Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Landscape Filters and Species Traits: Towards Mechanistic Understanding and Prediction in Stream Ecology

A heuristic framework for understanding and predicting the distribution and categorical abundance of species in stream communities is presented. The framework requires that species be described in terms of their functional relationships to habitat selective forces or their surrogates, which constitute "filters" occurring at hierarchical landscape scales (ranging from microhabitats to watersheds or basins). Large-scale filters are viewed as causative or mechanistic agents that constrain expression of local selective forces or biotic potential at lower scales. To join a local community, species in a regional pool must possess appropriate functional attributes (species traits) to "pass" through the nested filters. Biotic interactions are also a potential filter on local community composition, and they are invoked at the lower hierarchical levels, after species have passed through the physicochemical habitat filters. Potential landscape filters and their associated selective properties are identified, as are prospective species traits (for invertebrates and fish) that correspond with filters. A categorical niche model is used to illustrate how relative abundances of species in local communities might be predicted from habitat data collected at different scales. The framework emphasizes a biologically based approach to understanding and predicting species distribution and abundance and local community composition by explicitly considering environmental constraints imposed at different scales. As such, it can complement non-mechanistic, correlative approaches to community prediction that often lack generality. Operationalizing the framework will require additional research to specify more clearly 1) the degree to which habitat features at different scales are linked functionally or statistically, 2) what species traits are possessed by strongly interactive species (e.g., keystones) and which habitat filters most strongly constrain the distribution of these species, and 3) the functional significance of a range of species traits and the extent to which these traits are correlated and hence respond in concert to the presence, or modification, of a particular filter. Multi-scale, mechanistic understanding of species-environment relations will likely contribute to better predictions about large scale problems, such as the establishment and spread of exotic species or alterations in community composition with changing land use or climate.
Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus in Scotland - demography of a declining population

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus numbers declined in Scottish forests between 1992 and 1997, although the rate (mean 16% per year, 95% CL 1-30%) differed among forests. Hens declined more quickly than cocks despite the sex ratio in chicks favouring females. A probable explanation is that adult cocks lived longer. Juvenile survival was less than adult survival, largely because juveniles were more likely to die from hitting fences. Although poor reproduction was probably the main cause of the decline, this might not have occurred had fence strikes been substantially fewer.
Effect of an Enzyme Preparation Containing Pentosanases on the Bread-making Quality of Flours in Relation to Changes in Pentosan Properties

Abstract The effects of a crude pentosanase-containing enzyme preparation were studied on 12 samples of flour varying in quality for French bread making. At the optimal level of addition, the enzyme improved the dough properties, leading to a greater uniformity in quality characteristics and a higher level of quality for all samples. When an excessive amount of enzyme was added, the dough characteristics deteriorated. Changes in the properties of the flour pentosans were studied in the break-making process (kneading, shaping, end of fermentation, baking) using one of the flours, in the absence and presence of pentosanase-containing enzyme preparation at an optimal and excessive levels of addition. Part of the water-unextractable arabinoxylan became extractable during processing of the control sample, but solubilisation occurred to a greater degree with added enzyme. The specific viscosities of water extracts of doughs increased because of the arabinoxylan released from the WUP. Although more arabinoxylan was solubilised at the excessive level of addition, the apparent intrinsic viscosity of dough water-extractable arabinoxylan was greater at the optimum level of addition. These results were essentially confirmed with all the flour samples tested. The effectiveness of the enzyme preparation therefore appeared to be related to the amount and size of the extractable arabinoxylans.
Hypertension, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, and Heart Failure

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. [1] Both concentric and eccentric LVH independently increase risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD),[2] coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias,[3] as well as heart failure. [4] Recent evidence shows up to 30% increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertensive target organ damage (TOD). [5] Hypertensioninduced TOD encompasses both microvascular injury, namely, nephropathy or retinopathy, and macrovascular injury, namely, coronary or peripheral artery disease causing myocardial infarction or stroke. LVH is another manifestation of TOD from uncontrolled blood pressure and will remain the focus of this article. Arterial hypertension leads to organ damage on much of the body, with LVH a well-known complication. In fact, LVH is the cardinal manifestation to increased hemodynamic afterload in hypertension. [6] Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) occurs in response to chronic hemodynamic overload from hypertension. Recently, published data from over 6000 Framingham study patients showed that a one standard deviation increase in mean arterial pressure and central pulse pressure was associated with 37%–45% increased incidence of LVH. [5] Cuspidi et al. showed that up to 41% of hypertensive patients and 77% with hypertension and a prior history of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease exhibit echocardiographic evidence of LVH. [7] Insulin resistance is in itself a mediator of LVH, with up to 70% of type two diabetics exhibiting increased LV mass. [8,9] Increased aortic pulsatile load ultimately leads to increased LV wall stress and LVH. [10] Indeed, the maladaptive mechanisms involved in the developed of LVH are the first step toward overt cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure (CHF), ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and stroke. [2,11] LVH increases myocardial oxygen consumption while reducing coronary blood flow – predisposing the patient to angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Untreated hypertension along with LVH leads to impaired diastolic filling due to LV stiffness. [10] Hypertension precedes the diagnosis of heart failure in up to 91% of patients with newly diagnosed CHF and remains the most important cause of diastolic heart failure. [12,13] It has been shown that long-standing and untreated hypertension leads to heart failure. Pressure overload caused Abstract
Burnout among clinical pharmacists: Causes, interventions, and a call to action

Tracy M. Hagemann Pharm.D. , FCCP | Brent N. Reed Pharm.D. , FCCP | Bridget A. Bradley Pharm.D. | Jennifer N. Clements Pharm.D. , FCCP | Lawrence J. Cohen Pharm.D. , FCCP | Scott A. Coon Pharm.D. | Catherine G. Derington Pharm.D. , M.S. | Sandra L. DiScala Pharm.D. | Shareen El-Ibiary Pharm.D. | Kelly C. Lee Pharm.D. , MAS, FCCP | Alisyn May Pharm.D. | Song Oh Pharm.D. | Jennifer A. Phillips Pharm.D. , FCCP | Kimberly M. Rogers Pharm.D.
Effects of Salinity on Growth and Toxin Production of a Noxious Phytoflagellate, Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)

Abstract Growth and toxin production of a noxious phytoflagellate Heterosigma akashiwo (Kagoshima strain) were investigated at a salinity range from 20–40‰. The maximum growth (0.68 ± 0.03 divisions day−1) was obtained at 25‰, while the lowest growth (0.48 ± 0.02 divisions day−1) was attained at 40‰. The lower salinity was found suitable for maintaining a better morphological condition and motility of the cells. The Kagoshima strain became more toxic at 20‰, and the toxicity decreased with increased salinity. A negative correlation between salinity increase and toxin production was found on HPLC analysis of H. akashiwo toxins (HaTx-I, II, III and IV). Toxin HaTx-IV (corresponding to oxidized PbTx-2) was most dominant and peaked at 20‰ with a yield of 0.3 pg cell−1. Considerable amounts of HaTx-I and III (corresponding to PbTx-2 and 3) were also detected. However, HaTx-II (corresponding to PbTx-9) was detected only as a trace at 20 and 25‰. A sharp decrease in all toxins was found at salinities above 30‰. The increase of specific growth rate raised the toxin content per cell of the strain.
The fish ladder at the itaipu binational hydroelectric complex on the paraná river, Brazil

A study was carried out from 23 October to 19 November 1992 to determine the ability of fish to ascend the fish ladder at the ITAIPU dam, to identify the species attracted and to evaluate possible fish selection. The results show that some species of fish can ascend the ladder during the migratory period; the dam is non-selective with respect to species, but selective with respect to fish size as a result of the presence of reduced openings. The ladder was ascended by both scaly species from surface waters (agile movers) and by deep water species which were characterized by slow movements. An average of 2892 fish ascended the ladder each day. The weight and length of fish recorded ranged from 336.0 to 3676.0 g and from 30.2 to 71.3 cm, respectively. The largest group of migrating fish was the curimba (Prochilodus scrofa). The high ratio of 72% of fish in the gonadal development stage, classified as ‘maturing’, indicates that the species caught in the ladder were migrating for reproduction purposes.
Polyphenol oxidase from sweet potato: Purification and properties

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1) extracted from sweet potato root [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ] was purified 189-fold by precipitation with ammonium sulfate and elution fromcolumns of Sephadex G-26, DEAE-cellulose, and Sephadex G-100. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified preparation revealed that PPO was highly purified by the procedure adopted. The purified enzyme had an estimated molecular weight of 96 000 and K m values of 26, 8, 5, and 96 mM for 4-methylcatechol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and catechol, respectively
Botulinum Toxin Type A and Its Possible Mechanisms on Wound Healing

Botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A), a subtype from known seven types of botulinum neurotoxin (serotype A-G), is produced by a gram-positive bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is now widely and efficiently used in treating a plethora of diverse symptoms and conditions. Recent evidence in the literature also shows that BTX-A exhibits a wide range of effects on non-neuronal cells. Its potential has markedly expanded to clinical applications other than the treatment of neurological and muscular conditions that are characterized by neuronal hyperactivity. A number of studies have shown BTX-A to improve the quality of scar outcome and prevent the formation of keloids and HTS. Although the mechanism of action of BTX-A on wound healing is still not clearly understood, lately there has been extensive research to grasp the underlying mechanisms of this multifunctional toxin. BTX-A seems to affect wound healing by a number of mechanisms that include action on tensile forces, inhibition of fibroblasts differentiation, downregulation of TGF-β1 and collagen expression. This review will explore the responses of Botulinum toxin type-A on wound healing and preventing pathological scars like HTS and keloids, and comprehend the overall effect BTX-A has on wound healing.
Field trials of line transect methods applied to estimation of desert tortoise abundance

We examine the degree to which field observers can meet the assumptions underlying line transect sampling to monitor populations of desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). We present the results of 2 field trials using artificial tortoise models in 3 size classes. The trials were conducted on 2 occasions on an area south of Las Vegas, Nevada, where the density of the test population was known. In the first trials, conducted largely by experienced biologists who had been involved in tortoise surveys for many years, the density of adult tortoise models was well estimated (-3.9% bias), while the bias was higher (-20%) for subadult tortoise models. The bias for combined data was -12.0%. The bias was largely attributed to the failure to detect all tortoise models on or near the transect centerline. The second trials were conducted with a group of largely inexperienced student volunteers and used somewhat different searching methods, and the results were similar to the first trials. Estimated combined density of subadult and adult tortoise models had a negative bias (-7.3%), again attributable to failure to detect some models on or near the centerline. Experience in desert tortoise biology, either comparing the first and second trials or in the second trial with 2 experienced biologists versus 16 novices, did not have an apparent effect on the quality of the data or the accuracy of the estimates. Observer training, specific to line transect sampling, and field testing are important components of a reliable survey. Line transect sampling represents a viable method for large-scale monitoring of populations of desert tortoise; however, field protocol must be improved to assure the key assumptions are met.
Mental Health Promotion in Schools: A Comprehensive Theoretical Framework.

Recent decades have seen a rise in mental health problems among children and adolescents. Despite a proliferation of studies describing effective school-based mental health programs, reviews of current research in this field suggest a strong lack of consensus concerning the definition of school mental health and its constructs. In the present paper, we set out to fill this gap via a two-step process: first, we offer a critical overview of recent research around the concept of school mental health; second, we propose a comprehensive theoretical framework for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers involved in mental health promotion and school prevention programs. The proposed framework comprises three key domains: the first two, cover the promotion of social and emotional learning and resilience, while the third concerns the prevention of behavioural problems.
Non-specific reactive hepatitis in dolphins stranded in the Canary Islands

This paper describes the features of non-specific reactive hepatitis (NSRH) in dolphins stranded on the coast of the Canary Islands (Spain). The histological appearance of NSRH was marked by the proliferation of Kupffer cells and the presence of granulocytes, plus lymphocytes and plasma cells scattered throughout the liver parenchyma and in the portal or perivenular stroma, without or with minimal evidence of hepatocyte necrosis. NSRH was composed of inflammatory infiltration of CD3+ T-lymphocytes and IgG+ plasma cells in the portal spaces and hepatic sinusoids. The anti-S100 protein polyclonal antibody reacted with a variable number of lymphocytes from the portal areas and hepatic sinusoids and with Kupffer cells and the epithelial cells of the bile ducts.
Predicting bathymetric features of lakes from the topography of their surrounding landscape

Estimating the distribution of water across the landscape is critical to understanding how local aquatic biogeochemical processes may upscale to regional or continental scales. Whereas technology to estimate the areal extent of inland waters has improved dramatically, predictions of lake bathymetry still rely primarily on correlations with lake area that lack a mechanistic underpinning. Using topographically diverse regions of Quebec (Canada), we developed a model for predicting lake volume and depth that relies on geographic data that are widely available, which can be easily adapted to other regions. We found that the average change in relief between the surrounding terrestrial landscape and the lake surface to be the best predictor of bathymetric properties (lake volume, lake depth). Unlike previous models, our method provides a clear mechanistic link between relief outside and within the perimeter of a lake that is supported by basic geographic principles. This model will be useful in estimating the v.
Some edible insects of Kwara State, Nigeria.

The use of seven species of edible insects that are generally acceptable within the four dominant tribes in Kwara State, Nigeria, is described. The caterpillar Cirina forda Westwood is perhaps the most important and most widely marketed edible insect in Kwara State. Other widely appreciated insects are the termites Macrotennes natalensis Haviland and weevil Rhynchophorus phoenicis F. , but, through education, edible insects could make a greater contribution in alleviating the problem of protein deficiency that exists in Kwara State.
Survival in the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)

Abstract Knowledge of demographic parameters, including survival, are fundamental to understanding the population dynamics of any taxon. Here we report on a long-term capture-mark-recapture study of the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), one of the world's most threatened parrots, using capture histories of 848 known-age wild birds. Parameter estimates of survival and probability of recapture were derived using the program MARK 4.1. Mean annual survival of juveniles and adults was estimated at 0.56 (s.e. 0.07) and 0.65 (s.e. 0.14) respectively. There was no evidence for an effect of sex on survival. Survival of three age-classes was estimated at 0.53 (s.e. 0.08) for juveniles, 0.64 (s.e. 0.11) for first-year birds and 0.59 (s.e. 0.09) for adults (2 years and older), indicating that maximum survival occurs in the second year of life, and declines thereafter. Although survival for both adults and juveniles varied considerably across years, there was no evidence of a decline in survival over the 20 years of the study. However, there has been an annual decline in the numbers of adult birds observed each year at the breeding grounds of 12% between 2000 and 2008, current survival rates do not appear to be a factor inhibiting population growth. The observed decline is more likely to result from a decline in female participation in breeding resulting in a decrease in the recruitment of juveniles to the population.
Reality of Improving Performance of Business Incubators

: This study aimed to identify the reality of improving the performance of business incubators in Gaza Strip, and the study relied on the descriptive analytical approach, and the study population consisted of all employees working in business incubators in Gaza Strip in addition to experts and consultants in the incubators, where the total number (62) individuals, The researchers used the questionnaire as a main tool to collect data through the comprehensive survey method, where (55) questionnaires were retrieved with a recovery rate (88.7%). The results of the study showed that there is a high level of improving the performance of incubators in Gaza Strip with an average weight of (80.12%). The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the averages of the respondents ’answers about improving the performance of business incubators in Gaza Strip due to the following personal data (gender, age , Educational qualification), and the presence of differences attributable to the following data (nature of work in the incubator, years of work experience). The study came out with several recommendations, the most important of which is the need for incubators to evaluate their performance periodically, and the necessity of holding training courses for workers in incubators to familiarize them with ways to improve performance and its tools such as a balanced performance card and how to apply them, and that a more effective mechanism be designed to follow up with companies after the end of the incubation period and monitor The progress of these companies. questionnaire as a data collection tool. The results of the study showed a strong and statistically significant relationship between strategic leadership practices (strategic orientation, investment of strategic capabilities and talents, development of human capital, strengthening organizational culture, emphasis on ethical practices, implementation of balanced regulatory control) and improvement of quality of educational service , Responsiveness, safety, empathy) in Palestinian universities. The study recommended that Palestinian universities should take into account the various dimensions of strategic leadership practices and develop their university capacities, including strategic orientation, investment of strategic capabilities and talents, development of human capital, strengthening organizational culture, emphasis on ethical practices and implementation of balanced regulatory control. Educational service
Patient Attributes Associated With Better Long-Term Outcomes on Palliative Milrinone

Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase three inhibitor used as an inotrope in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Its action is independent of β-receptor stimulation, which makes it preferable in patients who are on β blockers as part of a guideline-directed neurohormonal blockade. There have been numerous studies evaluating the risks, benefits, and mortality associated with milrinone in the management of chronic heart failure patients. Time and again, there has been concern regarding the undesirable outcomes associated with it, including higher mortality and cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, it has been difficult to determine whether milrinone or disease progression is responsible for adverse outcomes and mortality. In light of such discrepancy, the selection of patients for milrinone remains challenging. We hypothesized that there are underlying patient characteristics that influence the response to milrinone and may predict milrinone's adverse outcomes in spite of milrinone. A retrospective study review of 10 patients on palliative milrinone was conducted to identify these factors with a mean follow-up of 36 months. During the study period, four of 10 patients died. These four patients were on milrinone for a mean of 11.5 months. The attributes of the survivors compared to the deceased included lower age at start of therapy (67.5 vs 79 y), female gender (66% vs 33%), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (33% vs 50%), associated diagnosis of atrial fibrillation/flutter(50% vs 25%), hyperlipidemia (66% vs 50%), or anemia (83% vs 75%), presence of chronic resynchronization therapy (CRT) (66% vs 25%), and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (16% vs 0%), as well as lower sodium (136 vs 140 mEq), chloride (101.5 vs 104.5 mEq), potassium (4.07 vs 4.23 mEq), and creatinine (1.3 vs 1.8 mg/dL) Conversely, the deceased patients were more likely to have coronary artery disease (75% vs 33%), diabetes mellitus (50% vs 16%), hypertension (100% vs 83%), chronic kidney disease (75% vs 66%), peripheral vascular disease (25% vs zero), higher pulmonary artery pressures (54 vs 50.5%), and history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (50% vs 16%). These trends exhibit patient characteristics that may predict better outcomes on long-term milrinone although larger studies are needed to assess the statistical significance of these findings.