Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FROM “LOOK EAST” TO “ACT EAST”: INDIA’S EVOLVING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

ABSTRACT In 1991, India's Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao outlined the ‘Look East' policy, designed to address India's neglect of the Southeast Asian region during the Cold War period. The purpose of the Look East policy initially was to build closer economic and cultural ties with the countries of the region and with ASEAN in particular. The current Modi administration's new ‘Act East' policy has sought to expand these ties to include deeper security cooperation and defense partnerships as well. In addition, the new policy focuses on building ties with countries in the wider Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. The new policy is more than an exercise in rebranding. The primary goals behind the Act East policy are both to promote India's economic growth and development and respond to China’s rise and expanding influence in the region. However, India needs to be mindful about the challenges associated with the implementation of this policy.
Operational prediction of forest attributes using standardised harvester data and airborne laser scanning data in Sweden

ABSTRACT With cut-to-length harvesters, tree stems are measured and cut into different timber assortments at the time of felling. These measurement data collected from harvested trees can be used for decision-support at different levels of the forest industry chain and also for forest planning when combined with remote sensing data. The aim of this study was to examine the operational application for predicting merchantable stem volume, basal area, basal area-weighted mean tree height, basal area-weighted mean stem diameter and diameter distribution at stand level with airborne laser scanning data and harvester data from final felling operations. The area-based approach using k-MSN estimation was evaluated for six different variants of spatial partitioning. The results were stand level predictions with relative root mean square errors of 11–14%, 10–15%, 3–4% and 6–7% for merchantable stem volume, basal area, basal area-weighted mean tree height and basal area-weighted mean stem diameter, respectively. Predictions of stem diameter distributions resulted in error indices of 0.13–0.14. The results demonstrate that harvester data from cut forests may serve as ground truth to airborne laser scanning data and provide accurate forest estimates at stand level. The predicted diameter distributions could be useful for improving yield estimates and bucking simulations.
A trans-isthmus survey of marine tardigrades from Costa Rica (Central America) with descriptions of seven new species

ABSTRACT The Central American Isthmus has had profound effects on the evolution and distribution of larger marine organisms, but the impacts on meiobenthic animals have received little attention. Tardigrades are microscopic metazoan lobopodians that are ubiquitous in benthic communities worldwide, but little is known about marine tardigrades in Central America. Only two marine tardigrades have been identified to species level in all of Central America, and these came from a single sample of barnacles from El Salvador collected in 1953. Additionally, multiple haplotypes of Echiniscoides were reported from Costa Rica and Panama, but species names were not assigned. Here we report an extensive survey of both intertidal and subtidal marine tardigrades from both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. We found 701 individuals in 65 samples. There was a total of 19 taxa, including seven species with a sufficient quality and quantity of specimens to describe here as new to science. The new species are Archechiniscus murilloi sp. nov., Batillipes homocercus sp. nov., Batillipes ichthyocercus sp. nov., Echiniscoides costaricensis sp. nov., Echiniscoides ritavargasae sp. nov., Styraconyx vargasi sp. nov. and Tanarctus breedyae sp. nov. Ten taxa were found only in the Caribbean, six were found only in the Pacific, and three were found on both coasts. We discuss the three species with trans-isthmus distributions and note two additional candidate geminate species pairs that warrant further investigation.
Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates UV/endorphin and opioid addiction

Addiction to UV light and opioids is increased by VitD deficiency, suggesting that a feedback loop promotes its synthesis. The current opioid epidemic warrants a better understanding of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to opioid addiction. Here we report an increased prevalence of vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder and an inverse and dose-dependent association of VitD levels with self-reported opioid use. We used multiple pharmacologic approaches and genetic mouse models and found that deficiencies in VitD signaling amplify exogenous opioid responses that are normalized upon restoration of VitD signaling. Similarly, physiologic endogenous opioid analgesia and reward responses triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation are repressed by VitD signaling, suggesting that a feedback loop exists whereby VitD deficiency produces increased UV/endorphin-seeking behavior until VitD levels are restored by cutaneous VitD synthesis. This feedback may carry the evolutionary advantage of maximizing VitD synthesis. However, unlike UV exposure, exogenous opioid use is not followed by VitD synthesis (and its opioid suppressive effects), contributing to maladaptive addictive behavior.
HEALTH STATUS OF NAZCA BOOBIES (SULA GRANTI) ON DAPHNE MAJOR ISLAND IN THE GALÁPAGOS DETERMINED BY HEMATOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Abstract: Island species are particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances and introduced pathogens. Conducting health assessments of wild populations in the Galápagos improves the ability of wildlife managers and veterinarians to detect deteriorations in health status. Seabirds in particular are useful species to monitor due to their colonial breeding and wide migration range. Nazca boobies (Sula granti) in a breeding colony at Daphne Major (n = 30) were given physical examinations, and blood samples were collected for hematology and biochemistry using an iSTAT Portable Clinical Analyzer. Female boobies had longer wing length than males, as well as lower blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and white blood cell counts. This could be attributed to sexual dimorphism or differences in foraging and mating strategies between the sexes. The time between capture and blood collection had a significant inverse relationship on plasma sodium, potassium, hemoglobin, anion gaps, and lymphocyte counts, suggesting that blood sampling in Nazca boobies should be done in less than 5 m to avoid the impacts of stress on hematological parameters. This is the first health assessment on the breeding colony of Nazca boobies at Daphne Major, and the results can inform future monitoring in this species as well as other sulids.
Blanding's Turtle Hatchling Survival and Movements following Natural vs. Artificial Incubation

Abstract. To provide estimates of Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidae blandingii) hatchling survival and to better understand the utility of alternative management tactics targeting this age class, we monitored survival and movements after natural (caged) and artificial incubation by using radio telemetry. We found that survival was similarly high (ca. 80% over 88 days) across treatments and study locations. Movement distances were similar among treatments but differed among study locations, perhaps because of differences in release site habitat variables. Our results suggest that nest cages and artificial incubation are equally effective methods for increasing survival to hatching. Extrapolating from the 88 days of our study, until resumption of activity following hibernation, we found survival estimates of 40%–78%, depending on the survival function used. When coupled with published rates of nest survival (6%–41%) and hatch success (47%–87%), anticipated age 0 survival, from egg deposition to emergence from hibernation, ranged from 1%–28%. Although our analysis fills a knowledge gap in Blanding's Turtle demography, further study is needed to improve the precision of survival estimates.
Abundance of Gulf Coast Waterdogs (Necturus beyeri) along Bayou Lacombe, Saint Tammany Parish, Louisiana

Abstract. Few ecological studies have been conducted on Gulf Coast Waterdogs (Necturus beyeri), and published studies have focused on relatively small stream sections of 125 m to 1.75 km. In 2015, we sampled 25 sites along a 13.4-km stretch of Bayou Lacombe (Saint Tammany Parish, Louisiana, USA) to better understand factors that may influence the distribution of Gulf Coast Waterdogs within streams. We checked 250 unbaited traps once per week for 3 weeks, capturing 170 Gulf Coast Waterdogs at 18 of 25 sites. We used hierarchical models of abundance to estimate abundance at each site, as a function of site covariates including pH, turbidity, and distance from headwaters. The abundance of Gulf Coast Waterdogs within Bayou Lacombe was highest toward the center of the sampled stream segment, but we found no evidence that pH or turbidity affected abundance within our study area. Site-level abundance estimates of Gulf Coast Waterdogs ranged from 0 to 82, and we estimated there were 767 (95% Bayesian credible interval [CRI]: 266–983) Gulf Coast Waterdogs summed across all 25 sampling sites. We derived an estimate of 6,321 (95% CRI: 2,139–15,922) Gulf Coast Waterdogs for the entire 13.4-km stream section, which includes our 25 sites and the adjoining stream reaches between sites. Our results suggest that Gulf Coast Waterdogs may be uncommon or absent in the headwaters, possibly because of shallow water and swift currents with limited preferred habitats. Gulf Coast Waterdogs favor the middle stream reaches with adequate depth and abundant preferred microhabitats.
Combined Effects of Experimentally Elevated CORT and Predation Threat on Exploratory and Foraging Behavior of Desmognathus ochrophaeus

Abstract. Amphibian responses to stress are generally mediated through glucocorticoids produced by the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis. Chronic elevation of glucocorticoids can result in delayed wound healing and growth, but less is known about its influence on behavioral responses to predators. We examined the effect of acute and chronic CORT elevation on exploratory and foraging behaviors of Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) exposed to kairomones from a predatory snake. We established ‘No CORT,' ‘Acute CORT,' and ‘Chronic CORT’ conditions during an 18-d preparation phase by varying salamander exposure to an exogenous source of CORT (0.51 mg/mL) delivered via cutaneous patch. During the trial phase, we conducted assays to evaluate exploratory and foraging behavior of salamanders from the different CORT groups when exposed to snake kairomones or control. Exploratory behavior was examined within a circular arena with a series of surmountable concentric barriers, and foraging behavior was observed within Petri dishes containing Drosophila prey. Salamanders experiencing both Chronic CORT and snake kairomones exhibited the least exploratory behavior, escaped the array with the lowest frequency, climbed the fewest barriers, and delayed their movement. However, foraging behavior (latency to strike at prey, number of strikes, number of prey captured) was not affected by exposure to CORT or snake kairomone. Our findings suggest that artificially elevated CORT can modify some behavioral responses to predator kairomones, but only when individuals experience multiple CORT applications in the period preceding the trials.
A COMPARISON OF A SINGLE-DART VERSUS STAGED TWO-DART ANESTHESIA INDUCTION PROTOCOL IN PRZEWALSKI'S HORSES (EQUUS FERUS PRZEWALSKII)

Abstract: Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) are an endangered equid species. Anesthesia administered by remote delivery is often needed to provide medical care. Behavioral and physiologic parameters were prospectively compared in 14 horses (8 females and 6 males, 3–18 yr) after a single-dart or staged two-dart anesthesia induction protocol with intramuscular medetomidine (0.06 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg), thiafentanil (0.02 mg/kg), and ketamine (1 mg/kg). Seven horses were randomly assigned to receive all drugs in a single dart, and the other seven to receive medetomidine and butorphanol 10 min prior to thiafentanil and ketamine in a second dart. Induction and recovery quality were scored on a scale from 1 to 5 (worst to best), and video recordings were assessed for frequency of specific behaviors. Need for supplemental propofol was recorded. Median induction score was significantly better (P = 0.01) after two darts (4/5) compared to a single dart (3/5). Degree of muscle fasciculation (undesirable) during induction was significantly lower (P= 0.006) with the two-dart protocol. During the transition to recumbency, 71% versus 14% of horses transitioned headfirst (undesirable) after a single dart versus two darts, respectively (P= 0.07). Supplemental propofol administration was necessary in 43% of horses after two darts and in 100% of horses after a single dart (P= 0.10) to facilitate intubation and reach a working depth of anesthesia. Physiologic and recovery parameters were not significantly different between groups. Improved induction quality was observed clinically using a staged two-dart versus a single-dart protocol and should be considered when anesthetizing captive Przewalski's horses using this drug combination.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Morphometrics Reveal a New Endemic Jumping Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Metlapilcoatlus) from the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico

Abstract. The jumping pitvipers of the genus Metlapilcoatlus are generally associated with montane environments and are widely distributed from central and southern Mexico to Panama. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic position and compared the morphology of a population from the Sierra Madre Oriental, within the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, to other species of jumping pitvipers. We implemented two mtDNA gene fragments (cyt b and ND4) of 50 specimens of the five Metlapilcoatlus species for phylogenetic reconstruction using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood. We used a linear discriminant analysis and comparative statistics of external and hemipenial characters to assess the morphological differences among Metlapilcoatlus lineages. Our analyses support a strong genetic and morphological distinction of Metlapilcoatlus nummifer populations established to the north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Hidalgo, Northern Veracruz, and Querétaro) from other Metlapilcoatlus taxa. Based on this evidence we describe the populations from the north as a new species.
EFFECT OF BODY POSITION ON ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKES (CROTALUS VIRIDIS)

Abstract: Echocardiography is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can provide instantaneous information about cardiac function, but it is uncommonly used by veterinarians to assess reptilian patients. Echocardiograms were performed on 14 clinically healthy, adult prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), and cardiac measurements were taken in a horizontal and vertical position. Cardiac parameters including ventricular volume in systole and diastole, as well as the diameter of the left atrium, pulmonary artery, and paired left and right aortic arches were obtained. No evidence of cardiac disease was noted in any of the study animals. Males had a greater percentage of ventricular volume change (VVC) than females in the vertical position (P = 0.043). The percentage of ventricular volume change was significantly lower in the horizontal compared with the vertical position (P = 0.032) and was not different by sex. For the short-axis views, the right atrial diameter and short-axis ventricular area in diastole and systole were significantly smaller in snakes in the vertical compared with the horizontal position. This study is the first to obtain echocardiographic measurements in North American vipers and adds to the understanding of techniques used to evaluate the cardiac function of these species.
Solvent regulation synthesis of single-component white emission carbon quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes

Abstract White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) hold great promise in lighting, display, and visible light communication devices, and single-component white emission carbon quantum dots (SCWE-CQDs) as the key component of WLEDs have many outstanding advantages. However, rapid and efficient synthesis of SCWE-CQDs with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and stability remains challenging. Here, we report a novel solvent engineering strategy to obtain highly photoluminescent SCWE-CQDs by controlling the dilution ratios between N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and pristine red carbon quantum dots (RCQDs) solution. By optimizing synthesis conditions, the relative PLQY of the SCWE-CQDs solution reached 53%. Morphological, structural, and optical property characterizations indicate that the combined action of the hydrogen bond (HB) effect and the size effect leads to the blue shift of RCQDs, but the HB effect is more dominant than the particle size in causing large spectral shifts. In addition, the WLEDs with high color rendering index of 89 and remarkable reliability were obtained based on the highly photoluminescent SCWE-CQDs. This facile solvent engineering approach for synthesizing tunable emission CQDs will promote the progress of carbon-based luminescent materials for applications in optoelectronic devices.
Pathophysiological Aspects of the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with a Special Focus on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Genetic Associations

Abstract Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex degenerative vascular disease, with considerable morbidity and mortality rates among the elderly population. The mortality of AAA is related to aneurysm expansion (the enlargement of the aortic diameter up to 30 mm and above) and the subsequent rupture. The pathogenesis of AAA involves several biological processes, including aortic mural inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, elastin depletion, and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also found to be associated with AAA formation. The evidence accumulated to date supports a close relationship between environmental and genetic factors in AAA initiation and progression. However, a comprehensive pathophysiological understanding of AAA formation remains incomplete. The open surgical repair of AAA is the only therapeutic option currently available, while a specific pharmacotherapy is still awaited. Therefore, there is a great need to clarify pathophysiological cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying AAA formation that would help to develop effective pharmacological therapies. In this review, pathophysiological aspects of AAA development with a special focus on mitochondrial dysfunction and genetic associations were discussed.
Testing the Motivations and Constraints of Collaborative Consumption: An Empirical Analysis of Disruptive Innovative Business Model

The purpose of this study is to test the mediating role of attitude on the motivations and constraints for collaborative consumption and to test the impact of perceived hygiene and cleanliness issues and anticipated financial guilt in the collaborative consumption by applying behavioural reasoning theory. A descriptive research design is adopted. Responses collected from 200 responses were subjected to statistical refinement and linear regression. The findings reveal that economic benefits and perceived sustainability demonstrated an insignificant impact on the attitude. However, the institution-based trust showed a positive impact on the attitude. The attitude is a strong mediating variable. Without the attitude, the consumers have no intention. Anticipated financial guilt and perceived hygiene and cleanliness issues have a negative impact on intention, when mediated by the attitude. The study implies that marketers need to build a strong attitude towards the collaborative consumption. Also, they need to target the middle- and higher-income groups with economic appeal. Practitioners must position their products as sustainable. They must build trust by addressing the concerns of the consumers. Practitioners need to increase awareness that they are doing the business taking the utmost care of hygiene.
A Kaleckian wealth tax to support a Green New Deal

Green New Deals are being widely discussed as both a means to confront climate change and to improve aspects of social well-being. An important facet of the discussion is how they should be financed. The negative impacts of Covid-19 on national budgets and sovereign debt question whether the implementation of Green New Deals is feasible if austerity needs to be introduced to achieve sustainability. This article assesses whether a wealth tax based upon the work of Michal Kalecki could help avoid austerity measures and facilitate the introduction of Green New Deals. While wealth taxes have traditionally been defined on net worth or assets to reduce wealth inequality, the formulation is meant to be equitable by applying to gross wealth or assets. Estimates are calculated for the United States and turn out to be quite modest. The approach not only generates revenue to cover expected net interest outlays on national debt, but additional revenue to pay down portions of it and/or support green initiatives, such as Biden’s de-carbonisation policy. The article concludes with a discussion of challenges for the tax’s effectiveness. JEL Codes: H2, H3, B2, B3
Generalized Generosity: How the Norm of Generalized Reciprocity Bridges Collective Forms of Social Exchange

This study examines the potential for small-scale acts of giving that are not directly reciprocated, or generalized generosities, to build social bonds and promote contributions to the group. Social exchange theorists define such acts as generalized exchange. The potential for generalized exchange to build strong social bonds relative to other forms of exchange is the subject of theoretical debate. In this article, I build on two prominent theories of social exchange—affect theory and the theory of reciprocity—to propose that a strong norm of generalized reciprocity may bridge the connective benefits of generalized exchange with the connective benefits of productive exchange, which is a collaborative form of social exchange that involves sharing pooled resources. I argue that a strong norm of generalized reciprocity will activate mechanisms theorized to build strong social bonds in generalized and productive exchange systems, and will promote additional behavioral investments into the group. I test my argument with a controlled laboratory experiment, finding strong support for the proposed causal model. The results of this study have implications for research on generosity, collective action, collaboration, sense of community, and social capital.