Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the causal links between ecosystem productivity measures and species richness using terrestrial ferns in Ecuador

This work focuses on the relationship between terrestrial fern species richness and productivity, and on the fern nutrient availability along a tropical elevational gradient in Ecuador. During three yearly field phases between 2009 and 2011, field work was carried out at eight elevations (500 m to 4000 m) on the eastern Andean slope in Ecuador. Diversity, biomass, productivity and leaf functional traits of terrestrial ferns were recorded in three permanent plots of 400m2 each per elevation. In Chapter 1, I outlined the general purpose of this dissertation, as well as general concepts. In Chapter 2, an alternative to measure air humidity is proposed. In Chapter 3, a total of 91 terrestrial fern species, in 32 genera and 18 families are reported. Hump-shaped patterns along the elevational gradient with a peak at mid elevations adequately described fern species richness, which confirmed that fern diversity is primarily driven by energy-related variables, and that especially low annual variability of these factors favors species rich fern communities. The main results of Chapter 4 showed that along the elevational gradient, terrestrial fern species richness was only weakly related to measures of ecosystem productivity, and more closely to the productivity of the terrestrial fern assemblages as such, which appeared to be determined by an increase in the number of fern individuals and by niche availability. In addition, within elevational belts, a negative relationship between fern species richness and fern productivity was found, which was mainly due to interspecific. In other words, within both spatial scales of this study, fern diversity appears to be limited by the number of available niches by competition to occupy these niches. In Chapter 5, leaf properties, biomass and productivity of terrestrial ferns and trees along our elevational transect were studied. Ferns and trees showed similar elevation gradients for the foliar functional traits; however, a systematic difference in specific leaf area (SLA) between fern and tree leaves was found along the elevational gradient, which reflected the different light regimes of both life forms. In addition, a striking difference between ferns and trees with respect to the patterns of altitudinal change in biomass and productivity was found, which supported the hypothesis that both plant groups are growth-limited by different factors. While biomass and productivity of trees decreased with elevation, which suggests that factors (soil and air humidity, light availability) other than nutrient availability should play a key role for terrestrial ferns.
STUDIES ON PAIN: THE EFFECTS OF ANALGESIC AGENTS ON SENSATIONS OTHER THAN PAIN

The thresholds of perception of sensations other than pain—touch, vibration, two-point discrimination, smell and hearing—were not raised by "therapeutic" amounts of morphine sulfate, codeine phosphate, ethyl alcohol (95%), a barbiturate ("Evipal") and acetylsalicylic acid.
Investigating a co-operative link between TGF-β and Lyn kinase in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterised by uncontrolled proliferation of haematopoietic cells driven by the fusion gene Bcr-Abl. The advent of a mechanism specific kinase inhibitor, Imatinib, targeting the constitutively active Bcr-Abl kinase has paved the way for new treatment strategies. However, resistance emerges, particularly in those in more advanced disease stages. One factor in this resistance is the presence of a quiescent subset of CML cells that are insensitive to Imatinib. CML resistance to Imatinib is linked with over-expression and activation of Lyn, a member of the Src family kinases (SFK). The main aim of the project was to investigate whether transforming growth factor-β (TGF) might influence drug-resistance through direct affects on Lyn kinase levels and its activation. This research builds on previous findings of Bcr-Abl-dependent up-regulation of TGFβ signalling, implicating this cytokine in CML. Human MYL cell lines derived from a CML patient were used to show TGFβ plays a role in imatinib-resistance through direct effects on Lyn protein turnover. Stimulation of MYL cells with TGFβ produced cyclic changes in high molecular weight bands in the presence of proteasomal inhibitors. These high molecular weight bands are due to TGF inducing Lyn ubiquitination, and that this is mediated via TGF-dependent expression of the c-cbl E3 ubiquitin ligase. Cell cycle analysis in combination with poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage assays show TGFβ causes cell quiescence, and that the inhibition of the signalling pathway releases cells from growth arrest and enhances Imatinib-induced cell death. Collectively, data highlights a potential new dual-treatment approach using a combination of Imatinib and SB431542 to enhance imatinib-mediated cell death in 5 CML. Furthermore, it is speculated that hyper-activation of the TGF pathway in the presence of Bcr-Abl drives CML drug resistance by a co-operative mechanism involving Lyn kinase ubiquitination and activation, which is linked to the c-cbl proto-oncogene.
(How) Do people change their passwords after a breach?

To protect against misuse of passwords compromised in a breach, consumers should promptly change affected passwords and any similar passwords on other accounts. Ideally, affected companies should strongly encourage this behavior and have mechanisms in place to mitigate harm. In order to make recommendations to companies about how to help their users perform these and other security-enhancing actions after breaches, we must first have some understanding of the current effectiveness of companies' post-breach practices. To study the effectiveness of password-related breach notifications and practices enforced after a breach, we examine---based on real-world password data from 249 participants---whether and how constructively participants changed their passwords after a breach announcement. Of the 249 participants, 63 had accounts on breached domains; only 33% of the 63 changed their passwords and only 13% (of 63) did so within three months of the announcement. New passwords were on average 1.3x stronger than old passwords (when comparing log10-transformed strength), though most were weaker or of equal strength. Concerningly, new passwords were overall more similar to participants' other passwords, and participants rarely changed passwords on other sites even when these were the same or similar to their password on the breached domain. Our results highlight the need for more rigorous password-changing requirements following a breach and more effective breach notifications that deliver comprehensive advice.
Integration and analysis of protein evolutionary relationships and small molecule bioactivity data

Interactions of small organic molecules and proteins have been studied extensively in the search of therapeutic drugs. Historically, the interaction partners have been attributed to separate scientific disciplines: small organic molecules to the domain of chemistry, proteins to the domain of biology. Likewise, chemical and biological data have been stored and maintained separately. The aim of my thesis was to integrate the ChEMBL database, a public repository of small molecule bioactivity measurements, with resources of protein evolutionary relationships, and exploit these new links to further our understanding of small molecule bioactivity. In order to link biological assays via the evolutionary relationships of their protein targets, I established a mapping of small molecule binding to specific structural protein domains the fundamental building blocks of protein architecture and evolution. By mapping small molecule binding to protein domains, I was able to examine links between the properties of small molecules and the evolutionary units that mediate their binding. I used domain definitions from Pfam, a database of protein domains derived from conserved sequence blocks. The mapping is now an integral part of the ChEMBL database and can be used to limit sequence-based queries to sequence partitions that are relevant to small molecule binding. Further, I integrated information from the homology resource EnsemblCompara Genetrees with bioactivity data from ChEMBL to examine the conservation of small molecule potency between homologous proteins within and across species. Potency differences between related proteins are a useful indicator of small molecule specificity. Specificity is an early milestone for most drug discovery projects as it allows for the manipulation of a desired process in a targeted manner, with side effects reduced to a minimum. I examined pairs of closely related human proteins and found that potency differences were overall greater than the estimated background noise. Using the outlined integration approach in a cross-species comparison, I also observed that potency differences between pairs of related proteins in human and rat were overall no greater than the background noise. This is relevant to the use of model organisms for drug discovery, which relies on extrapolation from a measured response in one species to a therapeutic effect in humans. Taken together I have integrated small molecule bioactivity and protein evolutionary data from two resources, Pfam and EnsemblCompara Genetrees. This has provided a framework for studying small molecule binding in the context of protein evolution.
Ecology of the free-living marine nematodes from the Voordelta (Southern Bight of the North Sea). I. Species composition and structure of the nematode communities.

La structure des communautes de nematodes (composition et abondance des especes) de 20 stations du Woordelta (Mer du Nord) est etudiee en relation avec la composition du sediment, la morphologie du fond, les forces hydrodynamiques, la salinite et la teneur en chlorophylle-a
THE DETERMINATION OF SOME HEAMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND SPERMATOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CRUCIAN CARP (Carassius carassius L, 1758) IN ATATÜRK DAM LAKE

In this study, the determination of some heamatological parameters and spermatological properties of crucian carp (Carassius carassius L, 1758) were investigated in Ataturk Dam Lake. The live fish (n=20) used in this study that have mean weight 2730.05±203.29 g and mean length 55.16±2.28 cm that captured using gill nets in the Ataturk Dam Lake. Heamatological parameters; PCV (%), WBC (x104/mm3), RBC (x106/mm3), Hb (g/dl), MCV (μm3), MCH (pg), MCHC (%) were determined as mean % 34.24±0.57; 24.51±1.09 x104/mm3; 1.51±0.22 x106/mm3; 7.78±0.02 g/dl; 233.75±6.19 μm3; 57.50±0.50 pg 23.33±0.53 % respectively. In collected semen; sperm volume, spermatozoa motility, duration of spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa concentration and sperm pH were determined as mean 1386.50±191.64 μl; 88.42±0.83 %; 118.57±16.30 s; 17.84±3.44 x109/ml; 7.42±0.05 respectively.
Bayesian estimation of dynamic panel data gravity model

Abstract In this paper, we develop Bayesian estimation method for inference of dynamic panel data gravity model. Our method deals with the many zeros problem and at the same time, allows for lagged dependent variables and multiple sets of unobserved effects. We apply our Bayesian estimation algorithm to reexamine the contemporaneous effect of GATT/WTO membership on trade. We find that our dynamic gravity model fits the data better than the same model without the lagged dependent variables that is often used in the literature and trade flow in the previous period has a large and positive effect on trade flow in the current period. We also find that the GATT/WTO membership does not appear to have a contemporaneous effect on trade flow. This result is consistent with the findings ofsome studies in the literature, but not with those of others. These results show the importance of including lagged dependent variables and multiple sets of unobserved effects in gravity model estimation.
Effects of Proton Radiation-Induced Defects on Optoelectronic Properties of MoS<sub>2</sub>

We report on photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope imaging of suspended and substrate-supported flakes of the 2-D semiconductor MoS2 before and after exposure to 100-keV proton radiation with fluences of 6 × 1013, 6 × 1014, and 6 × 1015 p/cm2, respectively, and subsequent annealing. An indirect-to-direct bandgap transition is observed, which is preserved after annealing. This transition is accompanied by an unexpected increase in PL intensity after radiation exposure of multilayer samples, which is attributed to higher radiative efficiency of the direct-gap transition.
Nurses Work Environment and Patients’ Quality of Care

Background: Nurses’ work environment has been recognized as a c rucial variable for the provision of quality healthcare services. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the work environ ment of the nurses and investigate the relation between the work environment and selected patients' safety indicators. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a conven ience sample of 520 nurses, from five public general hospitals of a Regional Health Authority, w ere recruited to participate in the study. Four hun dred thirty two completed questionnaires were collected and ana lyzed (response rate 83.07%). Results: Participants scored collegial nurse – physician rel ations (Mean = 2.74, SD = 0.47) as the most favorable characteristic of their work environment a d nurse manager ability, leadership and support o f nurses (Mean = 2.60, SD = 0.59) as the next most favorable . Th overall PES-NWI scored < 2.5 (Mean = 2.44, SD = 0.38) indicating a non favorable nurses workplace . R garding the patient safety indicators, the cath eterassociated infection was the most frequently report d indicator by the nurses, as 51.6% reported it as frequent/very frequent and the next most frequent i ndicator was pressure ulcers, as 40.3% of the parti cipants reported it as frequent/very frequent. Nurses that st ed medication error as frequent/very frequent s afety indicator scored lower nurse manager ability, leade rship and support of nurses, and collegial nurse-ph ysician relations (p=0.044 and p=0.031 respectively). Conclusions: The study revealed that nurses work in a non – favo rable work environment. Hospital and nurse managers have to work together f or the improvement of nurses' work environment, as it is a prerequisite for the provision of quality and safet y patient care.
On the interplay between self-driving cars and public transportation: A game-theoretic perspective

Cities worldwide struggle with overloaded transportation systems and their externalities, such as traffic congestion and emissions. The emerging technology of autonomous transportation systems bears a high potential to alleviate these issues. At the same time, this technology might also introduce negative effects, in particular by disproportionately cannibalizing public transportation. A careful analysis of this trade-off requires modeling both modes of transportation within a unified framework. In this paper, we propose such a framework, which allows us to study the interplay among mobility service providers, public transport authorities, and customers, and in particular to analyze the effect of autonomous ride-hailing services on the demand for public transportation. This framework combines a graph-theoretic network model for the transportation system with a game-theoretic model whereby mobility service providers are profit-maximizers and customers select individually-optimal transportation options. We apply our modeling approach to data for the city of Berlin, Germany and present sensitivity analyses to study factors that mobility service providers or municipalities can act upon to strategically steer the overall system. We show that depending on market conditions and policy restrictions, autonomous ride-hailing systems may complement or cannibalize a public transportation system, and discuss the main factors behind such different outcomes as well as strategic design options available to policymakers.
Short Term Outcomes of Endovascular Vs Open Repair of Ruptured Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to summarize scientif ic evidence regarding patients undergoing Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair (EVAR) for rup t red of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (rAAA). Particular aspects of the procedure which have clin ical impact are highlighted. Furthermore, the morta lity rate of a single center is investigated retrospectively. Methods: Electronic information sources and bibliographic l ists of relevant publications were investigated. Also, a retrospective study was performed in a cons ecutive series of patients presenting with rAAA, on e year before and one year after the implementation of a p rotocol in a single center (Vascular Department, Ge neral Hospital Nicosia, Cyprus). Results: From this single center study, a moderate quality e vidence was found suggesting that there is an improved thirty-day mortality using a protocol base d endovascular-first approach for the treatment of rAAAs. Conclusions: Overall, there is a relevant evidence that the use of a protocol based endovascular-first approach appears necessary in the treatment of the rAAAs, as it gives lower 30-day mortality rates.
The Occurrence and Contributing Factors of Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries Among Dental Students in a South African University

Abstract: Background: Needle stick and sharp injuries are a global public health issue, mainly due to exposure to infectious diseases. Dental students, in particular, are at a high risk of needle stick and sharp injuries attributed to the restricted working space of the oral cavity and the routine use of sharp instruments, among other risks. Despite this growing body of knowledge on needle stick and sharp injuries in the dental setting, data is limited among dental students in South Africa.
RHESUS D DISTRIBUTION IN BLOOD GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH BLEEDING TIME

Relationship between Rhesus factor and bleeding time in blood group O subjects selected randomly from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria was investigated, using standard antisera and Duke’s method. Group O subjects had shorter bleeding time (1.32 ± 0.41min) than O (1.33 ± 0.37 min). Gender-wise, group O females had shorter bleeding time (1.30 ± 0.40 min) than male O (1.34 ± 0.42 min), and males with O blood type had shorter bleeding time (1.20 ± 0.39 min) than female O (1.39 ± 0.37 min). Comparison within same gender shows that group O males had longer bleeding time (1.34 ± 0.42 min) than O males (1.20 ± 0.39 min), and the females with blood type O had shorter bleeding time (1.30 ± 0.40 min) than O females (1.39 ± 0.37 min). All these observed differences were statistically significant at p< 0.05. In conclusion, the current study suggests that generally, blood group O individuals have shorter bleeding time than O. Bleeding time appear prolonged in O males than O females and prolonged in O females than O males. Within gender, O males appear to have longer bleeding time than O males, while O females have shorter bleeding time than O females.
Women’s Thoughts about Education Class for Awarenes s of Labor: A Qualitative Study

Background: Childbirth education classes is not based on any philosophy or many different methods used rather than one of a particular philosophy. There have not been any comprehensive studies on effects of labor preparation classes based on a philosophy/philosoph ies on pregnancy and preparedness for labor. Aims The aim of the study is to investigate feelings, t houghts and opinions of the women attending Educati on Class for Awareness of Labor about pregnancy and la bor. Methodology: This is a phenomenological study. A purposeful sampling was used. The sample included 13 pregnant women fulfilling sampling criteria and att ending education. Semi-structured, in-depth intervi ews were conducted between 23 December 2014 and 4 April 2015 . Content analysis was used to evaluate obtained da ta. Results: Two main themes and their subthemes emerged as a re sult of analyses The themes are “Preparedness for Labor: Belief in Ability to Give Birth” and “Ch ange”. The themes ‘change’ included the subthemes “ po itive change in spouses attitudes”, “increased communicat ion nd interaction with the baby”, “influence of s haring with other couples: support from others”. The theme s “Preparedness for Labor: Belief in Ability to Giv e Birth” included the subthemes “self-confidence and having k owledge”, “increased power of decision making”, “performing practices facilitating pregnancy and la bor”. Conclusions: Education programme may be useful as a guide in pre atal preparedness for labor and positive expectation and feelings about childbirth. Childbir th education classes, not designed in accordance wi th models yet, should be based on scientific evidence, should be varied, spread and supported by health policies .
Seasonal fluctuation in the distribution of eggs and larvae of flat fishes (Pleuronectiformes - Pisces) in the Cochin Backwater

Attempts have been made to correlate the abundance of eggs and lavae of flat fishes belonging to families Cynoglossidae and Soleidae with the hydrographical parameters of the environment, particularly the salinity. The eggs and larvae were found to occur in the Cochin backwater during the pre-monsoon period but not during the south west monsoon period. During the south west monsoon period larvae belonging to very early stages were found at the marine end (Fairway Buoy). The continued or prolonged existance of very low salinity appears to restrict the distribution of flat fish larvae. In the post-monsoon period also the eggs and larvae were not found in regions of very low salinity. Larvae of Cynoglossus puncticeps (Richardson). C. brevis Gunther, C. cynoglossus (Ham. Buch). C. lida (Bleeker) and Solea heinii Steindachner were obtained in the collection taken from the estuary. From the data it is seen that each species has specific spawning period.
Determining the Work-Related Strain Levels of Nurses and Influencing Factors

Background: Nursing is described as a stressful profession wit h h gh workload due to the effect of many negative factors caused by the working environment. Aim: This study was conducted in order to determine the work-related strain levels of the nurses working in a university hospital and the influencing factors. Material: This descriptive study was conducted with the nurses working a university hospital. The population of the study was composed of the nurses working in a university hospital. Sample selection was not performed in the study and the whole population was aimed to be reached. The study was conducted with 445 nurses who were voluntary to participate in the stu dy. Method: Two data collection forms were used as the data co llection tool in the study. The personal informatio n form prepared by the researchers and the Work-Relat ed S rain Inventory (WRSI). The data were collected by conducting the face-to-face interview technique wit h the nurses in a university hospital between Septe mber 2018May 2019. Results: It was determined that the mean score of the nurses in the Work-Related Strain Inventory was 41.18±2.68. It was determined that marital status, choosing the profession willingly, and job satisfac tion were the variables that were effective on the work-relat ed strain level (p<0.05). Conclusion: The work-related strain levels of the nurses were above the average. Key Words; Nursing, Work-related strain, Satisfaction, Stress