Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual- and environmental-related correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old Finnish children

The objective of this study was to analyze the associations of various individual- and environmental-related factors with subgroups of daily, frequent, moderate and low moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children and adolescents. Data were obtained from the Finnish School-age Physical Activity (FSPA) study 2016 from 4677 national representative 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old children and adolescents. MVPA and individual- and environmental-related factors were assessed by a questionnaire and analyzed by two-level logistic regression. Seventeen of the twenty-one variables were statistically significantly associated with MVPA. However, only three variables were statistically significant in all MVPA subgroups, whereby self-directed PA at least twice a week, fewer perceived barriers, and higher peer support increased the odds of participating in more MVPA. The results from this study showed essential differences among the MVPA subgroups, also supporting previous findings, whereby various individual- and environmental-based factors are associated with children and adolescents’ levels of MVPA. Challenges to designing and implementing effective interventions are based on the need to account for individual differences within the population, as well as the varied connections between PA with different social and physical environments where children and adolescents’ PA takes place. PA interventions with various actions at multiple levels are warranted.
Barriers to the implementation of public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background Saudi Arabia is considering increasing the role of the private sector’s participation in financing and delivering healthcare services through the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). However, the adoption and successful implementation of PPPs in the Saudi healthcare sector requires careful attention to overcome potential obstacles. Objectives This study investigates and identifies potential barriers to the successful implementation of PPPs in the Saudi healthcare sector. Methods A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 72 respondents over a two-month period. Respondents were asked to rate the degree of influence of potential key barriers using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The evidence showed that the top three barriers, as rated by the respondents, were legal barriers, including delays in receiving approval and permits and law and regulation changes, environmental barriers, including lack of transparency and accountability and technological barriers, including a shortage of professionals qualified to handle PPP projects. Conclusions The barriers identified suggested that the government should ensure that PPPs are implemented in a timely manner to ensure that private sector involvement yields the intended benefits. Furthermore, a stable legal and regulatory framework must be established that is properly and easily enforced to avoid confusing stakeholders with too many changes. It is also important to ensure that transparency and accountability measures are strengthened.
How does tube foot coordination generate a novel bouncing gait in the Indo-Pacific seastar Protoreaster nodosus and the North Atlantic seastar Asterias forbesi?

Recent work from the lab of Dr. Tatsuo Motokawa characterized a novel bouncing gait in the Indo-Pacific seastar Protoreaster nodosum (Ellers et al. 2014). Ellers et al. (2014) found the bouncing gait was associated with higher velocities than crawling locomotion, that kinetic and potential energy exchange were in phase (as it is for terrestrial running), and that groups of podia coordinated in pushing during a bounce. Since bouncing locomotion has only been observed (without interpretation) in one other species (Montgomery & Palmer 2012), our research asked whether the bouncing gait was more widespread in seastars by studying local seastar species Asterias forbesi and Asterias rubens. We also quantified how bouncing locomotion was associated with speed and podial pushes in these local species.
Effect of foliar application of urea on growth, yield and quality of chickpea under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive winter seasons of 2006–07 and 2007–08 on Inceptisol at Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur to study the effect of foliar application of urea on chickpea under rainfed condition. Foliar application of urea apart from the basal application of recommended dose of fertilizers increased branching in chickpea by 8–23% over no spray or water spray. The highest grain yield and yield attributes were recorded with 2% urea spray at 75 days after sowing (DAS). The results also suggested that 2% foliar application of urea at 75 DAS significantly increased the seed size, leaf and seed nitrogen contents and also protein content of seeds. The increase in leaf nitrogen and protein content of seeds was significantly correlated with SPAD chlorophyll metre reading. The significant increase in the number of branches as a result of urea application also contributed towards overall biomass production under rainfed condition.
The distribution of Eurasian badger, Meles meles, setts in a high‐density area: field observations contradict the sett dispersion hypothesis

Are setts significant determinants of badger socio-spatial organisation, and do suitable sett sites represent a limited resource, potentially affecting badger distributions? The factors determining diurnal resting den, or sett, location and selection by Eurasian badgers Meles meles L. were investigated in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire. 279 sett sites were located. The habitat parameters that were associated with the siting of these setts were analysed and associations were sought between sett location and character and the body condition and body weight of resident badgers Habitat characteristics in the vicinity of setts were significantly different from randomly selected points. Badgers preferentially selected sites with sandy, well-drained soils, situated on NW-facing, convex and moderately inclined slopes at moderate altitude. There was no evidence that sett morphology (number of entrances, sett area, number of hinterland latrines) was affected by the surrounding sett site habitat characteristics. Mean body weight was significantly higher for badgers occupying territories with setts in sandy soils, situated on NW-facing slopes, than in territories with less optimal sett characteristics. Contrary to the hypothesis that the availability of sett sites was limiting, and therefore that sett dispersion dictates the spatial and social organisation of their populations, the badgers were clearly able to excavate new setts. On our measures, these new setts were not inferior to old established ones, despite occupying subsequently exploited sites; the badgers utilising these new setts had neither lighter body weights nor poorer body condition scores. During the period of our study badgers have manifestly been able to dig numerous new setts; as satisfactory sites still remain available, this indicates that suitable sett sites have not yet become a limiting resource. There was no relationship between sett age and the characteristics of the site in which it was dug, as suitable sites were not limiting. Significantly, population expansion during the decade 1987-1997 was not constrained by lack of setts, rather the main proliferation in setts occurred after the population size had peaked in 1996. Some implications for the management and conservation of the Eurasian badger are considered.
The economic impact of cow genetic potential for milk production and concentrate supplementation level on the profitability of pasture based systems under different EU milk quota scenarios

A 3-year study was set up to evaluate the influence of cow genetic potential for milk production and concentrate supplementation level on profitability of pasture based systems of milk production. In each of the 3 years, 96 cows were used in a three (genotype)×3 (levels of concentrate supplementation) randomized block design. Cows were categorized based on their pedigree index (PD) for milk production (PDMILK) into low (LP; PDMILK less than 100 kg), medium (MP; PDMILK 100–200 kg) and high (HP; PDMILK 200–300 kg). Concentrate supplementation levels were 376, 810 and 1540 kg per cow per lactation, identified as low (LC), medium (MC) and high (HC) concentrate respectively. Three milk production scenarios were investigated using the Moorepark Dairy Systems Model (MDSM) which included: EU milk quota applied at farm level with current costs and prices (S1), EU quota applied at farm level with projected future costs and prices (S2), and EU milk quota applied at industry level (quota purchasing possible) with projected future costs and prices (S3). The effect of variation in milk price, concentrate price and opportunity cost of land were modelled using stochastic budgeting. The results suggest that where EU milk quota is applied at farm level (S1 and S2), the optimum system of milk production is where margin per unit of output is maximized. When milk quota is applied at industry level (S3) the optimum system will be where margin per cow will be maximized. The results also suggest that the optimum system for cows with lower genetic potential for milk production is low level of concentrate supplementation, while cows with higher genetic potential for milk production is high level of concentrate supplementation.
Effects of oilseed supplements on milk production and quality in dairy cows fed a hay-based diet

Abstract The influence of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on feed consumption, milk yield, composition and fatty acid (FA) profile was investigated in lactating dairy cows. According to a Latin square design, twelve cows were assigned to three experimental settings which received a hay-based diet supplemented with one of the following mixtures: cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Control diet (C-diet); full fat ground rapeseed (1.0 kg), cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Rapeseed diet (R-diet) and extruded linseed (1.2 kg), cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Linseed diet (L-diet). Diet supplemented with rape- and linseed did not affect dry matter intake. As result of the high amount of dietary ether extract R- and L-diet showed higher crude fat intake as compared to the control. Despite the higher intake of crude fat and, in particular, of the polyunsaturated fraction, milk yield and composition resulted similar among treatments. Compared to C-diet, R-diet resulted in milk containing significantly lower amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (60.9 vs 66.9% of total detected SFA) as well as higher amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (30.6 vs 24.2%). However, R-diet had no effect on polyunsaturated fatty acid content (PUFA). With respect to C-diet, L-diet also significantly reduced the content of SFA (59.8 vs 66.9%) and increased both MUFA (29.1 vs 24.2%) and PUFA (4.7 vs 4.1%) contents. Feeding about 1 kg of whole oilseeds per head per day had no clear effects on milk vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid contents. The inclusion of rapeseed in the diet significantly reduced the content of n-6 FA in the milk, whereas the linseed-supplemented diet significantly increased the content of n-3 FA. In comparison to C-diet, n-6/n-3 ratio was lower in L-diet milk and intermediate in R-diet milk. Feeding lactating dairy cows with oilseeds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) did not exert any effects on productive performance. Considering the increase in PUFA and the reduction of n-6/n-3 ratio as a desirable enrichment of milk fat for human health, under our experimental condition feeding linseed appears to improve the nutritional value of milk better than rapeseed.
IFN-γ Controls the Generation/Activation of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Antitumor Immune Response1

Immunization with serological identification of Ags by recombinant expression cloning (SEREX)-defined self-Ags leads to generation/activation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells with suppressive activities and enhanced expression of Foxp3. This is associated with increased susceptibility to pulmonary metastasis following challenge with syngeneic tumor cells and enhanced development of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced primary tumors. In contrast, coimmunization with the same SEREX-defined self-Ags mixed with a CTL epitope results in augmented CTL activity and heightened resistance to pulmonary metastasis, both of which depend on CD4+ Th cells. These active regulatory T cells and Th cells were derived from two distinct CD4+ T cell subsets, CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD4+CD25− T cells, respectively. In the present study, IFN-γ was found to abrogate the generation/activation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells by immunization with SEREX-defined self-Ag. CD4+CD25+ T cells from these IFN-γ-treated mice failed to exhibit immunosuppressive activity as measured by 1) increased number of pulmonary metastasis, 2) enhanced development of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced primary tumors, 3) suppression of peptide-specific T cell proliferation, and 4) enhanced expression of Foxp3. The important role of IFN-γ produced by CD8+ T cells was shown in experiments demonstrating that CD4+CD25+ T cells cotransferred with CD8+ T cells from IFN-γ−/− mice, but not from wild-type BALB/c mice, became immunosuppressive and enhanced pulmonary metastasis when recipient animals were subsequently immunized with a SEREX-defined self-Ag and a CTL epitope. These findings support the idea that IFN-γ regulates the generation/activation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells.
Steroid hormones regulate genome-wide epigenetic programming and gene transcription in human endometrial cells with marked aberrancies in endometriosis

Programmed cellular responses to cycling ovarian-derived steroid hormones are central to normal endometrial function. Abnormalities therein, as in the estrogen-dependent, progesterone-"resistant" disorder, endometriosis, predispose to infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes. The endometrial stromal fibroblast (eSF) is a master regulator of pregnancy success. However, the complex hormone-epigenome-transcriptome interplay in eSF by each individual steroid hormone, estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4), under physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions, is poorly understood and was investigated herein. Genome-wide analysis in normal, early and late stage eutopic eSF revealed: i) In contrast to P4, E2 extensively affected the eSF DNA methylome and transcriptome. Importantly, E2 resulted in a more open versus closed chromatin, confirmed by histone modification analysis. Combined E2 with P4 affected a totally different landscape than E2 or P4 alone. ii) P4 responses were aberrant in early and late stage endometriosis, and mapping differentially methylated CpG sites with progesterone receptor targets from the literature revealed different but not decreased P4-targets, leading to question the P4-"resistant" phenotype in endometriosis. Interestingly, an aberrant E2-response was noted in eSF from endometriosis women; iii) Steroid hormones affected specific genomic contexts and locations, significantly enriching enhancers and intergenic regions and minimally involving proximal promoters and CpG islands, regardless of hormone type and eSF disease state. iv) In eSF from women with endometriosis, aberrant hormone-induced methylation signatures were mainly due to existing DNA methylation marks prior to hormone treatments and involved known endometriosis genes and pathways. v) Distinct DNA methylation and transcriptomic signatures revealed early and late stage endometriosis comprise unique disease subtypes. Taken together, the data herein, for the first time, provide significant insight into the hormone-epigenome-transcriptome interplay of each steroid hormone in normal eSF, and aberrant E2 response, distinct disease subtypes, and pre-existing epigenetic aberrancies in the setting of endometriosis, provide mechanistic insights into how endometriosis affects endometrial function/dysfunction.
Establishment patterns of exotic birds are constrained by non‐random patterns in introduction

Species transported to and introduced into non‐native environments, termed ‘introductions’, constitute a growing component of many regional floras and faunas, yet not all such species successfully establish. Investigations into why some introductions succeed while others fail are often based on analyses of the outcome of historical introductions. Such ‘experiments in nature’ have the drawback that the effects of interest may be confounded because they have not been randomized with respect to each other, and because the species and locations chosen for introduction may not be a random subset of the available species or locations. Our aim is to quantify this non‐randomness using a global data set of bird introductions, and examine the factors associated with introduction probability in two subsets of these data, one taxonomic (order Anseriformes) and one geographical (British birds).
Social marketing interventions for the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases: A systematic review

Background Social marketing is an approach to behavior change that contributes to disease prevention and control. This study aimed to understand how social marketing interventions have addressed neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It examined the characteristics, breadth of coverage, and outcomes of social marketing interventions focused on the prevention and control of these diseases. Methodology/Principal findings Studies published in any language between January 1971 and April 2017, targeting at least one of the 17 NTDs prioritized in the World Health Organization (WHO) NTD Roadmap were considered. Included studies had interventions that applied both, at least one core social marketing concept, “social behavioral influence”, and one social marketing technique, “integrated intervention mix”, described in the Hierarchical Model of Social Marketing. This review is registered with PROSPERO CRD42017063858. Twenty interventions, addressing eight NTDs, met the inclusion criteria. They focused on behaviors related to four of the five WHO public health strategies for NTDs. Most interventions incorporated the concepts “relationship building” and “public / people orientation focus”, and the technique “insight-driven segmentation”. All the interventions reported changing behavioral determinants such as knowledge, 19 reported behavior change, and four influenced health outcomes. Conclusion/Significance Evidence from this study shows that social marketing has been successfully used to address behaviors related to most of the five public health strategic interventions for NTDs recommended by the WHO. It is suggested that social marketing interventions for the prevention and control of NTDs be grounded on an understanding of the audience and adapted to the contexts intervened. Building stakeholder relationships as early as possible, and involving the publics could help in reaching NTD outcomes. Elements of the intervention mix should be integrated and mutually supportive. Incorporating health education and capacity building, as well as being culturally appropriate, is also relevant. It is recommended that ongoing discussions to formulate the targets and milestones of the new global Roadmap for NTDs integrate social marketing as an approach to overcome these diseases.
Combine performance, draft position and playing position are poor predictors of player career outcomes in the Australian Football League

Physical testing-based draft combines are undertaken across various sporting codes to inform talent selection. To determine the explanatory power of the Australian football league (AFL) draft combine, participants drafted between 1999–2016 (n = 1488) were assessed. Testing performance, draft selection order and playing position, AFL matches played, AFL player ranking points and AFL player rating points were collected as career outcomes. Boosted regression tree analysis revealed that position and draft selection order were the most explanatory variables of career outcomes. Linear modelling based on testing results is able to explain 4% of matches played and 3% of in-game performance measures. Each individual combine test explained <2% of the matches played outcome. Draft selection order demonstrated mixed results for career outcomes relative to playing position. For instance, key forwards and draft selection order were observed as a slight negative relationship using the AFL Player Ranking points career outcome measure. These findings indicate that the AFL draft combine is a poor measure for informing talent selection, thus providing minimal utility for the practices investigated in this study.
Grazing a saltbush (Atriplex-Maireana) stand by Merino wethers to fill the 'autumn feed-gap' experienced in the Western Australian wheat belt

Three-year-old Merino wethers were grazed at 4 stocking densities (15, 20, 25 and 30 sheep/ha) in 3 consecutive autumns on saltbush forage. About 50% of edible material was leaf [70% digestible dry matter (DDM), 8.9% crude protein (CP)] and 50% was small stems <5 mm diameter (40% DDM and 4.5% CP). In 1992, 9-month-old wethers also grazed the saltbush stand at 30 sheep/ha. Liveweight initially increased by 1-3 kg during the first 14 days of grazing, then declined at 60-100 g/day until the diminishing forage reserves became critical, by which time the stand had provided for about 450 grazing-days/ha. The performance of the 9-month-old wethers was comparable with the 3-year-old sheep at equivalent grazing pressure. In 1992, the tensile strength of wool staples from the 3-year-old sheep grazed at the higher density of 30 sheep/ha, 17.2 N/ktex, was weaker (P<0.05) than staples from sheep grazed at 15 and 20 sheep/ha, 27.1 N/ktex, and 25 sheep/ha, 24.9 N/ktex. Saltbush plantations can be used to provide a feed source which could partly fill the 'autumn feed-gap' for <9-month-old dry sheep. Grazing at <20 sheep/ha, removal of sheep from the saltbush before the mean liveweight declines below that at the start of grazing, and provision of a reliable supply of water will avoid low staple strength wool. More productive stands of saltbush, grown together with winter-active plant species, are needed to improve the economic viability of this grazing resource.