Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
My life with the Red Queen in fishery genetics

I had the privilege of being a part of fishery genetics from its start in the 1970s, when protein electrophoresis was first used to identify stocks of commercially important fishes and shellfishes. Research questions in fishery genetics have evolved tremendously over the past few decades, as new molecular techniques changed the nature of the questions that could be posed. The development of new DNA methods spurred the development of new theoretical models, new statistical methods and an unending stream of computer programs. These developments have led to conceptual shifts in the understanding of natural populations and how to manage them. Twists and turns in the history of fishery genetics parallel the story of the Red Queen in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. I have had to “run in place” during my career to learn new techniques and ideas that, in turn, have been replaced with yet newer ones. However, my personal challenge throughout my career has been to develop “scientific intuition” to find underlying causes in datasets. Even though we now have the ability to sequence entire genomes, it is premature to announce the “end of history” for technical and conceptual advances in fishery genetics.
Morphological and molecular discordance in the taxonomic rearrangement of the Marmosops pinheiroi complex (Marsupialia: Didelphidae)

Marmosops is one of the most speciose genera of didelphid marsupials, is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, and has been the subject of several taxonomic and systematic revisions. Within the genus, the Pinheiroi complex is distributed in eastern Amazonia and recently has been split into three species, based only on morphology. We analysed both mitochondrial (CYTB) and nuclear (BRCA1) data of a large number of specimens of the Pinheiroi complex from the Tapajós region to test the three-species hypothesis. Our molecular data supported a conservative scenario of four lineages with high molecular divergence within the Pinheiroi complex: one from the Tapajós West bank (until now treated as M. marina), another from the Tapajós East bank (M. marina sensu stricto), a third from the Xingú East bank (M. woodalli), and a fourth from the Amazon North bank (M. pinheiroi). But a scenario of five species within the Pinheiroi complex was not excluded. We restrict M. marina to the Tapajós-Xingú interfluve. Speciation in the Pinheiroi complex was estimated to have taken place in the late Miocene. Both Amazon and Tapajós Rivers have important roles in the differentiation of this complex, either by forming a complete barrier to an existing taxon or by restricting the gene flow between populations on each side of the river. The divergence of major clades on opposite sides of the Amazon and Tapajós Rivers occurred almost simultaneously during the Late Pliocene.
Critical Social Pedagogy in Mathematics Teacher Education

There is no how-to recipe for implementing pedagogical approaches, as each school, learner and teacher has a unique perception of the nature of critical mathematics education. It is therefore the duty of educators and school administrators to cultivate critical teaching and learning experiences that can connect the standardised school curriculum to the reality of learners’ everyday lives. As such, this study investigated the pedagogical approaches which mathematics teacher educators employed in the development of democratic citizens in South African universities. Underpinned by the constructivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative research approach and a case study design. Data were generated from a total of six mathematics teacher educators and 75 second- to fourth-year student teachers majoring in mathematics education across three different universities. The findings from the study revealed that there are contradictions between pedagogical philosophies and the mathematics teacher educators’ ideal image of their practice in the classroom. The nature of mathematics teaching, and the fear that learners come to class with different knowledges from their personal experience and have disparate opinions, hinder critical and social engagement within mathematics education classrooms. Based on the findings, it is recommended that mathematics teacher educators employ a problem-posing pedagogical approach which allows for the appropriation of knowledge in the form of self-reflection, a synergy of care, and self-determination which seeks to foster democratic values and critical consciousness in the development of democratic citizens.
From Conventional to Precision Fertilization: A Case Study on the Transition for a Small-Medium Farm

At the CREA research facility of Treviglio (Bergamo, Italy), to provide farmers with valuable hints for the transition from conventional to precision agriculture, information on crop production dynamics (Maize and Triticale) has been obtained using real-time soil mapping (resistivity technique) and production quality and quantity monitoring with a commercial yield mapping apparatus. The geostatistical processing of data resulted in the same zoning for Triticale, meaning that the characteristics of soil influenced crop behavior more than the variability resulting from other factors, which suggests that improvements in product yields can be planned and achieved acting, for instance, on variable rate distribution of fertilizers. The importance of the acquired data can help farmers to manage factors that are external to their plots of land.
The Potential Use of Fly Ash from the Pulp and Paper Industry as Thermochemical Energy and CO2 Storage Material

As a part of our research in the field of thermochemical energy storage, this study aims to investigate the potential of three fly ash samples derived from the fluidized bed reactors of three different pulp and paper plants in Austria for their use as thermochemical energy (TCES) and CO2 storage materials. The selected samples were analyzed by different physical and chemical analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution (PSD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) under different atmospheres (N2, CO2, and H2O/CO2). To evaluate the environmental impact, leaching tests were also performed. The amount of CaO as a promising candidate for TCES was verified by XRF analysis, which was in the range of 25–63% (w/w). XRD results indicate that the CaO lies as free lime (3–32%), calcite (21–29%), and silicate in all fly ash samples. The results of STA show that all fly ash samples could fulfill the requirements for TCES (i.e., charging and discharging). A cycling stability test of three cycles was demonstrated for all samples which indicates a reduction of conversion in the first three reaction cycles. The energy content of the examined samples was up to 504 kJ/kg according to the STA results. More energy (~1090 kJ/kg) in the first discharging step in the CO2/H2O atmosphere could be released through two kinds of fly ash samples due to the already existing free lime (CaO) in those samples. The CO2 storage capacity of these fly ash samples ranged between 18 and 110 kg per ton of fly ash, based on the direct and dry method. The leaching tests showed that all heavy metals were below the limit values of the Austrian landfill ordinance. It is viable to say that the valorization of fly ash from the pulp and paper industries via TCES and CO2 storage is plausible. However, further investigations such as cycling stability improvement, system integration and a life cycle assessment (LCA) still need to be conducted.
Pulmonary Function Impairment among Stone Cutting Workers in North Gujarat

Background: Pulmonary problems are a major cause of morbidity & mortality all over the world. It has been found that lung functions are mostly affected in workers exposed to affect majorly in granite, marble, various other rocks and sand dust exposed workers. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of pulmonary function impairment among stone cutting workers at various construction sites in North Gujarat and the secondary objective was to find the effectiveness of Physiotherapy measures among those workers. Methods: A total of 408 male stone cutting worker participated in this study around various construction sites in the vicinity of North Gujarat from September to December 2019. After assessing pulmonary function tests, workers with impairment were treated with Deep breathing exercise and advice personal protective measures like face masks, cession of smoking and water spraying before cutting. Results: The data was collected from all the stone cutting workers. The average age was 31.43 ± 9.18 years and the average duration of work experience as stone cutter was 12.32± 6.11. A total of 50.24 % participant complaints of chronic cough, 10.29% of chest pain and 31.61% of participants reported wheezes. Data Analysis showed after 3 months of Physiotherapeutic intervention there was significant difference in FEV1 FVC and FEV1/FVC. Conclusion: The present study shows that there was a high prevalence of pulmonary functions impairment among stone cutting worker in North Gujarat and Physiotherapy measures can be used as an adjacent to minimize this problem.
Estimation of nonstationary nonparametric regression model with multiplicative structure

This paper presents a multiplicative nonstationary nonparametric regression model which allows for a broad class of nonstationary processes. We propose a three-step estimation procedure to uncover the conditional mean function and establish uniform convergence rates and asymptotic normality of our estimators. The new model can also be seen as a dimension-reduction technique for a general two-dimensional time-varying nonparametric regression model, which is especially useful in small samples and for estimating explicitly multiplicative structural models. We consider two applications: estimating a pricing equation for the US aggregate economy to model consumption growth and estimating the shape of the monthly risk premium for S&P 500 Index data.
The relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence and the risk of relapse: a cross-sectional study of drug treatment facilities

ABSTRACT Objective This study explores the relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence, and the risk of relapse among drug treatment inpatients after their primary drug treatment in the Philippines. Methods We collected 632 patients’ data using a survey questionnaire at five drug treatment facilities – two each in Metro Manila (Luzon), Cebu and Iloilo (Visayas), and Davao City (Mindanao) – representing the Philippines’ three principal geographical regions, from July to September 2019. Results Participants who reported substance dependence were distributed as follows: 20 (42.55%) high nicotine dependent users, 49 (41.88%) alcohol users, 51 (39.53%) methamphetamine users, and 35 (52.24%) cannabis or marijuana users. All were found among poor- to low-income earners. The adjusted odds ratios for the past-30-day substance use were calculated from occupations (formal, informal) of men and women using multiple logistic regression, and the results were: AOR = 7.96, 95% CI = 4.61–13.73 and AOR = 3.96, 95% CI = 1.69–9.24, respectively, with p < . 005. Conclusions Policymakers should facilitate economic interventions (livelihood/training skills) and prevention programs to address drug relapse among low- to poor-income earners admitted to rehabilitation centers for primary drug treatment (six months).
Band Lineup and Charge Carrier Separation in Mixed Rutile-Anatase Systems

Calculations by the HSE06 functional for rutile and anatase crystals reproduce the observed width of the valence and conduction bands, as well as of the gap. From the band structures the branching point energies are obtained as reference for both phases, allowing us to deduce a generic band alignment scheme without a specific interface model. The results show that both bands of rutile lie higher than those of anatase, so in mixed systems the holes are accumulated in the former while the electrons in the latter. Consequences for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications are discussed.
A two-step feeding of calcium salts of fish oil improves reproductive performance in Holstein cows

Aim of study: To examine the effects of a biphasic schedule of feeding n-3 fatty acids on dairy cows.Area of the study: Isfahan, Iran.Materials and methods: 140 lactating Holstein cows were allotted at calving into two groups of 70 animals and received one of two dietary treatments: 1) saturated fatty acids (SFA, containing 80% palmitic acid) or 2) calcium salt of fish oil (CSFO, containing 16% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), with an n-6/n-3 FA ratio of approximately 7 for SFA and 5 for CSFO treatments. The dietary supplements were fed to the respective groups at 240 g/head.day from 0 to 21 days in milk, and 120 g/head.day from 22 to 150 days in milk. Milk yield was recorded biweekly and milk composition was evaluated monthly. The concentration of FA in the milk and blood was determined on d-90 of the experiment in 10 cows randomly selected from each group. Reproductive indices were recorded until d-150.Main results: The CSFO supplementation did not affect average milk yield, milk composition or milk somatic cell count (SCC); however, in some weeks it increased milk production and decreased milk SCC (p<0.05). Plasma concentrations of palmitic acid and n-3 FA as well as milk fat concentration of EPA and DHA increased in the CSFO-fed cows (p<0.05). Feeding the CSFO decreased open days (100 vs 119 days, p<0.05), service per conception and all service conception rates (p<0.05). Research highlights: The implementation of a two-stage feeding program of n-3 FA improved reproductive variables and reduced milk SCC in dairy cows.
Long-term stability of the WISC-Ⅳ in children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth edition (WISC-IV) in a sample of 138 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a child psychiatric clinic in Tokyo, Japan. The stability coefficient of the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), which is composed of four indices, was very high at . 83, while those of the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) individually were moderate to high, ranging from . 62 to . 79. Comparisons among three age groups revealed that the coefficients for children aged 5 to 7 years tended to be lower than those for children aged 11 years and older. With respect to relative strengths and weaknesses between index scores, approximately half of children did not exhibit the same trend in the second test. These results revealed that the FSIQ and index scores are stable in the long term in children with ASD aged 11 years and older, and that the PSI and discrepancies in index scores are less stable. Thus, practitioners should take into account ecological information and the test-taking behaviors of children when interpreting WISC-IV results for children with ASD. Abbreviations: ASD: autism spectrum disorder; WISC-IV: wechsler intelligence scale for children – fourth edition; FSIQ: full scale intelligence quotient; VCI: verbal comprehension index; PRI: perceptual reasoning index; WMI: working memory index; PSI: processing speed index
Social workers’ risk assessment in child protection: the problem of disagreement and a lack of a precise language about risk

ABSTRACT Social workers make risk assessments in accordance with their obligation to safeguard and protect children against neglect and abuse. To prevent serious problems, it is necessary to make assessments about the likelihood that social problems emerge in the first place. We investigated 57 Danish social workers’ risk assessments. We used the vignette methodology, setting up a fictitious case and asking respondents to assess two children’s risk of suffering problems in connection with the suicide of their father. We focused on the respondents’ assessments of the magnitude of risk and on how they referred, in their own words, to the protective and risk factors they particularly noticed. There were three results of note. (1) The social workers’ assessments of risk were very divergent. This was the case whether they expressed the magnitude of risk in words or as a percentage. (2) There was no close correspondence between risk assessments expressed in words and as a percentage. Social workers lacked words to communicate the magnitude of risk adequately. (3) There were no significant differences in approach to the assessment of children’s risk between social workers who rated the risk as high, medium or low. All were attentive to both protective and risk factors.
Is There a Catholic School Effect on Kindergarteners’ Absenteeism?

Abstract Over the past decade, identifying how schools might reduce student absenteeism has moved to the forefront of education policy. Yet little research has examined whether school type itself is important. We focus on the influence of Catholic schools using data from the past decade—the most relevant policy context for addressing absenteeism. The research that exists has acknowledged the limitation of omitted variable biases. Thus, the signature contribution of this study is the use of propensity score matching layered with exclusion criteria to account for bias in unobserved variation that confounds estimates. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study: Kindergarten Class of 2011, we present several model specifications, all of which indicated that students in Catholic school missed fewer days of school compared to students in other types of schools. However, estimates from the adjusted matching models using the exclusion criteria indicate that OLS and classical matching estimates were downwardly biased.
Leveraging motivation theory for research and practice with students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Given that the majority of students with learning disabilities (LD) are currently educated alongside general education peers for the majority of the school day in inclusive classrooms, it behooves motivation scholars to consider the practical implications of their research for all teachers working with students with LD. The purpose of this article is to discuss how three theoretical perspectives on motivation can be leveraged to support classroom teachers’ work with this student population. Following an overview of our three focus theories of motivation (goal orientation theory, self-determination theory, and expectancy-value theory), we discuss research about students with LD that employs each perspective, as well as any related interventions for students with LD. Afterwards, we provide practical implications for teachers working with students with LD. Finally, we offer recommendations for research on motivation using these and other theories that are sensitive to the specific strengths and challenges of students with LD.
Applying a multicentre, interdisciplinary approach to strengthen the generalisability of qualitative dementia research: the experience and challenges faced by the MinD project in Europe

Background : Generalisation of findings is an important aspect of research and essential for evidence-based practice. While generalisation is common in quantitative research, there is a lack of generalisability in qualitative research. This paper presents the experience and challenges faced by the Designing for People with Dementia (MinD) project in meeting the requirements to strengthen the generalisation of findings on the lived experience of people living with dementia and their engagement to co-create designs to empower their everyday living. Methods : Polit and Beck (2010)’s strategies to generalise qualitative findings were applied: (1) replication in sampling; (2) replication of studies; (3) meta-synthesis of findings; (4) reflexivity and conceptualization; (5) immersion with the data; and (6) thick description. Results : While it is possible to increase the generabilisabilty of qualitative evidence through the replication of the sampling to attain a large, heterogeneous sample in different and multiple contexts and environments; implementation of sound and robust research; conducting in-depth analysis and interpretation collaboratively for emergent themes; and meeting the thick description requirement, there are challenges that the project team faced in implementing some of the Polit and Beck’s strategies because of the condition, namely dementia, that our participants are having. Other challenges faced were: the language and cultural diversity in the team; diverse work and organisational procedures; and the inter-disciplinary differences relating to the methods of enquiry, approaches and techniques to conduct research. These challenges will need to be identified and addressed at the start of the project with a strong leadership to ensure a seamless journey to complete the project successfully. Trust between the researchers and participants, and time to build this trust are critical to recruitment and participation in the study; these factors are of utmost important in research involving participants with condition such as dementia.
How to reconnect different small worlds: Deconstructing the past that divides, pursuing a future that unites

Violence associated with religion is prevalent globally. Informed by the concept of small world, in which people learn about beliefs and values to judge what information is relevant to them, this study investigates how information sharing helps a religiously polarized society depolarize after a series of violence. Based on 54 interviews and participant observations in Ambon, Indonesia, this study found that, after the violence ended, deconstructing fear of the other religious community conditioned the Ambonese to rethink the relevance of living in the small world. As one community managed to meaningfully interact with the other, opportunities for exchanging views and rebuilding relationships emerged. Re-establishing common values enabled the disparate communities to unite as a society for the sake of their collective future. These findings broadly offer insights as to how to reconcile differences in competing small worlds, especially where religion is an imminent threat to social cohesion.