Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Afforestation Drives Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Changes in China

Afforestation has been proposed as an effective method of carbon (C) sequestration; however, the magnitude and direction of soil C and nitrogen (N) dynamics following afforestation are not well understood. This study was designed to examine soil C and N dynamics following afforestation and to determine how various factors affect soil organic C (SOC) and total N (TN) after land‐use conversions through the compilation and analysis of published data from 61 individual studies (512 observations at 61 sites in China). This analysis showed that for different previous land uses, post‐afforestation SOC, TN, and C/N ratio varied in diverse temporal patterns. The relationship of soil C–N coupling was related to land use prior to afforestation and forest age. At 0–100 cm soil depths, SOC and TN increased at rates about 0·23 and 0·03 g kg−1 y−1, respectively, and the C/N ratio was about 0·19 y−1. SOC and TN were significantly affected by tree species, forest age, and soil depth. SOC, TN, and C/N were negatively correlated with soil bulk density (p < 0·01) and pH (p > 0·05) but positively correlated with soil total phosphorus (p < 0·01), soil moisture (p < 0·01) and soil microbial biomass C (p < 0·01) and N (p < 0·01). Additionally, SOC and TN were higher for the mid‐level humidity index in China and were also determined by precipitation, temperature, and forest age. These results highlight the importance of previous land use, tree species, soil depth, and forest age in determining soil C and N changes in a range of environments and land‐use transitions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dieta del puma (Puma concolor) en el Parque Nacional Sajama, Bolivia y su conflicto con la ganadería

Based on a sample of 53 faeces, the diet of Puma concolor was studied in a protected area of the Bolivian altiplano. The largest contribution to the diet in number of preys came from medium and small rodents (98%), but camelids made up the main contribution in biomass (53%), corresponding little more than half to domestic species and the rest to Vicugna vicugna. Our results disagree with the hypothesis that pumas feed mainly on those prey most available in its environment, because it seems to prefer vicunas over livestock. However, our estimate of the quantity of livestock consumed suggests that a program of control of puma predation should be started urgently, to avoid larger management problems between the protected area’s administration and local inhabitants.
Community Based Marine Reserves, a Philippine First

This paper describes the Marine Conservation and Development Program (MCDP) of Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines. MCDP was a two-year project designed to enable three local communities to protect and/or enhance their marine resources through the initiation of local marine management in the form of marine reserves. Community organization and education were the main methods use to stimulate community activity at these sites. The project showed that it is possible to organize communities to manage their own coral reef resources. The presence of the marine reserve/sanctuaries led to measurable changes in reef quality within a period of only one year. At all three sites there were significant increases in both the number of fish species and the abundance of individual fishes found in the sanctuaries. This is a direct response to decreased fishing pressure in the sanctuaries.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of chronic disease patients in Bojanala towards COVID-19

Background COVID-19 is an acute respiratory disease. Its morbidity and mortality in patients with comorbidities have been established. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 of patients with comorbidities attending primary health care services. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, with data collected from patients using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and practice scores were calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used, and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results This study enrolled 469 participants aged 18–84 years, and the majority were women. The mean knowledge score was 7.09 ± 1.73 out of 9, the mean attitude score was 2.33 ± 0.86 out of 3, and the mean practices score was 3.79 ± 0.56 out of 4. There was a positive linear relationship between knowledge and attitude scores and between attitude and practices scores; as one score increased, the other also increased significantly. Conclusion The level of knowledge was good in general, with optimistic attitudes and good practices by the patients. Those aged 70 years and above need special attention because older persons have poorer knowledge of and practices towards COVID-19, which could lead to higher hospitalisation and mortality rates. Contribution This study found that patients with chronic diseases had good COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and practices, while interventions targeting patients aged 70 years and above are needed to improve their COVID-19 awareness and practices.
Low Expectancy of Conversion Surgery with R0 Resection in Patients with CEA > 5.0 ng/mL at the Initial RECIST Evaluation for Metastatic Gastric Cancer

Simple Summary This study aimed to identify early predictive factors associated with the success of conversion surgery with R0 resection in patients with metastatic gastric cancer who underwent systemic chemotherapy. Patients with carcinoembryonic antigen > 5.0 ng/mL at the initial Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors evaluation showed less expectancy of undergoing conversion surgery with R0 resection. Abstract This retrospective study examined early the predictive factors for successful conversion surgery (CS) with R0 resection in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) who underwent systemic chemotherapy. This study included 204 patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, who received chemotherapy between 2009 and 2019. Of these patients, 31 (15%) underwent CS with R0 resection. The incidence of CS with R0 resection was not affected by the volume of metastatic lesions or the presence of peritoneal metastasis. The overall survival time of the CS with R0 resection group was significantly longer than that of the non-CS group (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.23; p < 0.0001), with a 5 year overall survival rate of 50.2%. Multivariate analysis of 150 patients, excluding those with disease progression until the initial Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) evaluation, showed that carcinoembryonic antigen > 5.0 ng/mL at the initial RECIST evaluation was an independent, significant, and unfavorable predictor of CS with R0 resection (odds ratio, 0.21; p = 0.0108), whereas systemic chemotherapy with trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancer was a favorable factor (odds ratio, 4.20; p = 0.0119). Monitoring serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels during chemotherapy may be a useful predictor of the CS implementation in patients with MGC.
Debris recharge rates in torrented gullies on the Queen Charlotte Islands

This study is an examination of the rate at which organic debris and clastic sediment accumulate in a gully after it is scoured by a debris torrent. Of particular interest is the effect that a change in land use from old-growth to clear-cut conditions may have on these rates. This change should result in a reduction in the delivery of large organic debris (LOD), which is a major factor in sediment storage in gullies. It is hypothesized that this change in land use, and the subsequent reduction in the LOD supply, should result in a significant difference in debris recharge rates between old-growth and clear-cut gullies. Twenty-nine gullies in both land-treatment groups were sampled on the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Sampling procedures involved the estimation of the volume of LOD and sediment in storage (normalized by the gully surface area) and the determination of the time elapsed since the last debris torrent. These data were then used to estimate recharge rates (m 3ha’year 1)of LOD, sediment, and total debris. Recharge rates of each material were compared between land-treatment groups using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. This test revealed that LOD has been delivered to old-growth gullies at a significantly higher rate relative to clear-cut gullies. There was no significant difference in sediment and total debris recharge rates between gullies in the two groups, but this outcome was partially a result of the small samples and the different debris recharge times in each data set. Graphical representations of the data permitted the identification of possible temporal trends in sediment and debris accumulation, which may be strengthened with larger data sets. Debris recharge rates have several applications. The estimate of sediment volume stored in a gully can be used in the construction of local sediment budgets, as one component of a watershed sediment cascade is quantified. The calculation of debris recharge rates will provide insight into the transfer rate of sediment from hillslopes to low order channels and to the storage capacity of the channels. Finally, debris recharge rates can be used to improve knowledge of the frequency-magnitude characteristics of debris torrents in an area.
The psychometric properties of the Hungarian Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire

ABSTRACT Parental reflective functioning refers to the ability of parents to understand their child as motivated by internal mental experiences such as thoughts and feelings. This study aimed to examine the factor structure of the Hungarian version of the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ) and to assess its relationships with general reflective functioning (Certainty and Uncertainty), attachment dimensions (Confidence, Relationships as secondary, The need for approval, Discomfort with closeness, Preoccupation with relationships) and the perception of the child (Warmth and Invasiveness) among mothers of children up to five years of age. Two hundred sixty-three mothers completed the PRFQ and The Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, of which 201 mothers also completed the Mothers’ Object Relations Scale and The Attachment Style Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the three-factor solution. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for Certainty about Mental States and Interest and Curiosity subscales were excellent, while it was lower for Pre-Mentalizing.
No effect of facial expression on running economy in collegiate soccer players

The facial feedback hypothesis (FFH) states that activation of facial muscles (i.e., smiling and frowning) can elicit emotional experiences within an individual. A positive emotional experience could result in a more “relaxed state” and result in improved running economy (RE). The purpose of this study was to determine if smiling while running would lead to an improvement in RE among a group of collegiate soccer players. Twenty-four Division III collegiate soccer players (females n = 14, males n = 10) completed four, six-minute running blocks at 70% of velocity at VO 2 max. The order of bouts was randomised with participants serving as their own controls. Participants completed running blocks while smiling (Smile), frowning (Frown), consciously relaxing their hands and upper bodies (Relax), and running as they “normally” would (Control). Each block was separated by two minutes of passive rest. Cardiorespiratory responses were recorded continuously, and participants reported perceived exertion (RPE) after each condition. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run on all primary variables with a significance level set a priori at 0.05. There were no significant differences in RE across conditions (p > 0.05; Smile: mean = 33.7 mL∙kg -1 ∙min -1 , SD = 4.4; Frown: mean = 34.2 mL∙kg -1 ∙min -1 , SD = 4.1; Relax: mean = 34.2 mL∙kg -1 ∙min -1 , SD = 4.1; Control: mean = 34.2 mL∙kg -1 ∙min -1 , SD = 3.9). Our findings suggest smiling does not significantly improve RE among a group of collegiate soccer players. Further studies should examine this topic in other athlete groups and at various running intensities.
Fermentation of different sugars by Bifidobacteria

The genus of Bifidobacteria stands out for being one of the most used probiotic bacteria for food applications. Identification of bifidobacterial species remain elusive, biochemical tests for the identification of strains of Bifidobacteria are now superseded by use of genus-specific PCR primers. The aim of this study is to identify of some Bifidobacteria strains by chemical tests non the method of PCR, in this study it’s found the ability of four strains of Bifidobacteria ( Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707 , Bifidobacterium bifidum LMGD 10645 , Bifidobacterium animalis and Bifidobacterium angulotum ). To fermented by glucose, galactose, fructose, starch, lactose, sucrose, ribose and mannitol. Carbohydrate fermentation test was performed in Basal Liquid Medium (BLM). The development of a yellow color after incubation was considered a positive result. All strains in this search are fermented all sugars, and we found that B. bifidum and B. longum can ferment ribose, galactose and mannitol or can’t.
The full carbon balance of a rewetted cropland fen and a conservation- 1 managed fen 2

17 On a global scale, the release of greenhouse gases (GHG) from peatland drainage and cultivation are 18 believed to account for ~5% of estimated anthropogenic GHG emissions. Drainage generally leads to 19 peat subsidence and extensive soil loss, resulting in a diminishing store of soil carbon (C). This is a 20 challenge for maintaining drainage-based agriculture, as such practices will eventually lead to the 21 loss of organic soils that arable cultivation depends on. The conversion of croplands on peat to 22 semi-natural grasslands, alongside raising water tables, is one possible way to reduce the loss of 23 these valuable C stores. emissions of CO 2 were moderately large (22 and 37 g C m -2 yr -1 ), whilst ditch methane (CH 4 ) 32 emissions (0.2 and 1.8 g C m -2 yr -1 ) made a negligible contribution to the NECB, but are important 33 when considering the ecosystem GHG balance in terms of CO 2 equivalents. Excluding dissolved 34 inorganic carbon (DIC), fluvial C losses were 6 g C m -2 yr -1 for the conservation-managed fen and 12 g 35 C m -2 yr -1 for the former cropland, and were dominated by dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The 36 small fluvial C loss is the result of both sites being hydrologically isolated from the surrounding 37 agricultural landscapes. Although the partially re-wetted cropland was still acting as a net C source, 38 our estimates suggest that seasonal rewetting has reduced net annual C losses to ~20% of their 39 former cropland values. Maintaining high water tables year round would potentially further reduce 40 C losses, and shallow inundation might allow the return of wetland species such as Phragmites and 41 Typha , perhaps as floating rafts. 42
Ecological status of the Sand River after the discharge of sewage effluent from the Polokwane and Seshego wastewater treatment works

Population growth in urban areas is putting pressure on sewage treatment plants. The improper treatment of sewage entering the aquatic ecosystems causes deterioration of the water quality of the receiving water body. The effect of sewage effluent on the Sand River was assessed. Eight sampling sites were selected, site 1 and 2 were upstream of the sewage treatment plant along the urbanised area of Polokwane, whilst sites 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were downstream. The physico-chemical parameters and coliform counts in the water samples were determined. The suitability of the water for irrigation was also determined. Hierarchical average linkage cluster analysis produced two clusters, grouping two sites above the sewage treatment works and six sites downstream of the sewage effluent discharge point. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified total nitrogen, total phosphorus, conductivity and salinity as the major factors contributing to the variability of the Sand River water quality. These factors are strongly associated with the downstream sites. Canonial correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated the macroinvertebrates, Chironomidae, Belastomatidae, Chaoborus and Hirudinea being strongly associated with nitrogen, phosphorus, conductivity and temperature. Escherichia coli levels in the Polokwane wastewater treatment works maturation ponds, could potentially lead to contamination of the Polokwane aquifer. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio was between 1.5 and 3.0 and residual sodium carbonate was below 1.24 Meq/l, indicating that the Sand River water is still suitable for irrigation. The total phosphorus concentrations fluctuated across the different site. Total nitrogen concentrations showed a gradual decrease downstream from the point of discharge. This shows that the river still has a good self-purification capacity. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Seawater oxygenation during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

Uncertainty over the trajectory of seawater oxygenation in the coming decades is of particular concern in the light of geological episodes of abrupt global warming that were frequently accompanied by lowered seawater oxygen concentrations. Here we present an assessment of global seawater oxygenation from an interval of one of these warming episodes, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, 55.9 m.y. ago). Our results, obtained from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 302 Site M0004 in the Arctic Ocean, are based on molybdenum isotope determinations and molybdenum, rhenium, and uranium abundances. These data indicate a small global expansion of low-oxygen marine environments in the upper part of the PETM interval compared with the present day. More extensive seawater deoxygenation may have occurred for as long as ∼100 k.y. , associated with a high rate of global warming and carbon oxidation at the start of the PETM. Our data also reveal molybdenum isotope compositions in Arctic Ocean deposits that are outside the range currently documented in marine environments. These exceptional compositions could reflect either the influence of hydrothermal inputs or equilibrium isotope fractionations associated with molybdenum sulfide speciation.
Low Short-Chain-Fatty-Acid-Producing Activity of the Gut Microbiota Is Associated with Hypercholesterolemia and Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Metabolic-Associated (Non-Alcoholic) Fatty Liver Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) activity of the gut microbiota of patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The level and spectrum of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined via gas–liquid chromatography. Liver fibrosis was assessed using the FIB-4 index and elastography. Among 42 non-cirrhotic MAFLD patients, 24 had high fecal SCFA levels (group H) and 18 had low fecal SCFA levels (group L). Patients in group H had lower serum uric acid, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels but a higher BMI than those in group L. All patients in group L and only 37.9% of those in group H were found to have hypercholesterolemia. In patients with hypercholesterolemia, the level of SCFAs was lower than that in patients without hypercholesterolemia. Patients in group H had less liver fibrosis than patients in group L. A total of 50.0% of the patients in group H and 92.3% of those in group L had significant liver fibrosis (≥F2). Patients with significant liver fibrosis had lower levels of fecal SCFAs—particularly acetate and butyrate. The fecal SCFA levels were positively correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin levels, BMI, and platelet count and were negatively correlated with FIB-4, liver stiffness, serum total, and LDL cholesterol levels.
Interactions between the principal risk factors for reduction of the eGFR in unvaccinated COVID‑19 survivors: Normal pre-COVID‑19 eGFR, not having diabetes and being hospitalized

There are contradictory results regarding changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. An analysis of eGFR changes and clinical characteristics associated with those changes was conducted among COVID-19 survivors. eGFR values were compared at different time points (before and 4-, 8- and 12-months after COVID-19 infection). A multivariate generalized linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED procedure) with a binary logistic regression link was used to determine factors associated with eGFR reduction of ≥10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Being hospitalized (RR=2.90, 95% CI=1.10-7.68, P=0.032), treated with Ivermectin (RR=14.02, 95% CI=4.11-47.80, P<0.001) or anticoagulants (RR=6.51, 95% CI=2.69-15.73, P<0.001) are risk factors for a reduced eGFR. Having a low eGFR (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) before COVID-19 infection, having B-positive blood type, diabetes, taking vitamin C during the acute phase of COVID-19 or suffering from chronic COVID-19 symptoms, were identified as protective factors. Analysis involving a two-way interaction (A x B, where A and B are factors) demonstrated that the combination of patients with a normal eGFR value before COVID-19 infection without diabetes (RR=58.60, 95% CI=11.62-295.38, P<0.001), or a normal eGFR value with being hospitalized for COVID-19 (RR=38.07, 95% CI=8.68-167.00, P<0.001), increased the probability of a reduced eGFR. The changes in eGFR in COVID-19 survivors varied depending on patient characteristics. Furthermore, the principal risk factors for post-COVID-19 eGFR reduction were analyzed in separate models.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION SCHEDULES ON WATER USE AND YIELD OF WHEAT

The research was conducted on clay loam soil of NWFP Agricultural University Farm during Rabi, 1997-98 to study the effect of different irrigation schedules on water u se and yield of wheat. Experiments were conducted with one wheat variety, four irrigation intervals i.e. three weeks (W 3), four weeks (W 4), five weeks (W 5) and six weeks (W 6) and two pan levels i.e. equal to pan evaporation (P 1) and half of the pan evaporation (P 2) using randomized complete block design. Soil mois ture content was determined by gravimetric method. Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was calculated by water balance method. The crop coefficients were determined from the rati o of actual evapotranspiration to potential evapotr anspiration. The average seasonal evapotranspiration of wheat were 5 18, 439, 496 and 478 mm and crop coefficients were 1.02, 0.87, 0.96 and 0.94, for W 3, W4, W 5 and W 6, respectively. Results of yield and its component s indicated that there was significant effect of irrigation intervals on grain yield, numb er of grain per spike, grain weight per spike, numb er of tillers per plant and visual lodging percentage. There was no difference in yield and yield components when the crop was irr igated according to the full evaporation (P 1) and half pan evaporation (P 2). Maximum yield was obtained when plots were irrigated after five weeks interval. Same was the case with number of grains per spike and grain weight per spike. But in c ase of number of tillers and lodging percentage, the result showed t hat more moisture favours greater number of tillers and lodging percentage. The highest water use efficiency (8.01 kg ha -1 mm -1 ) was obtained when crop was irrigated after five w eeks interval. It is concluded that for maximum yield of wheat the crop may be irrigated after five weeks i nterval. Excessive and earlier than five weeks irrigation interval can be harmful for the optimum yield of wheat if seasonal rainfall is � 330 mm.