaves was evaluated. The leaves were cleaned, detached, divided into two parts, one part was irradiated with UV-C lamp at wavelength 210 nm, average dose of 2.217 J/m2 for 20 minutes while the other was left untreated, the two were stored for 24 hours at room temperature. The phytate, saponin, tannin, B vitamins and mineral content of the leaves were analysed after irradiation and storage using standard methods. Mineral and molar ratios were calculated. UV-C irradiation substantially decreased the phytate contents from 18.12 to 9.02 mg/g but increased the tannin contents from 0.68 to 1.42 g/100g and saponin contents from 1.44 to 1.52 g/100g. The phytate and saponin contents reduced in storage but the tannin content increased. The B vitamins reduced after UV-C irradiation and further in storage with the exception of pyridoxine (B6) which increased significantly. The minerals P, Mn, Na, Ca and Mg content increased while K decreased with UV-C irradiation and no effect on the Fe content of white butterfly C. volubile leaves. After UV – C irradiation the mineral ratios Ca : P, Na : K, Ca : Mg, Ca : K and the miliequivalent ratio K : (Ca + Mg) were still within the required standard for their availability for absorption. [Ca][Phytate]/[Zn] molar ratios (0.0003 – 0.0006 mol/kg) were below 0.5 mol/kg the critical value. Irradiating food just like other food processing methods will depend on what the food has to contribute to the total diet.
The influence of ecological traits and environmental factors on the co‐occurrence patterns of birds on islands worldwide

Faculty of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan Biodiversity Informatics and Spatial Analysis, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, UK Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah College of Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey Marine and Terrestrial Field Ecology, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals extracted from El Diss and El Retma local plants and their dispersion in poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) matrix in the presence of borax

This study aims to investigate the potential of two local fibers, namely El Diss and El Retma, which are abundant in the mountains of North Africa (Sétif, Algeria), to provide cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Then, the isolated CNCs from El Diss were used as a reinforcement for a poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) matrix (EVOH) in the absence and in the presence of borax which was added to improve the interactions between the CNCs and the matrix. The extracted CNCs from both El Diss (CNCD) and El Retma (CNCR) were characterized by Zeta-sizer analysis using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electronic microscopy. Also, untreated EVOH/CNCD nanocomposites and borax-treated EVOH/CNCD/BOR have been characterized using FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, and by the study of their water absorption behavior. The DLS analysis provided the transversal length of the particles and showed that the surface of the obtained CNCs is negatively charged due to the presence of sulfated ions. Also, FTIR results confirmed the elimination of extra cellulosic substances, whereas TGA proved that the degradation of CNCs occurs at relatively lower temperatures compared with the neat fibers. The incorporation of borax to EVOH/CNCD nanocomposites showed its efficiency in improving the interactions at the interface between EVOH and the CNCD, which significantly affected the material’s thermal properties as concluded from DSC results and their water absorption behavior.
Phospholipid turnover rates suggest that bacterial community growth rates in the open ocean are systematically underestimated

Heterotrophic bacteria in the surface ocean play a critical role in the global carbon cycle and the magnitude of this role depends on their growth rates. Although methods for determining bacterial community growth rates based on incorporation of radiolabeled thymidine and leucine are widely accepted, they are based on a number of assumptions and simplifications. We sought to independently assess these methods by comparing bacterial growth rates to turnover rates of bacterial membranes using previously published methods in a range of open‐ocean settings. We found that turnover rates for heterotrophic bacterial phospholipids averaged 0.80 ± 0.35 d−1. This was supported by independent measurements of turnover rates of a membrane‐bound pigment in photoheterotrophic bacteria, bacteriochlorophyll a (0.85 ± 0.09 d−1). By contrast, bacterial growth rates measured by uptake of radiolabeled thymidine and leucine were 0.12 ± 0.08 d−1, well within the range expected from the literature. We explored whether the discrepancies between phospholipid turnover rates and bacterial growth rate could be explained by membrane recycling/remodeling and other factors, but were left to conclude that the radiolabeled thymidine and leucine incorporation methods substantially underestimated actual bacterial growth rates. We use a simple model to show that the faster bacterial growth rates we observed can be accommodated within the constraints of the microbial carbon budget if bacteria are smaller than currently thought, grow with greater efficiency, or some combination of these two factors.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DOUBLE-STRANDED (DS) RNAS IN CHALARA ELEGANS AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE FUNGUS

Molecular characterization of cDNA clones from double-stranded (ds) RNA in Chalara elegans was accomplished. The cDNA clones derived from a 5.3 kb dsRNA present in strains of C. elegans showed nucleotide sequence homology to viruses belonging to Totiviridae. The cDNA clones derived from a 2.8 kb dsRNA in strains BK18 and WASH revealed nucleotide sequence homology to the Mitovirus group. Two cDNA clones derived from a 12 kb dsRNA in strain NC1527 revealed no significant sequence homology to any known virus group. These results suggest the occurrence of at least three different virus groups in C. elegans. The genetic relatedness among dsRNAs in C. elegans strains was determined using Northern blot and cDNA sequence analysis. The clones derived from a 2.8 kb dsRNA cross-hybridized with 2.8 kb dsRNA occurring in C. elegans strains from diverse geographic regions worldwide. However, the cDNA clones derived from either a 5.3 kb or 12 kb dsRNA cross-hybridized only with the similar-sized dsRNAs, mainly in strains originating from same geographic regions. Sequence analysis of the full-length cDNA clone from the 2.8 kb showed the presence of one large open reading frame (OW), when the mitochondrial genetic code was used. The ORF 1 contained RdRp conserved motifs present in other mitochondrial RNA viruses. This dsRNA copurified with mitochondria and named Chalara elegans 18 virus (Ce 1 8V), a new mitovirus. A latently-infected strain (BKl8C) which was obtained by high temperature incubation of 2.8 kb dsRNA-containing strain (BK18) for 2-3 months showed enhanced pathogenicity on carrots, but no differences in culture morphology or various enzymatic assays was detected. A full-length cDNA clone of the 5.3 kb dsRNA in strain CKP was also obtained. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of three ORFs, which shared some homology either to the coat protein or RdRp regions of Totiviridae. Partial cDNA clones were obtained from additional dsRNA in strain CKP which shared some homology to the RdRp regions of Totivirus, suggesting coinfection by two distinctive totivirus-like dsRNAs in strain CKP of C. elegans. Results from this study demonstrate the presence of diverse novel dsRNA elements in C. elegans with differing biological effects.
Molecular characterization of a tombusvirus associated with a disease of statice (Goniolimon tataricum (L.) Boiss.).

A tombusvirus was isolated from plants of statice (Goniolimon tataricum) showing malformation, mosaic and necrosis of the leaves and poor flowering. Electron microscopy of infected tissues revealed the presence of vesiculated structures derived from altered peroxisomes. In Northern blots four major RNA species were detected, corresponding to viral genomic, subgenomic and defective interfering (DI) RNAs. Both genomic and DI RNAs were cloned and sequenced, and shown to have structure and organization similar to those of viruses of the genus Tombusvirus. In agar gel diffusion tests, spurs were formed when the statice isolate was compared with the cherry strain but not with the BS3 strain of Tomato bushy stunt virus.
Bringing environmental identity research into the classroom context: examining the theoretical foundations influencing its current use in the literature

ABSTRACT A theoretical review of the literature was conducted to understand how environmental identity is currently being interpreted and applied so the construct can be extended to the classroom context appropriately. The review found three key foundational philosophies contributing to the interpretation of environmental identity in the field of education: Eriksonian identity theories, Meadian identity theories, and those grounded in the conservation movement that revolve around understanding and promoting environmentally responsible behaviours. As expected, these foundational theories were inconsistent in the emphasis given to the social versus physical context within which environmental identities develop. Social network analysis was used to analyse the network of literature reviewed. This revealed that Susan Clayton’s interpretation of environmental identity had greatly influenced the educational research reviewed. However, her definition of environmental identity and the environmental identity scale she developed greatly emphasise the physical context. This commonly referenced interpretation recognises nature as the social ‘other’ and leaves little room to recognise the human social ‘other’ in environmental identity development. The author calls for the consideration of both social and physical contexts in environmental identity research, as well as transparency in the interpretation of the construct for research purposes.
Kualitas Pelayanan dan Kinerja Pegawai terhadap Kepuasan Masyarakat di Unit Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Atap Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan

Abstract - The government as a public servant continues to strive to make positive perceptions by continuing to improve community satisfaction related to the various services that can be provided. Community satisfaction is strived to continue to increase by providing the best quality of service and continue to encourage employee performance to be more optimal in carrying out their duties. This study aims to determine the effect of service quality and employee performance on community satisfaction in the One-Stop Integrated Services Unit of the Ministry of Manpower. The sample in this study amounted to 45 people where the technique was taken by accidental sampling. The data collection method uses a questionnaire given to respondents who happened to come at the research location. Data analysis tools in this study used a regression test with a validity and reliability test conducted previously. The results of this study are simultaneous and partial service quality and employee performance have a significant influence on community satisfaction in the One-Stop Integrated Services Unit of the Ministry of Manpower where the calculated F value is 19,042 and sig 0,000. Keywords: Service Quality, Employee Performance, Community Satisfaction
The roles of the Robo2 and Robo3 receptors in the development of cortical interneurons and Cajal-Retzius cells

This thesis focuses on the putative roles of the Robo2 and Robo3 receptors in regulating the development of cortical interneurons and Cajal-Retzius cells in the embryonic mouse forebrain. A detailed analysis of the expression patterns of the Robo3 receptor is elucidated for the first time. Further comparison of all three Robos with interneuron markers confirms that different populations of cortical interneurons express these receptors during development. The putative roles of the Robo2 and Robo3 receptors in specifying the total number and distribution of cortical interneurons during development is investigated in vivo, using transgenic mice deficient in these receptors. This analysis shows that removal of the Robo2 or Robo3 receptors alone does not result in significant changes in the total numbers or positioning of interneurons within the cortex, suggesting that these receptors are not involved in the ventral-dorsal tangential migration of interneurons from their origins within the ganglionic eminences to the cortex. However, both Robo2 and Robo3 receptors significantly regulate the morphology of migrating interneurons during development. Preliminary analysis in triple Robo mutant mice points to a complex interplay between these receptors, and highlights the importance of understanding the functional relationship between these. In addition, a population of pioneering Cajal- Retzius cells express Robo receptors during preplate stages of development. Analysis in single Robo mutant animals suggests that Robo2 has a role in determining the total numbers of (reelin immunopositive) Cajal-Retzius cells within the hippocampal cortex.
Keeping it cool: Soil sample cold pack storage and DNA shipment up to 1 month does not impact metabarcoding results

Abstract With the advances of sequencing tools, the fields of environmental microbiology and soil ecology have been transformed. Today, the unculturable majority of soil microbes can be sequenced. Although these tools give us tremendous power and open many doors to answer important questions, we must understand how sample processing may impact our results and interpretations. Here, we test the impacts of four soil storage methods on downstream amplicon metabarcoding and qPCR analyses for fungi and bacteria. We further investigate the impact of thaw time on extracted DNA to determine a safe length of time during which this can occur with minimal impact on study results. Overall, we find that storage using standard cold packs with subsequent storage at −20°C is little different than immediate storage in liquid nitrogen, suggesting that the historical and current method is adequate. We further find evidence that storage at room temperature or with aid of RNAlater can lead to changes in community composition and in the case of RNAlater, lower gene copies. We therefore advise against these storage methods for metabarcoding analyses. Finally, we show that over 1 month, DNA extract thaw time does not impact diversity or qPCR metrics. We hope that this work will help researchers working with soil bacteria and fungi make informed decisions about soil storage and transport to ensure repeatability and accuracy of results and interpretations.
Moral disengagement and moral judgment: the roles of moral endorsement, shareholder-value orientation, and intensity of moral issues

ABSTRACT Previous research demonstrates the critical role moral disengagement plays in unethical decision-making. This study investigates the relationships among moral endorsement, shareholder-value orientation, moral disengagement, and moral judgment on issues of different moral intensities. The results of a scenario-based survey conducted in China confirm the negative (positive) impact of moral disengagement (moral intensity) on moral judgment. The findings reveal that both moral endorsement and shareholder-value orientation of decision-makers significantly influence moral judgment and that moral intensity moderates the relationships between moral endorsement and moral judgment, and between shareholder-value orientation and moral disengagement. The study’s theoretical contributions, managerial implications, and limitations are discussed.
Effect of Armed Conflict on Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence from the Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria

Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women in conflict and non-conflict settings, but in conflict settings it often receives less attention than other forms of gender-based violence, such as conflict-related sexual violence. Using data from the 2008 and 2013 Domestic Violence module of the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey spatially linked to the Boko Haram actor file of the Armed Conflict Location and Events Database, this paper employs a kernel-based difference-in-difference model to examine the effect of the Boko Haram insurgency on women's experience of physical and sexual intimate partner violence. It also examines the effect of the Boko Haram insurgency on women's experience of controlling behavior from a husband or partner, women's autonomy in household decision making, and their control over their own earnings. The paper finds that the Boko Haram insurgency is associated with slower progress toward preventing and eliminating women's experiences of physical and sexual intimate partner violence. Controlling behaviors from husbands/partners and reductions in women's autonomy in household decision making are heightened in locations that are impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency, indicating that the Boko Haram insurgency adversely affects women's agency and exacerbates behaviors that are often precursors to intimate partner violence.
Emulating climate extreme indices

We use simple pattern scaling and time-shift to emulate changes in a set of climate extreme indices under future scenarios, and we evaluate the emulators’ accuracy. We propose an error metric that separates systematic emulation errors from discrepancies between emulated and target values due to internal variability, taking advantage of the availability of climate model simulations in the form of initial condition ensembles. We compute the error metric at grid-point scale, and we show geographically resolved results, or aggregate them as global averages. We use a range of scenarios spanning global temperature increases by the end of the century of 1.5 C and 2.0 C compared to a pre-industrial baseline, and two higher trajectories, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. With this suite of scenarios we can test the effects on the error of the size of the temperature gap between emulation origin and target scenarios. We find that in the emulation of most indices the dominant source of discrepancy is internal variability. For at least one index, however, counting exceedances of a high temperature threshold, significant portions of the globally aggregated discrepancy and its regional pattern originate from the systematic emulation error. The metric also highlights a fundamental difference in the two methods related to the simulation of internal variability, which is significantly resized by simple pattern scaling. This aspect needs to be considered when using these methods in applications where preserving variability for uncertainty quantification is important. We propose our metric as a diagnostic tool, facilitating the formulation of scientific hypotheses on the reasons for the error. In the meantime, we show that for many impact relevant indices these two well established emulation techniques perform accurately when measured against internal variability, establishing the fundamental condition for using them to represent climate drivers in impact modeling.