Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Idiosyncrasy in Assessment Comments: Do Faculty Have Distinct Writing Styles When Completing In-Training Evaluation Reports?

PURPOSE Written comments are gaining traction as robust sources of assessment data. Compared to the structure of numeric scales, what faculty choose to write is ad hoc, leading to idiosyncratic differences in what is recorded. This study offers exploration of what aspects of writing styles are determined by the faculty offering comment and what aspects are determined by the trainee being commented upon. METHOD The authors compiled in-training evaluation report comment data, generated from 2012-2015 by four large North American Internal Medicine training programs. The Linguistic Index and Word Count (LIWC) was used to categorize and quantify the language contained. Generalizability Theory was used to determine whether faculty could be reliably discriminated from one another based on writing style. Correlations and ANOVAs were used to determine what styles were related to faculty or trainee demographics. RESULTS Datasets contained 23-142 faculty who provided 549-2,666 assessments on 161-989 trainees. Faculty could easily be discriminated from one another using a variety of LIWC metrics including word count, words per sentence, and the use of "clout" words. These patterns appeared person-specific and did not reflect demographic factors such as gender or rank. These metrics were similarly not consistently associated with trainee factors such as postgraduate year or gender. CONCLUSIONS Faculty seem to have detectable writing styles that are relatively stable across the trainees they assess, which may represent an under-recognized source of construct irrelevance. If written comments are to meaningfully contribute to decision-making, we need to understand and account for idiosyncratic writing styles.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY AND WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE SEMI-ARID AREAS OF EASTERN KENYA

In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), low adoption of integrated soil fertility and water management (ISFWM) technologies has contributed to food and nutrition insecurity. A study was conducted to assess factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption decision of ISFWM technologies in Mwala and Yatta Sub-Counties. A questionnaire was administered to 248 respondents in the study region. Selection of household heads was done in ‘Farmer-led adoption approach’ sites otherwise known as Primary and Secondary Participatory Technology Evaluations (PPATEs and SPPATEs) and Non-PPATEs/SPATEs sites in both Sub-Counties. Relationships between different variables were determined by the Tobit model. The results revealed that group membership (P<0.016), inaccessible credit services (P<0.017), gender (P<0.025), age and access to agricultural extension services (P<0.027) influenced adoption of ISFWM technology significantly. Cost of inputs and access to radio information (P<0.01), access to appropriate farm machines (p<0.001), cost of labor and farmers’ perception on seasons’ reliability (P<0.004) and out-put markets (P<0.006) were reported to affect adoption of ISFWM practices highly significantly. Descriptive statistic results indicated that majority of the respondents (93.9%) in the project areas were adopting a combination of tied ridges, organic fertilizer and improved seed compared to only 6.1% in the non-project area. There was also significantly (P<0.01) higher adoption (76.5%) of a combination of tied ridges, both fertilizer and improved seed in the project area in contrast to merely 23.5% in non-project area, as well as those adopting (80%) a combination of zai pit, both fertilizer and improved seed compared to only 20% in non-project area. Policy makers should focus on availability of affordable credit facilities and farm machines, ease access to information, labor and input-output markets for enhanced farm productivity and livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in ASALs.
Activity patterns and spatial co-occurrence of sympatric mammals in the moist temperate forest of the Kashmir Himalaya, India

Abstract. Little is known about the activity pattern and co-occurrence of mammalian species coexisting sympatrically in the rugged terrains of the Himalaya. By using camera traps we quantified diel activity patterns and temporal overlap as well as probabilistic model of spatial species co-occurrence amongst eight species. The jungle cat and the Indian porcupine tended to be strictly nocturnal whereas the leopard cat and the red fox were primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, yellow-throated marten was diurnal. The Asiatic black bear, leopard and the hangul showed no clear pattern. We found highest temporal overlap (Δ1 = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.54-0.86) between leopard and Asiatic black bear followed by pairs between red fox and leopard cat (Δ1 = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.72-0.91) and jungle cat (Δ1 = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.60-0.91). The lowest temporal overlap was found between yellow-throated marten and Indian porcupine (Δ = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.08-0.20). The results from probabilistic pairwise species co-occurrence analysis suggest that out of 28 possible species pairs 25 had random associations and one pair was unclassifiable. The remaining two species pairs had positive associations of co-occurrences between leopard cat and hangul (Pgt < 0.05) and Indian porcupine and hangul (Pgt < 0.05). Our results provided new insights into this unique community of mammals of the western Himalaya and will facilitate future studies on the mechanism determining coexistence of animal species within complex system.
Predatory Insects and Spiders From Suburban Lawns in Lexington, Kentucky

Predatory arthropods were caught in pitfall traps in suburban lawns in Lexington, Kentucky. The relative abundance of species of Lycosidae, Carabidae, and Staphylinidae was compared in Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue turf. Nine species of Lycosidae were collected from both the bluegrass and tall fescue lawns. More species or phena of Carabidae were collected from bluegrass than from tall fescue turf. More than 40 species or phena of staphylinids were collected from each grass habitat. Both Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are inhabited by an abundant and diverse array of predatory arthropods. Predatory arthropods, particularly carabids, staphylinids and spiders occurring in turf have been mentioned by several authors (e.g. Bohart 1947, Johnson and Cameron 1969, Klein 1982, Mailloux and Streu 1981, Reinert 1978, Streu and Cruz 1972) but no comprehensive lists have been published for any locality in North America. In the course of other studies on predatory arthropod communities in turfgrass (Cockfield and Potter 1983, Cockfield 1983), we compiled a list of predatory insects and spiders captured in suburban lawns in Lexington, Kentucky.
Habitat characteristics of wintering Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix in the Centre Region of Cameroon: conservation implications

Populations of many Afro-Palearctic birds have declined, with those wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, particularly affected. In this study we investigated the relationship between habitat characteristics and Wood Warbler presence/absence in the Centre Region of Cameroon. A total of six transects were established in three habitat types (forest, forest–savanna transitional zone and savanna). Call playback surveys were conducted monthly from November 2015 to April 2016 to determine Wood Warbler presence/absence. Detailed habitat measurements were also recorded in each transect. A total of 86 responses were recorded: 33 (mean 6.6 ± 2.3) in forest habitat, 47 (mean 9.4 ± 3.36) in the forest–savanna transitional zone, and 6 (mean 2 ± 1.1) in savanna habitat. Wood Warbler presence increased significantly with the number of trees between 3 and 7 m in height, and decreased significantly with the number of shrubs between 0.5 and 3 m in height. Anthropogenic disturbance such as the agricultural cycle and burning were not found to have an effect on Wood Warblers presence/absence. We conclude that Wood Warblers overwinter in all three habitat types with probability of detection greatest in the forest–savanna transitional habitat with a relatively low canopy and an open understorey. Forest clearance in sub-Saharan Africa potentially threatens wintering habitat for Wood Warblers.
Addressing LGBT+ issues in comprehensive sexuality education for learners with visual impairment: guidance from disability professionals

ABSTRACT Despite public outcry, South Africa has decided to roll out comprehensive sexuality education in schools. Currently, however, there are no scripted lesson plans for teachers of learners with visual impairment. Local literature suggests that the current sexuality education curriculum fails to engage with sexuality diversity and is imbued with notions of compulsory heterosexuality and able-bodiedness, perpetuating homophobia, transphobia and ableism in schools and broader communities. The paper sought guidance from disability professionals on how to best address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexualities’ (LGBT+) issues as part of comprehensive sexuality education for learners with visual impairment. Bourdieu’s work on doxa, orthodoxy and heterodoxy underpinned the study. Three professionals working with learners with visual impairment were interviewed in a focus group, and one school principal working in a school for learners with visual impairment was interviewed individually. Data were thematically analysed. Pre- and in-service teachers are encouraged not to see comprehensive sexuality education offered to learners with visual impairment as different from that provided to their sighted peers. Professionals urged teachers to accept LGBT+ learners with visual impairment in their dress, expression and embodiment. However, teachers need to be aware of learners’ cultural and religious differences. Current lesson plans need to be revisited to safeguard against compulsory heterosexuality and able-bodiedness.
The Role of Government in the Market for Electric Vehicles: Evidence from China

To promote the development and diffusion of electric vehicles, central and local governments in many countries have adopted various incentive programs. This study examines the policy and market drivers behind the rapid development of the electric vehicle market in China, by far the largest one in the world. The analysis is based on the most comprehensive data on electric vehicle sales, local and central government incentive programs, and charging stations in 150 cities from 2015 to 2018. The study addresses the potential endogeneity of key variables, such as local policies and charging infrastructure, using the border regression design and instrumental variable method. The analysis shows that central and local subsidies accounted for over half of the electric vehicles sold during the data period. Investment in charging infrastructure is much more cost-effective than consumer purchase subsidies. In addition, the policy that merely provided electric vehicles a distinctively license plate was strikingly effective. These findings demonstrate the varying efficacy across policy instruments and highlight the critical role of government in promoting fuel-saving technologies.
¿Rhinella achalensis en declinación? Observaciones sobre el estado actual de las poblaciones del Sapo de Achala.

Las Sierras Pampeanas Centrales (SPC) (Argentina) albergan unas 30 especies de anfibios entre las que se destacan cuatro endemismos asociados a los pastizales y bosques de altura de los sectores mas elevados del sistema. Uno de estos endemismos es el Sapo de Achala ( Rhinella achalensis ), el cual se encuentra categorizado como amenazado a nivel nacional y como casi amenazado a nivel internacional. De acuerdo con distintos trabajos previos realizados en el area, Rhinella achalensis mantuvo poblaciones estables hasta principios de siglo. En este trabajo se reportan datos de campo compilados durante nueve anos sobre la ocurrencia y el estado actual de las poblaciones de Rhinella achalensis en las SPC de Cordoba. Entre 2007 y 2016 se realizaron relevamientos en 40 arroyos del area para registrar la ocurrencia y abundancia del Sapo de Achala. Los sitios de muestreo se correspondieron con el 67 % de las localidades historicas mencionadas en la bibliografia como sitios con ocurrencia de la especie. Tras las nueve temporadas de muestreo, solo se constato la presencia de R. achalensis en el 17.5 % de los arroyos muestreados. Estos arroyos se correspondieron con tres de las ocho localidades historicas relevadas. En total fueron contabilizados 11 adultos durante todo el periodo de muestreo. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que en la actualidad Rhinella achalensis presenta poblaciones con muy baja abundancia y acotadas a pequenos sectores de unos pocos arroyos del area. El fuerte contraste entre estos hallazgos y los datos de ocurrencia y abundancia reportados en trabajos previos sugieren que la especie habria atravesado (o se encontraria atravesando) un proceso de declinacion poblacional marcado. Dadas las circunstancias y el estado actual de las poblaciones de R. achalensis se plantean algunas hipotesis sobre el potencial causal de esta aparente declinacion.
Elecciones presidenciales 2018 en México: la ciudadanía religiosa contra la “ideología de género”

This paper explains how, during the 2018 presidential elections in Mexico, in the context of evangelical politicization (predominantly Pentecostal and neo-Pentecostal) against “gender ideology”, the National Front for the Family, as a civil society actor, engaged in religious citizenship practices from the digital public sphere, for the purpose of governance. The analysis underlines the fact that the mobilization of beliefs from the digital public sphere to achieve the recognition of religious rights was articulated on the basis of three strategies: the construction and appropriation of an imaginary about “gender ideology”, the elaboration and defense of a discourse on “false rights” and the conditioning of political actors through the protest vote, as well as surveillance and symbolic
Impact of migration of Sri Lankan professionals to Qatar on skill acquisition and brain drain

ABSTRACT Since the boom in the economies of Gulf countries in the mid-1970s, the region has gradually become an appealing destination for professional migrants. In the Gulf, professionals gain skills and knowledge which could be beneficial for their home countries. However, the majority of studies on professional migrants have only focused on those who migrate to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. This study on Sri Lankan professional migrants to Qatar attempts to address this dearth in literature by assessing the skills and long-term plans of Sri Lankan professionals in Qatar. The study is based on primary data gathered via in-depth interviews and an online survey of 125 Sri Lankan professionals based in Qatar. Drawing on the concepts of brain drain and brain gain and using a mixed-method analysis, the study identifies that the enhancement of communication, technical, managerial and other skills and the exposure to cutting-edge technologies by Sri Lankan professionals in Qatar are valuable for Sri Lanka. The study also identifies that the majority of Sri Lankan professionals in Qatar have prolonged their stay in the country. Moreover, a significant number of these professionals intend to migrate to OECD countries permanently without returning to Sri Lanka, which prevents the country from benefiting from their skills.
Analysis of the correlation between anti-MDA5 antibody and the severity of COVID-19: a retrospective study

To identify the anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody (Ab) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its relationship with the severity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19.Retrospective cohort study.Three hospitals in China.274 adult inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 according to the Protocol for Prevention and Control of COVID-19 (Edition 7) of China and confirmed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) RNA testing, were included from three hospitals from Wuhan, Harbin and Beijing, China from 1 December 2019 to 19 April 2020. The Biobank of Myositis Registry Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, provided the plasma of five patients with anti-MDA5 Ab-related dermatomyositis as positive control group. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records. The anti-MDA5 Ab was determined by an ELISA assay and was verified by immunoblotting analysis.In hospital death of all cause.The positive rate of anti-MDA5 Ab in patients with COVID-19 was 48.2% (132/274) and the anti-MDA5 Ab positive patients tended to represent with severe disease (88.6% vs 66.9%, P<0.0001). The titer of anti-MDA5 Ab was significantly elevated in the non-survivals (5.95±5.16 vs 8.22±6.64, P=0.030) and the positive rate was also higher than that in the survivals (23.5% vs 12.0%, P=0.012). Regarding to severe COVID-19 patients, we found that high titer of anti-MDA5 Ab (≥10.0 U/mL) was more prevalent in the non-survivals (31.2% vs 14.0%, P=0.006). Moreover, early profiling of anti-MDA5 Ab could distinguish severe patients from those with non-severe ones.Anti-MDA5 Ab was prevalent in the COVID-19 patients and high titer of this antibody is correlated with severe disease and unfavorable outcomes. Early screening and serially monitoring of anti-MDA5 Ab titer have the potential to predict the disease progression of COVID-19.
Correlation of Climate Variability and Burned Area in Borneo using Clustering Methods

The island of Borneo has faced seasonal forest fires for decades. This phenomenon is worsening during dry seasons, especially when droughts are concurrent with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. Climate is therefore one of the drivers of the fire phenomenon. This paper studies the relationship between climate variables, namely temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind speed, and the occurrence of forest fire using two clustering methods, K-means and Fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering methods. Borneo is clustered into four areas based on burned area data obtained from Global Fire Emission Data (GFED). It is also clustered according to the combinations of climate variables. Both methods reach the highest correlation between the climate variable and the burned area clusters in September. The K-means method gives a correlation of -0.54 while the FCM gives -0.55. In August until October, relative humidity provides the dominant correlation affecting burned area, even though an additional precipitation or wind variable slightly increases the correlation in the FCM method. In November, temperature largely contributed to the burned area by a positive correlation of 0.31 in K-means and 0.33 in FCM. The evaluation performance of the methods is conducted by an internal validation called the Silhouette index. Both methods have positive index values ranging from 0.39 to 0.69 and the maximum value is influenced by the wind cluster. This indicates that the clustering methods applied in this paper can identify one or a combination of climate variables into dense and well-separated clusters.
The evolution of feeding within Euchelicerata: data from the fossil groups Eurypterida and Trigonotarbida illustrate possible evolutionary pathways

When the evolution of Euarthropoda is discussed, often the lineage of Chelicerata s. str. is assumed to be the more ‘primitive’ or ‘basal’ part of the tree, especially when compared to the other major lineage, Mandibulata. This claimed primitiveness is (at least partly) based on the assumption that different morphological structures are still in an ancestral state and did not evolve any further. One of these sets of structures is the feeding apparatus, which has been stated to be highly advanced in Mandibulata, but not ‘properly’ developed, or at least not to such a high degree, within Chelicerata s. str. In this study, I reinvestigate the feeding apparatus of different ingroups of Euchelicerata, with a focus on assumed ‘primitive’ groups such as Eurypterida and Trigonotarbida. The basis of this study is a large amount of material from different museum collections, with fossils with the entire feeding apparatuses being exceptionally well preserved. Based on high-resolution micro-photography and three-dimensional imaging, it is possible to resolve fine details of the feeding apparatuses. The results make clear that the feeding apparatuses of different ingroups of Euchelicerata are highly specialised and often possess morphological structures comparable to those of the feeding apparatuses of representatives of Mandibulata, apparently convergently evolved. Though the reconstruction of the evolution of the feeding apparatus within Euchelicerata is to a certain degree hampered by unclear phylogenetic relationships, there was clearly a shortening of the feeding apparatus from posterior (i.e. only the anterior appendages being involved in the feeding apparatus), probably linked to the colonisation of land in Arachnida. Subjects Evolutionary Studies, Paleontology, Zoology
Does Financial Integration Enhance Economic Growth in China?

China is a fascinating country in Asia, the second-largest economy in the world, with incredible economic growth and development in the last two decades. In addition, China has dramatically enjoyed a disciplined and successful financial integration with the region and the world in the same period. As such, it is interesting to examine a potential link between economic growth and financial integration in this most populous country. This paper was conducted to identify whether financial integration fosters Chinese economic growth. The Auto-Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model is selected, utilizing the most updated data on a globalization (or integration) index. Two distinct aspects of financial integration, the de facto (proxied for economic activities) and the de jure (proxied for the Government policies leading to integration), are considered in this paper. We apply an econometric technique, using yearly aggregated data, to examine a long-term co-integration and a causal relationship between financial integration and economic growth in China. Findings from this paper indicate a long-term co-integration between financial integration de facto and economic growth in China. The bidirectional causality between financial integration and economic growth in China is also confirmed using the Granger causality test.
Scaled group consensus in multi-agent networks with high-order continuous dynamics

We investigate scaled group consensus problems of high-order multi-agent systems with directed information exchanges. As one of multiple consensus, the scaled group consensus focuses on both cooperations and competitions among multi-agent sub-networks and cooperations among agents belonging to a sub-network. Two distributed protocols are designed to solve the scaled group consensus problems. The (generalised) Routh–Hurwitz stability criterion and matrix theory are utilised to establish necessary and sufficient conditions guaranteeing the agents reaching the scaled group consensus. Finally, several simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.