Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inferring Species Interactions from Long-Term Monitoring Programs: Carnivores in a Protected Area from Southern Patagonia

Protected areas recently created in Argentina often include previously degraded lands, such as sheep ranches in the Patagonian deserts. We show the results of a 14-year monitoring program of three formerly persecuted carnivores, the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), the South American grey fox (Lycalopex griseus) and the puma (Puma concolor), in two abandoned sheep ranches that were incorporated into a Patagonian national park approximately 25 years ago. The culpeo fox population underwent an average annual decline of 10–23%, whereas the grey fox and puma populations increased at an average annual rate of 7% and 19%, respectively. The grey fox’s increasing trends were strongly correlated with the decline of the culpeo fox, whereas the correlations between the fox and puma trends were weaker. Culpeo fox decline was stronger in the ranch where sheep and predator controls had been removed earlier. These relationships between species trends support the competitive release hypothesis, assuming that puma competition with the culpeo fox for trophic resources is stronger than competition with the grey fox, and that the puma can exclude culpeo foxes through interference. Species trends suggest a competitive hierarchy between fox species, with grey fox being the inferior competitor. However, mechanisms other than competition could not be discounted. Our study illustrates how long-term monitoring of interacting species allows a better understanding of ecological processes and wildlife ecology.
Causal Nexus Between FDI Inflows and Its Determinants in SAARC Countries

This article aims to understand the drivers of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and its nexus with its determinants such as economic growth, inflation rate, labour productivity, infrastructure development, market size, openness of the economy, political stability and corporate tax for South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC) countries. The article is based on secondary data from the World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) for 19 years from 2001 to 2018 for 6 SAARC countries, viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The findings indicate that there exists long-run, short-run and joint causal relationship among infrastructure development, market size, openness of the economy, political stability and corporate tax and FDI inflows. Among these variables, the corporate tax is the most important one because it shows bidirectional causality with FDI inflows in the long run as well as short run along with joint strong causality. However, only the coefficients of infrastructure development and corporate tax were found to be positively and negatively significant, respectively. Therefore, better infrastructure development and decrease in corporate tax may enhance FDI inflows in SAARC countries. This infers that with the decrease in corporate tax, more FDI inflows may take place, and higher FDI inflows may decrease in corporate tax further. Therefore, this article suggests that SAARC countries should accelerate the process of integration of their economy with the rest of the world along with political stability, enhance the infrastructure facility and reduce the corporate tax to get the higher FDI inflows. JEL: F21, F02, C22
Improving estimates of population status and trend with superensemble models

Fishery managers must often reconcile conflicting estimates of population status and trend. Superensemble models, commonly used in climate and weather forecasting, may provide an effective solution. This approach uses predictions from multiple models as covariates in an additional “superensemble” model fitted to known data. We evaluated the potential for ensemble averages and superensemble models (ensemble methods) to improve estimates of population status and trend for fisheries. We fit four widely applicable data-limited models that estimate stock biomass relative to equilibrium biomass at maximum sustainable yield (B/BMSY). We combined these estimates of recent fishery status and trends in B/BMSY with four ensemble methods: an ensemble average and three superensembles (a linear model, a random forest and a boosted regression tree). We trained our superensembles on 5,760 simulated stocks and tested them with cross-validation and against a global database of 249 stock assessments. Ensemble methods substantially improved estimates of population status and trend. Random forest and boosted regression trees performed the best at estimating population status: inaccuracy (median absolute proportional error) decreased from 0.42 – 0.56 to 0.32 – 0.33, rank-order correlation between predicted and true status improved from 0.02 – 0.32 to 0.44 – 0.48 and bias (median proportional error) declined from −0.22 – 0.31 to −0.12 – 0.03. We found similar improvements when predicting trend and when applying the simulation-trained superensembles to catch data for global fish stocks. Superensembles can optimally leverage multiple model predictions; however, they must be tested, formed from a diverse set of accurate models and built on a data set representative of the populations to which they are applied.
Role of MicroRNA-98 in targeting IRS-2, Regulation of Insulin Signaling and Glucose Uptake in the Liver after Bariatric Surgery

Background: Dysregulation of microRNA expression in various tissues and body fluids has been associated with several diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In this study, we measured the difference in the expression of microRNA in liver tissue of db/+ and db/db mice. And then, we hypothesized that bariatric surgery could change expression of a certain microRNA which may contribute to the remission of insulin resistance. Methods: Db/+ and db/db mice were used to produce bariatric surgery models, then the expression of microRNA in different groups were measured after surgery . With Luciferase assay, we confirmed that microRNA-98 which may be related to the insulin resistance directly targets IRS-2 3’UTR. MicroRNA-98 levels were measured by real-time PCR in db/db mice. Insulin signaling was detected with immunoblotting and glucose uptake. Involvement of IRS2 was studied with microRNA mimics and inhibitor. The role of microRNA-98 in vivo was ex-plored with microRNA antagomir. Results: MicroRNA-98 expression in hepatocyte of db/db mice was decreased after bariatric surgery as time goes on. We demonstrated that microRNA-98 increased in the liver of db/db mice compairing with db/+ mice (1.85±0.82 vs 0.51±0.27 P=0.037). Overexpression of microRNA-98 decreases IRS2 protein levels (0.73±0.05 relative gene expression unit(a.u) vs 0.52±0.04 a.u P=0.003 & 0.26±0.03 a.u P<0.001) and activity and inhibition of microRNA-98 by antisense oligonucleotides in-creases IRS2 protein levels (1±0.09 a.u vs 1.28±0.082 a.u P=0.011 & 1.52± 0.05 a.u P=0.001) and activity. Meanwhile, microRNA-98 can affect the uptake of glucose in insulin-resistance cultured hepG2 cells (21.79±2.01mM vs 30.51±1.19 mM P = 0.002 & 28.62±1.15 mM P=0.004 & 15.09±1.87 mM P = 0.009). In addition, inhibition of microRNA-98 by antagomir improves the level of blood glucose in db/db mice through mediating expression of IRS2.
Surgeons’ Re-Operative Valve Replacement Practices with Patients with Endocarditis Due to Drug Use

Background: This study discerns surgeons’ attitudes and practices in the determination of heart valve replacement for patients with endocarditis due to intravenous drug use (IVDU-IE). We aimed to identify factors contributing to surgeons’ decision-making process for initial and recurrent surgical heart valves, and the availability of institutional guidance. Methods: An IRB approved, anonymous mixed-methods survey instrument was designed and validated with 24 questions. Cardiothoracic surgeons in the U.S. and globally were recruited with a total of 220 enrolling in the study with 176 completing every question on the survey. Results: A cluster analysis revealed that although surgeons can be divided into sub-groups based on their previous experience with valve replacements, these groups are not perfectly homogenous, and the number of identified clusters is dependent on technique used. ANOVA analysis revealed that the variables that most clearly divided the surgeons into subgroups were, in order of importance, years of practice, number of valve replacements, and geography. Conclusions: Our analysis showed heterogeneity among cardiothoracic surgeons regarding how they make clinical decisions regarding re-operative valve replacement related to IVDU-IE Therefore, an opportunity exists for an interprofessional team to develop guidelines to decrease variability in surgical decision-making regarding valve replacement associated with IVDU-IE
Leadership Self-Efficacy (LSE) in Doctoral Programs: Examining the Supervisors’ Lived Experiences in Canadian Universities

In this article, we describe Leadership Self-Efficacy (LSE) in doctoral programs by examining the lived experiences and perspectives of doctoral supervisors. A phenomenological research design was used to interview 16 supervisors from Canadian universities across all disciplines, social sciences and humanities, the natural sciences and engineering, and health sciences. The findings revealed the interplay of five types of efficacy in this context: research-self-efficacy (RSE) that is related to supervisors; research-self-efficacy (RSE) that is related to students; leadership self-efficacy (LSE) that is related to supervisors’ roles; student self-efficacy (SSE) that is related to students’ role; and, collective efficacy (CE). The main type of efficacy that made the difference in the doctoral studies context and allowed supervisors to help their students achieve their milestones, while maintaining their mental health, was the supervisors’ Leadership Self-Efficacy (LSE). Effective supervisors found techniques to enhance the level of their LSE, and to support their students and enhance their students’ sense of efficacy. However, the findings also suggest that supervisors experienced challenges in their roles and were not sufficiently supported, which may adversely influence their LSE and, in turn, affect doctoral students’ performance and wellbeing. Implications include addressing the LSE in the doctoral supervision context at the individual level, group level, and departmental/institutional level. Maha Al Makhamreh *
Data analysis on nonstandard spaces

The task to write on data analysis on nonstandard spaces is quite substantial, with a huge body of literature to cover, from parametric to nonparametrics, from shape spaces to Wasserstein spaces. In this survey we convey simple (e.g., Fréchet means) and more complicated ideas (e.g., empirical process theory), common to many approaches with focus on their interaction with one‐another. Indeed, this field is fast growing and it is imperative to develop a mathematical view point, drawing power, and diversity from a higher level of abstraction, for example, by introducing generalized Fréchet means. While many problems have found ingenious solutions (e.g., Procrustes analysis for principal component analysis [PCA] extensions on shape spaces and diffusion on the frame bundle to mimic anisotropic Gaussians), more problems emerge, often more difficult (e.g., topology and geometry influencing limiting rates and defining generic intrinsic PCA extensions). Along this survey, we point out some open problems, that will, as it seems, keep mathematicians, statisticians, computer and data scientists busy for a while.
Isolation and Screening of Bacterial and Fungal Isolates for Plant Growth Promoting Properties from Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is an important vegetable crop which belongs to family Solanaceae. It is grown widely throughout the world under various agroclimatic conditions and attained the status of one of the world’s most popular vegetables after potato, due to its high nutritive and medicinal value, in addition to processing and export potential. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major contributor to the fruit vegetable diet of humans. It is cultivated in essentially all countries either in fields or in protected culture. Its many varieties are now widely grown, sometimes in greenhouses in cooler climates. Controlling such diseases mainly depend on fungicides treatments (Rauf, 2000). Tomato is prone to attack various fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode diseases at different stages of crop growth. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 8 (2017) pp. 753-761 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Cationic Dye Adsorption on Hydrochars of Winery and Citrus Juice Industries Residues: Performance, Mechanism, and Thermodynamics

With the increasing needs of clean water supplies, the use of biomass wastes and residues for environmental remediation is essential for environmental sustainability. In this study, the residues from winery and citrus juice industries, namely grape skin and orange peel, respectively, were first converted to hydrochars by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and then a cationic dye (methylene blue) adsorption was studied on hydrochars. Hydrochars from both feedstocks were produced at three different temperatures (180, 220, and 250 °C) and a fixed residence time (1 h) to evaluate the hydrochar’s performance on the dye adsorption. The hydrochars were characterized in terms of their pH, pH at point of zero charge (pHPZC), surface functionalities, and surface area. A batch adsorption study of the dye was carried out with variable adsorbate concentration, pH, and temperature. Two adsorption isotherms namely Langmuir and Freundlich models were fitted at 4, 20, and 36 °C. The thermodynamic properties of adsorption (Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS)) were evaluated from the isotherms fittings. Results showed that the dye adsorption on both hydrochars was significant and followed Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity on citrus waste hydrochar was higher than the winery waste hydrochar at any corresponding HTC temperature. Although hydrochars showed the lowest surface area (46.16 ± 0.11 and 34.08 ± 1.23 m2/g for citrus and winery wastes, respectively) at 180 °C, their adsorption was the highest, owing to their maximum density of total oxygen functional groups (23.24 ± 0.22 and 32.69 ± 1.39 µmol/m2 for citrus and winery wastes, respectively), which decreased with the increase in HTC temperature. This research shows a sustainable route for the production of highly effective adsorbent materials at lower HTC temperatures from citrus and winery wastes.
A comparative Analysis Altman (Z-Score) Revision and Springate (S-Score) Model in Predicting Financial Distress in the Manufacturing Company - Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study aims to examine the effect of the Altman (Z-Score) Revision model and the Springate (S-Score) model and determine the better and more precision model in predicting financial distress in the manufacturing company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data analysis technique used is logistic regression to prove the study hypothesis. Based on the results testing, can be concluded: 1) Altman Model (Z-Score) Revision :Working Capital to Total Asset, Retained Earning to Total Asset, and EBIT to Total Aset no effect on the Z-Score, while Book Value of Equity to Book Value of Debt and Sales to Total Asset affect the Z-Score. Overall variable factors model at Altman model revision simultaneously affect the Z-Score. 2) Springate Model (S-Score): Working Capital to Total Asset and EBIT to Total Aset affect S-Score, while Earning Before Tax to Current Liabilities and Sales to Total Asset have no effect on the S-Score. All variables factors at Springate model simultaneously affect the S-Score. The conclusion, the better and more precision model in predicting financial distress based on the Nagelkerke R Square testing, is the Revised Altman (Z-Score) model with a value of 82.5%.
Timing Is Everything…Or Is It? Effects of Instructed Timing Style, Reference, and Pattern on Drum Kit Sound in Groove-Based Performance

THIS STUDY REPORTS ON AN EXPERIMENT THAT tested whether drummers systematically manipulated not only onset but also duration and/or intensity of strokes in order to achieve different timing styles. Twenty-two professional drummers performed two patterns (a simple ‘‘back-beat’’ and a complex variation) on a drum kit (hi-hat, snare, kick) in three different timing styles (laid-back, pushed, on-beat), in tandem with two timing references (metronome and instrumental backing track). As expected, onset location corresponded to the instructed timing styles for all instruments. The instrumental reference led to more pronounced timing profiles than the metronome (pushed strokes earlier, laid-back strokes later). Also, overall the metronome reference led to earlier mean onsets than the instrumental reference, possibly related to the ‘‘negative mean asynchrony’’ phenomenon. Regarding sound, results revealed systematic differences across participants in the duration (snare) and intensity (snare and hi-hat) of strokes played using the different timing styles. Pattern also had an impact: drummers generally played the rhythmically more complex pattern 2 louder than the simpler pattern 1 (snare and kick). Overall, our results lend further evidence to the hypothesis that both temporal and sound-related features contribute to the indication of the timing of a rhythmic event in groove-based performance.
Annual report of the esophageal cancer radiation group of the Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital

Background This report describes the clinical work in esophageal cancer radiation group at the Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital (TJMUCH). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy (RT) at TJMUCH during the 5-year period between 2015 and 2019, including RT procedures, RT methods, treatment types, treatment outcomes and complications, and clinical trials. Results In 2015–2019, 1,464 patients with esophageal cancer received RT at the Department of Radiotherapy, TJMUCH. Of these, 1,176 patients received definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), 100 received preoperative neoadjuvant CRT, 120 received postoperative adjuvant RT, 49 received post-relapse RT, and 19 received palliative RT for advanced esophageal cancer. Among the patients who received definitive CRT, the incidences of grade 2 and higher radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonitis, and leukopenia were 19.4%, 3.6%, and 19.7%, respectively; the incidences of grade 3–4 radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonitis, and leukopenia were 9.4%, 1.2%, and 5.4%, respectively; no grade 5 acute adverse events were observed. Esophageal fistula was the major side effect during the advanced stage of RT. In 2015–2018, 44 patients (5%, 44/846) developed esophageal fistula; of these, 34 cases occurred after RT, and 10 cases occurred during RT. The overall survival was based on the data of 544 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent definitive RT at TJMUCH between March 2010 and September 2016. The median follow-up time was 21.6 months. The median survival was 19.6 months; and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 69.4%, 37.2%, and 32.3%, respectively. In 2015-2019, approximately 201 patients participated in different prospective clinical trials. Conclusions RT is a crucial and effective treatment for esophageal cancer. Standardized treatment procedures, multidisciplinary cooperation, are the foundations for good treatment effects. Many promising ongoing clinical trials will be helpful to improve the prognosis and survival of esophageal cancer patients in the future.
Bird(er)s of a feather? A typology of birders to South African national parks based on their behavioural involvement

ABSTRACT This research segmented the birding market attracted to South African national parks based on their behavioural involvement. The data were collected by means of a self-administrated electronic questionnaire where 310 questionnaires were completed. The factor analysis identified five behavioural involvement pursuits, namely travel and sharing pursuits, passive consumer pursuits, leisure and conservation pursuits, knowledge and participation pursuits, and active engagement pursuits. Based on the behavioural involvement factors, three birding segments were identified, resulting in a CIA-typology of birdwatchers, namely Casual; Intermediate and Avid birdwatchers. The segments were labelled appropriately to resemble the level of involvement of each segment, ranging from low and moderate, to high. This research contributes to the existing literature on birding in general and contributes to the availability of literature regarding birdwatching in the southern hemisphere, especially on South African birdwatching tourism, thus facilitating a greater understanding of this niche leisure market.
Modeling overtaking distance and time along two-lane undivided rural highways in mixed traffic condition

ABSTRACT Overtaking in a two-lane rural highway is a critical maneuver for safety and operations. This paper presents overtaking distance and time models for mixed traffic based on 117 accelerative overtaking maneuvers by 28 drivers. A passenger car (PC) fitted with GPS and cameras was used to record the overtaking maneuvers while passing motorized three-wheelers, PCs, light commercial vehicles, and heavy vehicles (HVs). Speeds of overtaking and overtaken vehicles, inter-vehicular gaps maintained before and after overtaking, and the effect of vehicle types were considered for developing the models. The distance and time required to overtake an HV were found to be the highest. The longitudinal gaps and speed differences between overtaken and overtaking vehicles observed in this study were lesser than the one reported in the published literature. A comparison with geometric design guidelines revealed the need for further review of the overtaking distance considered in designing two-lane undivided Indian highways.
A study on safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 in cutaneous warts

Background: Immunotherapy is an upcoming treatment modality for cutaneous warts. Majority of the treatment modalities used for warts are destructive and can be painful, causes scarring and are not suitable for multiple warts. Immunotherapy overcome these shortcomings and it has shown good response both in injected and distant warts. Literature shows only very limited data on the use of immunotherapy, especially vitamin D3, in case of cutaneous warts. Objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 in cutaneous warts and to assess the treatment response and adverse effects of the same. Methods: Sixty patients of age more than 18 years of both sexes with cutaneous warts were given intralesional vitamin D3 of maximum five doses two weeks apart after obtaining an informed written consent. Patients were monitored for reduction in size and number of warts and also for any side effects. Results: Out of the total 60 patients, 46 (76.6%) patients had complete resolution of warts following injection, 12 (20%) cases showed partial response and 2 (3.4%) cases had no response. Conclusions: Intralesional vitamin D3 was found to be an effective treatment modality for multiple and recalcitrant warts.