Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sub-Optimality of the Early Visual System Explained Through Biologically Plausible Plasticity

The early visual cortex is the site of crucial pre-processing for more complex, biologically relevant computations that drive our perception and, ultimately, behaviour. In literature, this pre-processing is often viewed as an optimisation which enables the most efficient (in terms of information, spikes, energy, etc.) representation of the visual input. However, measurements in monkey and cat suggest that receptive fields in the primary visual cortex are often noisy, blobby, and symmetrical, making them sub-optimal for operations such as edge-detection. Here, we propose that this suboptimality occurs because the receptive fields do not emerge through a global minimisation of the generative error, but through locally operating biological mechanisms such as spike-timing dependent plasticity. Furthermore, using an orientation discrimination paradigm we show that while sub-optimal, such models offer a much better description of biology, both at a physiological and a perceptual level.
Ten Years Risk Prediction of a Major Cardiovascular Event in a Rural Block in Tamil Nadu

Background: India has a high burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). High-risk interventions can be initiated only when individuals at high-risk have been identified. Objectives: The objective was to estimate the prevalence and the sociodemographic pattern of cardiovascular risk factors and to predict the 10 years risk of fatal and nonfatal major cardiovascular events in a rural population in Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 villages of a rural block in Tamil Nadu from March 2012 to February 2013 in the age group of 40-79 years attending our fixed mobile clinics using structured interview schedule and subsequently, the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk charts were used to predict the 10 years absolute risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular event. Results: A total of 482 individuals were studied of which 68.3% were women and 31.7% were men. Prevalence of overweight, diabetes, and systolic hypertension was found to be 60%, 22.8%, and 34.6%, respectively. A majority (79.9%) of the study population had 10 years cardiovascular risk of <10% while only 2.5% had a risk of more than 40%. As the age advances, the proportion of participants with high-risk also increased and this trend was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Less than 10% of the population had a high-risk of CVD based on WHO/ISH risk score. These charts help identify the high-risk groups in the population in resource-scarce setting and thus an appropriate action can be taken.
A framework for the integrated analysis of the magnitude, selectivity, and biotic effects of extinction and origination

Abstract. The taxonomic and ecologic composition of Earth's biota has shifted dramatically through geologic time, with some clades going extinct while others diversified. Here, we derive a metric that quantifies the change in biotic composition due to extinction or origination and show that it equals the product of extinction/origination magnitude and selectivity (variation in magnitude among groups). We also define metrics that describe the extent to which a recovery (1) reinforced or reversed the effects of extinction on biotic composition and (2) changed composition in ways uncorrelated with the extinction. To demonstrate the approach, we analyzed an updated compilation of stratigraphic ranges of marine animal genera. We show that mass extinctions were not more selective than background intervals at the phylum level; rather, they tended to drive greater taxonomic change due to their higher magnitudes. Mass extinctions did not represent a separate class of events with respect to either strength of selectivity or effect. Similar observations apply to origination during recoveries from mass extinctions, and on average, extinction and origination were similarly selective and drove similar amounts of biotic change. Elevated origination during recoveries drove bursts of compositional change that varied considerably in effect. In some cases, origination partially reversed the effects of extinction, returning the biota toward the pre-extinction composition; in others, it reinforced the effects of the extinction, magnifying biotic change. Recoveries were as important as extinction events in shaping the marine biota, and their selectivity deserves systematic study alongside that of extinction.
Tissue culture and high frequency propagation of Aloe barbadensis Mill

The leaves, stems of Aloe barbadensis Mill were used as the explants in vitro. The results indicated that the stems could induce callus and produce lots shoots directly. Through experiments, we established a method for high frequency propagation of Aloe barbadensis Mill. The results suggested that the appropriate media for different culture stages were: (1) differentiation and subculture of rosette buds: MS+BA 2.0 mg·L~(-1)+2, 4-D 0.1 mg·L~(-1); (2)Rooting: MS+IBA 1.0 mg·L~(-1). We also found that the shoots could be directly rooted in sawdust with more than 90% survival.
Physical activity and risk of lung cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background Evidence from observational studies of physical activity has been inconclusive regarding its association with lung cancer risk. We investigated the causal relevance of physical activity for lung cancer using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods Summary data of genome-wide association studies on physical activity and lung cancer were identified using PubMed and the GWAS catalog. Twenty six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) known at P < 5×10−8 to be associated with self-reported or accelerometer-assessed physical activity served as instrumental variables. Results Self-reported physical activity was associated with lower risk of overall lung cancer (inverse variance weighted odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation (SD) increase in: 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.73, P=5.61×10−4, false discovery rate (FDR) = 1.12×10−3), squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and lung cancer in ever-smokers. Accelerometer-assessed physical activity was associated with lower risk of overall lung cancer (OR per 1-SD: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97, P=2.96×10−4, FDR = 1.68×10−3), adenocarcinoma, lung cancer in never-smokers, and lung cancer in ever-smokers. Conclusions The results support a potentially causal protective relationship between physical activity and risk of lung cancer and foster the hypothesis that enhancing physical activity may be an effective prevention strategy for lung cancer.
Distribution and hybridisation of barred and common grass snakes (Natrix helvetica, N. natrix) in Baden-Württemberg, South-western Germany

The distribution and hybridisation zone of the two grass snake species occurring in the German state of Baden-Württemberg are described, based on genetic data from maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA, up to 1983 bp) and biparentally inherited microsatellite DNA (13 loci). In agreement with previously published morphological evidence, the barred grass snake (Natrix helvetica) occurs in the Upper Rhine Valley and the Black Forest, while the common grass snake (N. natrix, ‘yellow lineage’) is distributed across the remaining, more eastern parts of Baden-Württemberg. Cline analyses across two transects running through the region of Karlsruhe and the Black Forest indicate that the hybrid zone is similarly narrow here as in the previously characterised stretch near Lake Constance. With respect to nuclear DNA, the Black Forest constitutes no impediment to gene flow in comparison with lowland regions (Karlsruhe, Lake Constance). However, on the eastern slope of the Black Forest, the abrupt replacement of mtDNA of N. helvetica by that of N. natrix indicates male-mediated gene flow and that the Black Forest represents a dispersal barrier for female grass snakes.
Who will look after the kids? The practicalities faced by a group of mothers participating in pre-service teacher education in New Zealand

The participation of mature-aged students in tertiary education is increasing and is particularly evident in primary school teacher training in New Zealand. A group of mothers with dependent children, enrolled in pre-service teacher education at the Christchurch College of Education, ( hereafter named “the College”) took part in this qualitative study to share the practical implications they perceived as impacting on them and their families. Their participation in such lifelong learning identified issues such as dealing with their children’s feelings, childcare considerations, clarifying the importance of their support networks, coping with their increasing financial constraints and having a significant lack of time. They also made suggestions on how the College could better meet their specific needs, in the hope that it would make their lives easier and encourage the widening participation of other mothers to become primary school teachers.
Interindividual spacing affects the finder’s share in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua)

Social foraging models are often used to explain how group size can affect an individual’s food intake rate and foraging strategies. The proportion of food eaten before the arrival of conspecifics, the finder’s share, is hypothesized to play a major role in shaping group geometry, foraging strategy, and feeding competition. The variables that affect the finder’s share in ring-tailed coatis were tested using a series of food trials. The number of grapes in the food trials had a strong negative effect on the finder’s share and the probability that the finder was joined. The effect of group size on the finder’s share and foraging success was not straightforward and was mediated by sociospatial factors. The finder’s share increased when the time to arrival of the next individual was longer, the group was more spread out, and the finder was in the back of the group. Similarly, the total amount of food eaten at a trial was higher when more grapes were placed, arrival time was longer, and the number of joiners was smaller. Individuals at the front edge of the group found far more food trials, but foraging success was higher at the back of the group where there were fewer conspecifics to join them. This study highlights the importance of social spacing strategies and group geometry on animal foraging tactics and the costs and benefits of sociality.
Response of different Digitaria insularis populations to glyphosate

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical control of different sourgrass (Digitaria insularis) populations by the herbicide glyphosate through dose-response curves, besides considering alternative treatments to control tolerant populations. A randomized block design was used with four replications, in a factorial scheme (5 x 9). Sourgrass seeds were colleted from five locations: a grain production area located at the educational, research and production farm of UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP; a grain production area located in the agricultural area of Campo Florido, MG, and Rio Verde, GO; citrus production area located in the agricultural area of Matao, SP, and an area without previous glyphosate application (Jaboticabal-SP). Glyphosate (0D, 1/4D, 1/2D, D, 2D, 4D and 8D, where D is the recommended rate of 1.5 kg ha-1 of acid equivalent) and its associations [glyphosate plus fluazifop-p-butyl (1.5 plus 0.25 kg ha-1) and glyphosate (1.5 kg ha-1) in sequence with diuron plus paraquat (0.20 plus 0.40 kg ha-1 plus 0.2% of surfactant)] were sprayed on the 7-8 tiller plants with average height of 20 cm. Campo Florido, MG and Rio Verde, GO sourgrass populations were considered susceptible; those of Jaboticabal-SP and Matao,SP were found to be tolerant and those from the nonagricultural area were considered of intermediate sensitivity. The association of glyphosate with fluazifop, or its application in sequence with diuron plus paraquat, were efficient in the control of sourgrass tolerant populations.
Smoking behaviour, risk perception and attitude to anti-smoking legislation among students at the University of the Western Cape

i DECLARATION ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii LIST OF FIGURES iv LIST OF TABLES v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION p. 1 1.1 Rationale p. 5 1.2 Research Question p. 6 1.3 Aims of the Study p. 6 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW p. 7 2.1 Anti-Smoking Legislation p. 7 2.1.1 Different aspects of Anti-Smoking Legislation p. 8 3 2.1.2 Anti-Smoking Campaigns and Future Directions p. 12 2.1.3 Attitudes towards Anti-Smoking Legislation p. 14 2.2 Risk Perception p. 15 2.3 Theoretical Framework p. 20 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY p. 24 3.1 Research Design p. 24 3.2 Sample p. 24 3.3 Sampling Procedure p. 27 3.4 Data Collection Tool p. 28 3.5 Data Analysis p. 30 4 3.6 Ethical Considerations p. 30 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS p. 32 4.1 Smoking Behaviour p. 32 4.2 Risk Perception p. 36 4.3 Anti-Smoking Legislation p. 58 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION p. 83 5.1 Discussion p. 83 5.2 Conclusion p. 90 5.3 Limitations and Recommendations for future research p. 91 REFERENCES p. 92 APPENDIX A: Student information letter and consent form p. 105 APPENDIX B: Questionnaire p. 106
Indirect versus Direct Effects of Freshwater Browning on Larval Fish Foraging

Fish foraging and energy flow are both predicted to decline with freshwater ‘browning’ due to reductions in light availability. Studies investigating these predictions have focused on juveniles and adults; however, the larval stage represents a ‘critical period’ in fish development. We investigated the indirect versus direct effects of browning on zooplankton-larval fish interactions by altering water color with SuperHume (absorbance at 440 nm = 1.6 – 10.8 m−1). Phytoplankton and zooplankton densities were monitored across experimental tanks in the laboratory for one month leading up to fish spawning. Larval largemouth bass were then introduced to assess indirect effects on fish feeding rates and growth. Direct effects on foraging of largemouth bass and bluegill were determined with separate short-term feeding experiments. Browning did not directly alter the ability of larval fish to capture prey. However, significant indirect effects on larval fish foraging, growth, and survival were observed as phytoplankton and zooplankton decreased with increased browning. Our data suggest lake browning will reduce energy transfer to larval fish due to a reduction in prey availability but not visual foraging.
Effect of Dietary Electrolyte Balance on Water Intake, Litter Moisture and Production of Broiler chicks at Pre-Starter and Starter Phases

Underestimating the negative impacts of ammonia produced in litters of poultry birds raised under high temperature-humidity index is dangerous, as broiler chickens (BC) are sensitive to high ammonia concentrations which can result in blindness and overall decrease in productive performance. Hence, it is ideal to maintain litter moisture by optimizing the utilization of water by broiler chicks. The balance of acid-base in broilers could be enhanced by supplementing diets or water of BC under heat stress with electrolytes. However, electrolytes increase water intake and might affect litter quality. Therefore, effect of varying dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on water intake (WI), litter moisture (LM) and productive performance of BC were investigated at pre-starter and starter phases using a total of three hundred, 1-day-old Arbor Acre chicks that were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments [210 (T1), 240 (T2), 270 (T3), 300 (T4), 330 (T5) and 360 (T6)] mEq/Kg DEB, in a completely randomised design. Birds were reared at pre-starter phase (PSP) of 0 - 14 days and starter phase (SP) of 14 - 21 days, under the temperature-humidity index of 24.97 - 35.19. Water intake and litter moisture were monitored. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0. 05. Water intake was enhanced at PSP and SP in birds on 360 mEq/kg, but with increased litter moisture. However, a dietary electrolyte balance of 270 mEq/kg improved performances of broiler chicks at pre-starter and starter phases.
Detección de Helicobacter pylori en niños con los métodos de Gram, Giemsa y Warthing-Starry, inicialmente negativos con otras técnicas histológicas

OBJECTIVE To identify Helicobacter pylori by Gram, Giemsa and Warthing-Starry histological staining methods in biopsies of the digestive tract in children, when Helicobacter pylori identification was negative with hematoxilin and eosin. MATERIAL AND METHODS We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional and comparative study of 36 gastric biopsies received in the department of Anatomic-Pathology, in a period often months. All the biopsies were initially stained with routine Hematoxilin and Eosin. Of the 36 biopsies, 24 were negative to Helicobacter pylori. From paraffin blocks of these last biopsies three new histological sections were obtained to dye them with Gram, Giemsa and Warthing-Starry, and two medical pathologists performed the microscopic interpretation of these samples. RESULTS The search for Helicobacter pylori was carried out in 24 initially negative biopsies, one was positive for Gram (4.16%) and negative for Giemsa and Warthing-Starry and four were both positive for Giemsa and Warthing-Starry (16.66%) and both were also negative for Gram. Only one biopsy was positive for the three methods. The remaining samples were negative for the three stains. CONCLUSION The Giemsa and/or Warthing-Starry histologic techniques can be a more specific alternative for the determination of Helicobacter pylori in patients with negative digestive tract biopsies with the traditional method of hematoxilin and eosin.
Long‐term dynamics of shrub facilitation shape the mixing of evergreen and deciduous oaks in Mediterranean abandoned fields

Recovery of Mediterranean forests after field abandonment is a slow process, even without propagule limitations. This is mainly due to stressful conditions for seedling establishment. In this context, shrubs play a critical role in facilitating tree recruitment, but how this process unfolds after field abandonment is not entirely known. We evaluated the long‐term dynamics of facilitation by the nurse shrub Retama sphaerocarpa in the recruitment of two ecologically contrasting oaks, the evergreen Quercus ilex and the deciduous Quercus faginea. Thirty years after field abandonment, we dated shrubs and oaks established in an old field to estimate the annual recruitment rates and investigate temporal recruitment patterns. For oaks, we differentiated recruitment at two microsites: open areas or under shrub. To assess how nurse shrubs modulated environmental stressors, we modelled oak recruitment as a function of climatic variables. For the evergreen oak, we assessed these effects within each microsite. Finally, we estimated the annual interaction index between shrubs and evergreen oak juveniles as a function of climatic conditions. Each species showed different recruitment pulses during colonization. Recruitment rate was the highest for the shrub, followed by the evergreen oak. Oak colonization under shrubs was appreciable 20 years after field abandonment, when shrub cover reached 2.2%, and concentrated under medium and large shrubs older than 7 years. Shrubs not only accelerated evergreen oak colonization but also attenuated the fluctuations of recruitment pulses. For the evergreen oak, the interaction index indicated facilitation dominance in years with more arid summers (precipitation < 47 mm and heat waves longer than 8 days) and competition in wetter summers. Synthesis. Oak colonization in Mediterranean abandoned fields progressed slowly, and only two decades after abandonment pioneer shrub population grew to a level in size and number that could effectively trigger facilitation and accelerate tree recruitment. The shrub nurse effect was unbalanced between oak species, only benefiting the evergreen oak, and it was more prevalent in arid years. Our study illustrates the build‐up of shrub facilitation during forest recolonization and the varying nature of this process among climatically different years and ecologically distinct species. This information provides insights for assessing and managing Mediterranean forest recovery.
Effect of Faculty Support , and Nursing Students' Self Efficacy , and Affective Commitment on Their A cademic A chievements

Nursing students enter a highly competitive job market upon graduation. So, t o obtain and maintain employment it has become more important than ever to ensure that nursing students are academically successful. Aim : The present study aims to examine the effect of faculty support, nursing students' general self efficacy, affective commitment, and barriers to Success on their achievements at Faculty of Nursing - Mansoura University. Methods: The study was conducted at t he Faculty of Nursing at Mansoura University . The total sample 365 of all academic year s nursing . F our tools were employed in this study, Perceived Faculty Support Scale, General Self Efficacy Scale, Affective Commitment Scale, and, the forth Tool divided into parts: Barrier to Success Scale and Student Achievement . Results: The major findings of this study indicated that there was a statistical significant positive correlation between faculty support, self efficacy, affective commitment on student achievem ent and there was a statistical significant negative correlation between barrier to success and their achievement. Also , statistical significant difference for the four years nursing students perception regarding all the variables. Recommendation : Faculty staff should assess levels of support that nursing students experience during each semester and should know the general self - efficacy during their course work. Faculty staff should engage their students in such differential teaching pedagogies as cooperati ve learning assignments, pre and post assessments for segments of courses, and frequent options for direct one to one consultations. ( El - Tahra Elsayed Abo Habieb, Ahlam Mahmoud El - Shaer , Wafaa Ismail Shrief and Neamat Mohamed Elsayed . Effect of Faculty Sup port, and Nursing Students' Self Efficacy, and Affective Commitment on Their Academic Achievements . Life Sci J 2013;10 ( 3 ): 2707 - 2716 ). (ISSN: 1545 - 1003). http://www.lifesciencesite. org . 390
Productivity and environmental implications of fodder beet and maize silage as supplements to pasture for late lactation dairy cows

ABSTRACT A short-term, dairy cow, grazing experiment was conducted in late-lactation (autumn) to determine the effect of fodder beet (FB) and maize silage supplementation on dry matter and nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and milk solids (MS; milk fat + milk protein) production. Seventy-two multiparous, lactating (224 ± 20.0 DIM; mean ± SD) Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned (n = 24 per treatment; 8 per replicate) to one of three groups. Control animals were offered pasture (11 kg DM/cow/day) with maize silage (4 kg DM/cow/day; ‘Maize’). The other two groups were either offered pasture (11 kg DM/cow/day) with 25% FB (4 kg DM/cow/day; ‘FB25’) or pasture (9 kg DM/cow/day) with 40% FB (6 kg DM/cow/day; ‘FB40’). At the same supplement DM intake, diets containing maize silage or grazed FB had similar urinary nitrogen (UN) concentrations, but FB increased milk solids (MS) production. At 40% FB inclusion UN excretion was reduced but this came at the expense of MS production. Farmers need to exhibit caution when feeding fodder beet to lactating dairy cows to minimise the risk of adverse animal health effects. Feeding fodder beet allocations high enough to achieve significant environmental benefit is likely to compromise animal health and milk production.