Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Heterogeneity and Disease Dynamics in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Infectious disease is a ubiquitous aspect of life on earth; however, parasites and pathogens are not distributed equally among individual hosts. Due to its ability to shape the way that individuals interact with other potential hosts and the environment, behavior is one of the most salient ways through which host biology varies in the context of disease. Variation in animal behavior can impact both transmission and the extent of a host’s pathogen acquisition, and thus can have important consequences for infectious disease dynamics. Additionally, in this world of rapid urbanization where landscapes and wildlife resources are being altered, it is important to understand the ways in which human activity impact wildlife behavior, and in turn, disease dynamics. Here, we used both observational and experimental studies in field and laboratory settings to investigate the relationships among host behavior and physiology, anthropogenic food sources, and disease transmission in a natural host-pathogen system. First, we examined the relationship between house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) stress physiology, exploratory behaviors, and social behaviors in the wild. We provided evidence that more exploratory house finches interact with more individuals in the wild, and have higher baseline concentrations of circulating stress hormones. Next, we found evidence that the amount of time spent on bird feeders drives both the acquisition and transmission of the bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg), indicating that variation in host foraging behavior has
The Prevalence of Underlying Diseases and Comorbidities in COVID-19 Patients; an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Gaining knowledge about underlying diseases and associated comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 can be beneficial in developing a proper understanding of the disease prognosis as well as comprehensive management, and treatment of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of underlying diseases and associated comorbidities in COVID-19 patients using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Major biomedical electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched for all relevant literature published in English from January to July 2020. Cross-sectional and retrospective studies reporting the prevalence of comorbid conditions such as acute cardiac injury, acute myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, shock, acute respiratory disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. After selecting eligible studies, two authors extracted data of each study, independently, and any inconsistency was resolved through discussion with the third reviewer until reaching a consensus. The risk of bias was assessed by two independent research experts using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The variance in the meta-analyses on prevalence was stabilized by double arcsine transformations. Results: The pooled prevalence of acute respiratory injury in patients with COVID-19 was estimated as 34% (95% Cl: 10 – 57%). Also, the prevalence of acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock were estimated as 10% (95% Cl: 6 - 14%), 19% (95% Cl: 10 - 27%), 23 % (95% Cl: 19 - 27%), and 12 % (95% Cl: 5 – 19 %). Conclusion: According to this meta-analysis, comorbidities such as hypertension, acute liver and kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, diabetes, and coronary heart disease seem to be a predisposing factor for symptomatic and severe COVID-19 infection.
How negotiation delays affect policy decisions: evidence from the budgetary process

ABSTRACT Intensified by today’s increasingly contentious political environment, delays often occur in the policy-making process. This paper applies the time pressure theory to study how budget deadlines and delays affect appropriation outcomes. Using a panel dataset comprising 108 appropriation bills from New York State in the USA for the period 1984–2012, the authors found that, while having deadlines is procedural and symbolic, the extent of lateness matters, and delays generally increase incrementalism in appropriation outcomes. Compared with proposed appropriations, a delayed budget shows a more concentrated allocation pattern that favours funding for capital projects and aid for localities.
Effect of Brassinosteroid (Brassinolide) on Seedling Traits, Morphology and Metabolism in Mungbean under Salinity Stress

The experiment was conducted in stressed and non stressed condition during kharif season 2014 at seeds were treated with different concentrations of brassinolide (BL) 0.01 mM and 0.05 mM in combination with sodium chloride (NaCl) 100 mM, BL 0.05 mM alone with control. The whole experiment was done in Petriplates and pots in growth chamber and net house, and was laid out in complete randomized design. The results of experiment revealed that plant growth regulator brassinolide (BL 0.05 mM) with salinity stress increased the germination percentage by three folds, root length by two folds, shoot height by two folds, SPAD value by one fold, nitrate reductase activity by seven folds and proline content by one fold when compared with salinity stressed condition (NaCl 100 mM) in both HUM-16 and HUM-12 genotypes at 30 days after sowing (DAS). The increase in above parameters was found at par with BL 0.01 mM concentration. Stressed plants exhibited poor growth and biochemical parameters were significantly reduced. However, the follow up application of BL (0.01 mM and 0.05 mM) neutralized the damaging effects of the salinity on the plants.
Firms’ Financial Constraints and Exporting Tendency in Pakistan

1. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Economics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan 2. Visiting Lecturer, Department of Economics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan 3. Professor and Chairman, Department of Economics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan PAPER INFO ABSTRACT Received: June 07, 2020 Accepted: August 25, 2020 Online: September 15, 2020 The financial constraints hinder firms’ operations and growth by limiting their access to working capital and funds for investment. The current study focuses on the effect of financial constraints on firms’ exporting tendency in Pakistan. The logistic regression is employed on the data set taken from World Enterprise Survey to find the probability of firms’ exporting tendency. The results indicate that financial constraints and their severity negatively affect firms’ exporting tendency while firm’s age, size and firms having formally trained employees increase the exporting tendency. The manufacturing sector firms are more probable to increase the exports as compared to services sector firms. The interaction effect of financial constraints and domestic firm has negative effect on exporting tendency which reflects that domestic firms are facing severe financial constraints for their exports as compared to foreign firms. Similarly, the interaction effect of financial constraints and manufacturing firm has negative effect on exporting tendency which explains that manufacturing sector is facing more financial constraints as compared to services sector. There is a need for financial access to promote the firms’ exporting tendency particularly for the domestic firms and manufacturing sector firms
The Preventive Use of Probiotics Against Gastrointestinal HAIs in Ontario

Given confounding evidence in the literature and the lack of standardized guidelines in Canada, little is known about the process through which clinical dieticians decide whether or not to implement a probiotics course with the intent of preventing gastrointestinal healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Ontario. This study uses a mixed-method design featuring a content analysis of the literature and a survey addressed to clinical dietitians in Ontario to investigate (a) the likelihood of clinical dietitians in recommending probiotics course to prevent gastrointestinal healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and (b) their reasoning in setting certain parameters of such a probiotics course. Among the four respondents obtained for the survey, all ranked their likelihood of prescribing probiotics to prevent nosocomial gastrointestinal infections as medium or less. The determination of parameters in a course were largely influenced by guidelines and/or evidence, case-specific consideration and fixed procedures, as these were mentioned among other themes by the largest number of respondents and were included in the largest amount of questions on average. Finally, parameters which the majority of respondents determined using the same themes were the dose of probiotics, timing of the course with regards to antibiotics, and type of probiotics. Keywords: Probiotics, Gastrointestinal infections, Nosocomial infections, HAIs, Gut flora, Antibiotics, Antimicrobial resistance
Disease in Central Valley Salmon: Status and Lessons from Other Systems

hinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are increasingly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities and climate change, especially at their most southern range in California’s Central Valley. There is considerable interest in understanding stressors that contribute to population decline and in identifying management actions that reduce the effects of those stressors. Along the west coast of North America, disease has been linked to declining numbers of salmonids, and identified as a key stressor that results in mortality. In the Central Valley, targeted studies have revealed extremely high prevalence of infectious agents and disease. However, there has been insufficient monitoring to understand the effect that disease may have on salmon populations. To inform future research, monitoring, and management efforts, a two-day workshop on salmon disease was held at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) on March 14-15, 2018. This paper summarizes the science presented at this workshop, including the current state of knowledge of salmonid disease in the Central Valley, and current and emerging tools to better understand its effects on salmon. We highlight case studies from other systems where successful monitoring programs have been implemented. First, in the Klamath River where the integration of several data-collection and modeling approaches led to the development of successful management actions, and second in British Columbia where investment in researching novel technologies led to breakthroughs in the understanding of salmon disease dynamics. Finally, we identify key information and knowledge gaps necessary to guide research and management of disease in Central Valley salmon populations.
The Effects of Overcrowding on the Rehabilitation of Offenders: A Case Study of a Correctional Center, Durban (Westville), KwaZulu Natal

The existing misclassifications in correctional centers have negative effects on inmates’ well-being—emotional and physical. This is fueled by overcrowding in correctional centers, making rehabilitation of offenders, as envisaged by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), an impossible mandate. Overcrowding causes various issues, including poor healthcare, scarcity of resources, lack of nutritious meals, and the perpetuation of violent behavior. The aim of the article is to determine the effects of overcrowding on the rehabilitation process of offenders. This study was conducted at the biggest correctional center (Durban Westville) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with the use of semi-structured interviews with selected inmates and officials at the Medium B facility. The findings of this article reveal the negative physical, social, and psychological effects of overcrowding on the lives of offenders and the effects they have on rehabilitation programs. The article suggests that in order for rehabilitation programs to be a success, decisive steps need to be taken to improve the correctional environment.
Assessment of Hand Washing Knowledge and Practice among Primary School Children in Noakhali District, Bangladesh

The main objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of hand washing knowledge and practice among primary school children in the Noakhali District, Bangladesh. It is a Cross-sectional study in nature. This study was a primary analysis of 400 children who were in primary school. We carried out frequency tabulation, binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses to achieve the study objective. In the study, 89% of students had good knowledge & 71.6% of students had good practice regarding hand washing. The odds of having good knowledge about hand washing were high among the students who were in grade 5 [AOR=2.85; CI 1.418-5.741] and had received hand washing training [AOR=2.58; CI 1.125-5.932]. The odds of having good practice about hand washing were greater among the students who were in grade 5 [AOR=1.8: CI=1.040-3.115], whose fathers were job holder [AOR=3.20; CI 1.267-8.093], whose mothers completed SSC [AOR=3.80; CI 1.786-8.102], HSC & above [AOR=3.99; CI 1.132-14.085] and received hand washing training [AOR=3.93; CI 1.748-8.872). Though the knowledge about hand washing is quite good, a community-based intervention program needs to be carried out to educate the children about the hand washing practice.
The Influence of Rootstock on the Growth and Fructification of Cherry Cultivars in a High Density Cultivation System

The influence of rootstock on the growth and fruiting of three sweet cherry cultivars (‘Bigarreau Burlat’, ‘Kordia’, ‘Regina’) was studied under the pedoclimatic conditions of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in 2014-2016. The trees were grafted on Gisela 5 rootstock, trained as Zahn Spindle and the orchard had a density of 1666 trees/ha. Root were cut twice, at 50 cm distance from the trunk, in an angle of 45° and 30 cm depth, as followed: first time, to the autumn, in fall leaves time, on one side of the row and the second time, in spring, at blooming time, at the other side of the row. The rootstocks influenced height of the trees, the shoot growth, the number of long and fruiting branches, trunk cross sectional area yield and precocity, with differences statistically assured. The longest shoots, in mean values, gave the variant with cultivars grafted on Mahaleb rootstock (111.7 cm). ‘Gisela 5’ rootstock decreases the average length of annual growth (93.3 cm). Trees grafted on Mahaleb formed more long fruiting branches and fewer short fruiting branches than those grafted on ‘Gisela 5’. The biggest average trunks cross sectional area were obtained for the cultivars grafted on Mahaleb (62.1 cm2). Also rootstocks influenced the height of the trees. The cumulative yield was almost double in variants where the trees were grafted on ‘Gisela 5’ (23.2kg/tree), compared to the variants where the trees were grafted on Mahaleb (13.1 kg/tree).
Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction on Internal Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Employee Engagement in Higher Education Sector

The study aims to investigate the relationship between internal corporate social responsibility (ICSR) practices and employee engagement through job satisfaction as a mediating variable. The ICSR dimensions are comprised of employee empowerment, education and training, employment stability, as well as a working environment. This study is based on the social exchange theory to explore the relationship between the above factors and ICSR. In this study, purposive sampling was adopted. A quantitative (survey) method was employed, generating 93 valid responses. The data was then analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling through Smart-PLS 3.0. The results revealed that ICSR practices, namely employee empowerment, and employment stability contributed positively to job satisfaction. However, training & education and working environment were found not significant to job satisfaction. In addition, job satisfaction has a positive influence on employee engagement. The results of the study found that except for training, education, and the work environment, job satisfaction mediates the relationship between ICSR practices and employee engagement. Conclusion, implications of the findings, and suggestions for future study are also discussed.
Biogeography and temporal progression during the evolution of striped dolphin population structure in European waters

We investigated the population genetic structure of a highly mobile marine species, the striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833), along a geographical range with habitat transitions and historical dynamics to identify the causes of genetic divergence, and to assess the effect of past climate change on demography and population connectivity.
PROJECT RISK AVOIDANCE AND PROJECT EXECUTION IN NIGERIA OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY [PENGHINDARAN RISIKO PROYEK DAN PELAKSANAAN PROYEK DI INDUSTRI MINYAK DAN GAS di NIGERIA]

This study sought to examine the relationship between project risk avoidance and project execution in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between project risk avoidance and four components of project execution (budget, quality, schedule and scope) among 51 oil and gas companies operating in Rivers State, Nigeria. To achieve this objective, 102 managing executives were given questionnaires, with 82 questionnaires correctly filled and returned. Data obtained were analysed using mean scores and Spearman’s rank order correlation analysis. The study found that projects risk avoidance was positively and significantly related to all four components of project execution. The main implication of this finding is that oil and gas companies need to invest heavily in innovative technologies and processes that will enhance their ability to avoid risk, thus improving the quality of projects they execute. Abstrak dalam Bahasa Indonesia. Studi ini berusaha untuk menguji hubungan antara proyek penghindaran risiko dan eksekusi proyek di industri minyak dan gas Nigeria. Secara spesifik, studi tersebut meneliti hubungan antara proyek penghindaran risiko dan empat komponen eksekusi proyek (anggaran, kualitas, jadwal dan ruang lingkup) di antara 51 perusahaan minyak dan gas yang beroperasi di Negara Bagian Rivers, Nigeria. Untuk mencapai tujuan ini, 102 eksekutif pelaksana diberikan kuesioner, dengan 82 kuesioner diisi dan dikembalikan dengan benar. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan skor rata-rata dan analisis korelasi urutan peringkat Spearman. Studi tersebut menemukan bahwa penghindaran risiko proyek berhubungan positif dan signifikan dengan keempat komponen pelaksanaan proyek. Implikasi utama dari temuan ini adalah bahwa perusahaan minyak dan gas perlu berinvestasi besar-besaran dalam teknologi dan proses inovatif yang akan meningkatkan kemampuan mereka untuk menghindari risiko, sehingga meningkatkan kualitas proyek yang mereka jalankan.
Small Mass of Rattus norvegicus ( Rodentia: Muridae) on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan1

Abstract We investigated the cause of extraordinarily small body mass in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands in the subtropical climate zone in Japan. We compared body masses of Norway rats living in four localities, the Hahajima group of the Ogasawara Islands, uninhabited islands in Hokkaido in the subarctic climate zone, a business district in Yokohama, and an artificial islet in Tokyo Bay in the temperate climate zone. Regressions of body mass and age (in months; estimated from lens weight) showed that weights of Norway rats on the Hahajima Islands were about half the weights of rats in the other three localities. Crown length of the maxillary molar row was similar in three localities ( Hahajima, Hokkaido, and Yokohama), and both the head — body length and the tail length were similar in Hahajima and Hokkaido, suggesting that the low body mass of the Hahajima rats was due to environmental factors rather than genetic factors. Stomach contents of Norway rats on the Hahajima Islands were predominantly (95.2% by vol.) plant matter, which is not the usual food preference for the species. We hypothesize that a low-protein diet restricts body mass of Norway rats on the Ogasawara Islands.
Evaluating English Learner Progress in Reading: How Much Growth Can We Expect?

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore whether or not English learners (ELs) have the same annual rates of reading progress as non-EL counterparts in Grades 1 through 3 when accounting for beginning-of-the-year reading levels, economic disadvantage, and classroom effects. Though significant differences between ELs and non-ELs were found, regression analyses indicated that large portions of the differences in growth between ELs and non-ELs are attributable to economic disadvantage and classroom effects, suggesting that contextual variables matter more than English language status. Furthermore, a large portion of ELs from across English oral language proficiency levels make typical or well above typical progress. These results suggest that interventionists should use the same goal setting and intervention evaluation procedures for EL students that are used in the general population. Rather than lowering expectations for reading progress, educators should boost intervention potency when ELs are not meeting growth goals.
Strategies to Cope with Moral Distress among Mental Health Nurses in Thailand

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used by Thai mental health nurses to cope with the moral distress that often results from their work. Material and Methods: The study was performed using a qualitative, narrative method. Participants were recruited into the study using a purposive snowball method. A total of 41 mental health nurses met the inclusion criteria and were in-depth interviewed about their strategies to cope with moral distress, with content analysis being used to analyze the data. Results: Six principal themes were found, classified as (1) releasing tension by talking to others, (2) positive self-talk, (3) believing in my ability to handle problems, (4) using my training and experience of nursing to self-help, (5) being with professional autonomy, and (6) participating in a case conference group. These strategies were used by the Thai mental health nurses in the study to cope with the moral distress resulting from their work. Conclusion: Awareness of these strategies to cope with the moral distress related to work can benefit mental health nurse leaders, including head nurse and head ward nurses to provide suitable nursing staff development to enhance the quality of the psychiatric nursing practice.
Fifty Years of Research on the Madden‐Julian Oscillation: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

Since its discovery in the early 1970s, the crucial role of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the global hydrological cycle and its tremendous influence on high‐impact climate and weather extremes have been well recognized. The MJO also serves as a primary source of predictability for global Earth system variability on subseasonal time scales. The MJO remains poorly represented in our state‐of‐the‐art climate and weather forecasting models, however. Moreover, despite the advances made in recent decades, theories for the MJO still disagree at a fundamental level. The problems of understanding and modeling the MJO have attracted significant interest from the research community. As a part of the AGU's Centennial collection, this article provides a review of recent progress, particularly over the last decade, in observational, modeling, and theoretical study of the MJO. A brief outlook for near‐future MJO research directions is also provided.