Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fur seals and sea lions (Otariidae): Identification of species and taxonomic review

Abstract The standard anatomical descriptions given to identify species of the family Otariidae (fur seals and sea lions), particularly those for the genus Arctocephalus, have been largely inconclusive. Specimens of some species conformed more to the description of others, overlapping in many identifying characteristics. Recent re‐examination of the genetic basis of taxonomic diversity within otariids required matching by comprehensive new studies of skull morphometry based on large sample sizes, to provide a sound basis for re‐appraisal of species limits in the family. The typical skull morphology of otariids fall into two general characteristics: a short, mesocephalic skull observed primarily in the fur seals and a more dolichocephalic skull common in most sea lions. Subfamily separation of otariid seals was not supported. Instead, a separation of genus, species and subspecies was proposed, with re‐arrangement of taxonomy at the levels of genus, species and subspecies. Arctocephalus australis, A. forsteri and A. galapagoensis appeared congeneric, with only subspecific differences in morphology. Arctocephalus townsendi and A. philippii appeared congeneric, yet were morphologically divergent from the remainingArctocephalus. Skulls of Zalophus californianusjaponicus were significantly different from those of Z. c. californianus and Z. c. wollebaeki, and were considered a separate species of Zalophus.
Seasonal and interannual variation of decapod larval abundance from two coastal locations in Scotland, UK

The patterns of decapod larvae occurrence and abundance were studied from weekly time-series data of 8 years from Stonehaven (north-east Scotland) and 4 years and 8 months from Loch Ewe (north-west Scotland). The annual cycle observed was similar in the two locations and characterized by abundance peaks, the first in spring and another in the summer, extending into autumn. During the coldest months (December to February) decapod larvae were virtually absent in the plankton. Differences in abundance and occurrence of decapod larvae between locations and the influence of temperature, salinity and chlorophyll-a in the patterns observed, were analysed by generalized least-square functions. The results showed significant differences in the abundance of decapod larvae between locations, with higher larval abundances and an earlier appearance in the plankton in Loch Ewe (west coast). In Stonehaven (east coast), from 2003 onwards, a general increasing trend in the abundance of decapod larvae was observed, related to the increasing temperatures recorded at that site. The data demonstrate the high variability of decapod larval abundance on an annual basis and the high importance of temperature and chlorophyll-a to the occurrence and abundance of decapod larvae.
Role of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in environmental chemical induced steatosis and adipogenesis

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity both in the young and adult population is increasing at an alarming rate globally. Along with traditional risk factors, such as diet and sedentary life style, exposure of environmental chemicals is suspected to be a risk factor for metabolic disruption. Moreover, the ‘fetal basis of adult disease’ hypothesis implicates that early life exposure to environmental chemicals is more impactful in causing lipid homeostasis disturbances than exposure in maturity. Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a cytoprotective transcription factor known to combat oxidative stress. The contribution of Nrf2 to other cellular functions, such as lipid homeostasis relevant to liver and adipose tissue is relatively new emerging area. The work herein assessed the role of Nrf2 in augmenting environmental chemical induced NAFLD and adipogenesis. CD-1 mice were exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) perinatally and peripubertally until age of 5 week at 25 g/kg BW/day and effect of this exposure on hepatic lipid disturbances was evaluated at pubertal (week 5) and adult age (week 39). Developmental exposure of BPA increased hepatic lipid accumulation in both young, as well as adult mice. BPA also increased Nrf2 expression in these animals at both ages. Nrf2 binding to predicted anti-oxidant response elements on the Srebp-1c promoter, a master regulator of denovo lipogenesis, elucidated a potential regulatory role of Nrf2 in lipogenesis. BPA exposure also increased Nrf2 binding to this new putative ARE by about 2 fold. Epigenetic reprogramming of chromatin upon developmental exposure of environmental xenobiotics is a potential mechanism for increasing susceptibly to diseases, such as like NALFD. BPA exposure from gestation day 8 through purberty caused hypomethylation in select regions of promoters that encode for proteins involved in lipogenesis (e.g. Srebp-1c), as well as the antioxidant response (e.g. Nrf2). The work further depicts an undescribed role for Nrf2 in the regulation of lipogenesis via regulation of Srebp-1c. In connection to the findings above, as well as other findings in our laboratory that pointed to Nrf2 having a role in promoting hepatic lipid accumulation, it was decided to evaluate whether chemicals that induce lipid accumulation can do so in association with Nrf2 activation. Next, the role of Nrf2 in lipid accumulation was further characterized using adipose tissue in presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). In rodent and human preadipocytes, PFOS exposure elevated adipogenic process by increasing expression of key regulators of adipose differentiation. PFOS-induced adipogenesis was associated with increase in Nrf2 expression and its transcriptional activity. In conclusion, the environmental contaminants, BPA and PFOS alter lipid homeostasis in liver and adipose tissue respectively. Concurrent increase in Nrf2 expression, and its transcription regulation on lipogenic mediators was demonstrated.
Fusarium DNA levels as compared to mycotoxin levels in Finnish and Estonian grain samples

Fusarium DNA levels as compared to mycotoxin levels in Finnish and Estonian grain samples In the present work Fusarium DNA levels of deoxynivalenol (DON)-producing F. graminearum and F. culmorum and T-2/HT-2-producing F. langsethiae and F. sporotrichioides were compared to DON and T-2/HT-2 levels in Finnish (19 oat samples) and Estonian (3 oat, 8 wheat and 9 barley) grain samples of the year 2008. The Finnish oat samples were selected based on high (<870 ppb) DON levels. Some of them also contained high levels of zearalenone (ZEN). The main aim was to find out, which Fusarium species is the main DON producer in oats in Finland. In Estonian grain samples all mycotoxin levels were relatively low and below the EU limits. The highest ZEN levels were found in oat in Satakunta in Finland. This is the first study, in which F. graminearum has been found in Estonian grains. The correlation between F. graminearum DNA and DON levels in the combined Finnish and Estonian oat samples was higly significant (R2 = 0.88). In Finnish samples a significant correlation was also found between F. graminearum DNA and ZEN levels (R2 = 0.42). No correlation was found between F. culmorum DNA and DON levels in the combined Finnish and Estonian oat samples. There was also a significant correlation between the combined T-2 and HT-2 and combined F. langsethiae and F. sporotrichioides levels (R2 = 0.38) in the combined Finnish and Estonian oat samples. According to our results F. graminearum is clearly the main DON producer in Finnish oat.
An estimate of global primary production in the ocean from satellite radiometer data

An estimate of global net primary production in the ocean has been computed from the monthly mean near-surface chlorophyll fields for 1979-1986 obtained by the Nimbus 7 CZCS radiometer. Our model required information about the subsurface distribution of chlorophyll, the parameters of the photosynthesis-light relationship, the sun angle and cloudiness. The computations were partitioned among 57 biogeochemical provinces that were specified from regional oceanography and by examination of the chlorophyll fields. Making different assumptions about the overestimation of chlorophyll by the CZCS in turbid coastal areas, the global net primary production from phytoplankton is given as 45-50 Gt C year"1. This may be compared with current published estimates for land plants of 45-68 Gt C year"' and for coastal vegetation of 1.9 Gt C year"1.
Determining minimum population size and demographics of black rhinos in the Salient of Aberdare National Park, Kenya

Photographic identification techniques were applied in the Salient of Aberdare National Park, an area known to be one of the most difficult in Kenya for sighting and identifying black rhinos (Diceros bicornis). A method of assessing photographs visually was used to identify individuals. Individual identification features were recorded and an identification description written for each rhino. Descriptions were reduced to ‘descriptors’ and combined with appropriate photographs in a searchable Access database; a simple sighting recording system that could be used in conjunction with the database was developed. The database and a standard method of describing the identification features of each of the rhinos enabled details of individuals to be disseminated, patrol rangers trained to identify individuals accurately, minimum population demography to be described and changes in minimum population size, from potentially 23 in 2003 down to possibly only 7 individuals in 2005, to be observed. Resighting some of the rhinos was a problem, and there was concern that the significant reduction in the number of previously identified individuals may have been due to poaching.
Vertical Territorial Restrictions and Public Policy: Theories and Industry Evidence

Territorial restrictions long have been the subject of intense policy debate. The central issue in this debate has been whether such distribution arrangements are deployed for efficiency or anticompetitive purposes. The authors add to the debate by broadening the existing conceptualization of business efficiency and providing evidence of the importance of efficiency considerations in the decision to deploy restrictions. In the past, efficiency often has been viewed narrowly, in terms of giving distributors incentives to provide free-rideable services. The authors show that information asymmetry and transaction costs also represent important efficiency-based explanations of territorial restrictions. With regard to anticompetitive concerns, their results show that manufacturers are more likely to use territorial restrictions when they face competition ex ante. Ultimately, this may reduce interbrand competition. From a public policy perspective, their pattern of results supports the current rule of reason treatment of territorial restrictions in the United States. At the same time it questions the current European policy of per se illegality.
Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Normotensive African-American Men

Purpose: African-American men (AAM) have a greater risk of hypertension (HTN) than Caucasian men (CM). To reduce this risk, determining the differences in mechanisms involved in HTN and understanding the relationship between these mechanisms and factors affecting blood pressure (BP) in AAM and CM is necessary. One such mechanism is spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS) and two factors are cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and arterial stiffness (AS). The aims of this study were to determine, firstly, whether there are differences in sBRS between young, normotensive AAM and CM, and secondly, to determine if CRF and AS are significant predictors of sBRS in young, normotensive AAM and CM. Methods: Twenty-three normotensive AAM and 36 CM were recruited from Southern Connecticut State University. Measures included anthropometric, sBRS (alpha-index), and CRF (maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]), as well as AS (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [Cf-PWV]). Independent t-tests were used to determine differences between groups and multiple regression analysis was used to determine how much of the variation in sBRS was explained by CRF and AS. Results: The sBRS was significantly lower in AAM (10.3 ± 3.8 ms/mmHg) vs. CM (13.3 ± 5.7 ms/ mmHg), P = 0.03. CRF and AS were not significant predictors of sBRS in AAM (P = 0.25) and CM (P = 0.30). There was no relationship between, sBRS, CRF and AS; CRF was significantly reduced in AAM vs. CM (45.1 ± 6.3 vs. 52.1 ± 7.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Young normotensive AAM demonstrated significantly lower sBRS vs. CM, irrespective of having fair CRF and normal BP. CRF and AS are not significant predictors of sBRS in young, normotensive AAM and CM. The attenuation in sBRS in AAM did not result in AAM having higher BP versus CM. This finding underscores the need for more detailed examination of the role of sBRS in the etiology of HTN in AAM.
Evaluating an inpatient deprescribing initiative at a rural community hospital in Ontario

Background: Deprescribing is an effective means to reduce polypharmacy in elderly patients. However, geriatric day care deprescribing services are challenging to implement in rural regions. In this study, we examined whether a subacute care unit of a rural hospital could deliver a comprehensive and multidisciplinary intervention to promote deprescribing in patients and whether this intervention would succeed in achieving significant and lasting deprescribing results. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a deprescribing program at a rural hospital in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Participants were 11 patients, aged 65 or older, who were admitted to the hospital’s medical/surgical unit or who presented to the emergency department. Clinicians followed a structured, comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach designed to facilitate deprescribing, which concluded with an outcome evaluation at discharge and follow-up phone calls. Outcomes included the frequency and total number of medications successfully removed, reduced, substituted and restarted after discharge and emergency department visits and hospitalizations 6 months before and after the intervention. Results: Of a total 57 deprescribed medications, 38 were eliminated, 8 were switched to a safer alternative, and 11 were dose reduced. Postdischarge deprescribing reversal occurred in only 5 of 57 deprescribed medications. Among the study population, a 59.2% reduction was observed in the combined number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations 6 months after deprescribing. Conclusions: This feasibility study was successful in showing the potential added value for offering a rehabilitative, subacute care, inpatient, comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach toward patients with complex deprescribing needs. It also showed proof of concept in reducing polypharmacy-induced adverse health outcomes. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020:153:xx-xx.
Robust Outdoor Vehicle Visual Tracking Based on k-Sparse Stacked Denoising Auto-Encoder

Robust visual tracking for outdoor vehicle is still a challenging problem due to large object appearance variations caused by illumination variation, occlusion, and fast motion. In this chapter, k-sparse constraint is added to the encoder part of stacked auto-encoder network to learn more invariant feature of object appearance, and a stacked k-sparse-autoencoder–based robust outdoor vehicle tracking method under particle filter inference is further proposed to solve the problem of appearance variance during the tracking. Firstly, a stacked denoising auto-encoder is pre-trained to learn the generic feature representation. Then, a k-sparse constraint is added to the stacked denoising auto-encoder, and the encoder of k-sparse stacked denoising auto-encoder is connected with a classification layer to construct a classification neural network. Finally, confidence of each particle is computed by the classification neural network and is used for online tracking under particle filter framework. Comprehensive tracking experiments are conducted on a challenging single-object tracking benchmark. Experimental results show that our tracker outperforms most state-of-the-art trackers.
SADedupe: Skew-Aware Inline Deduplication for Distributed Storage

Data deduplication has been applied to modern storage systems to improve storage efﬁciency. Deduplication means to identify and store data only once. Usually, hash functions with low risk of collision such as SHA-1 or MD5 are applied to data blocks to get hash values which represent the contents. Then, the hash values of data blocks are compared. The system assumes two data blocks are identical if their hash values are the same. We call the hash value the “ﬁngerprint” of the data block. Therefore, a ﬁngerprint index is required. When new data arrives, its ﬁngerprint is checked against the index. If there is a match found, the new data is identiﬁed as a duplicate and not stored. Initially, systems are equipped with limited memory so the index is stored on disk. This results in the well-known Disk Bottleneck [1] problem as every search results in a disk access. In recent years, systems have started to load the index in main memory. However, the ﬁngerprint index is often too big to ﬁt in memory of a single node.
How Motion-Control Influences a VR-Supported Technology for Mental Rotation Learning: From the Perspectives of Playfulness, Gender Difference and Technology Acceptance Model

ABSTRACT Spatial training has been shown to help student’s university retention rates and performance. The goal of this study is: (1) to explore users’ acceptance of a virtual-reality-supported technology for mental-rotation learning and (2) to examine the effects of interactivity and gender on acceptance. Little is known about whether college students nowadays perceive motion-control and virtual-reality technology as novel and interesting and how gender affects their acceptance of technology. Two learning programs were developed using motion-control and virtual-reality technologies. Learners could actively manipulate the learning object or they could only passively learn. User’s acceptance of the training program (rather than mental-rotation performance) was compared. Results showed higher levels of perceived playfulness, ease of use, usefulness, and use-intention scores were found in motion-control training, suggesting interactivity is still attractive. However, gender difference was also found. While perceived ease of use was a major contributor to training use-intention for both genders, influence of perceived playfulness on use-intention was found only in women.
Perceptions and Perceived Benefits of Continuous Professional Development Courses: Lecturers’ Perspective

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses have become necessary, as part of the on-going evolution of lecturers’ to understand and utilise relevant approaches and strategies in their teaching and learning. Liberalisation of the educational sector has necessitated universities to be distinct, and so CPD courses also serve to impart the strategic objectives of educational institutions. This case study was conducted at Cutter University (a pseudonym), where forty hours of CPD courses per year is made mandatory for all academics. The perceptions and perceived benefits of a group of lecturers’ in the Art & Design School towards CPD courses conducted by Cutter University’s Unified Teaching and Learning Centre (UTLC) were explored. Results show that the participants perceived CPD courses as self-development and an imposition. Some constraints were raised such as conflicts between CPD and teaching schedule. While some courses were perceived as lacking in depth and relevance, they were generally good for introductory levels and acquisition of technical skills. The study concluded that a paradigm shift among those who conceive and organize the courses is necessary for CPD to be relevant and effective.
Metabolism of chlorogenic acid by human plasma, liver, intestine and gut microflora

Extracts of human small intestine epithelium, liver, plasma and colonic microflora (as a faecal sample) were prepared and esterase activity determined by incubation with chlorogenic acid and subsequent analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. There was no evidence of enzymic hydrolysis by the intestine, liver or plasma extracts. However, esterase activity was observed in the faecal sample, and this activity was abolished if the extract was boiled prior to incubation. These results show that chlorogenic acid ingested by humans is most likely cleaved into caffeic acid and quinic acid by an esterase enzyme(s) provided by the colonic microflora.
Integrated nutrient management in capsicum under low cost polyhouse condition

The field experiment was conducted during 2010–2011 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, Nagaland to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of capsicum cv. California Wonder under low cost polyhouse condition. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 -Control, T2-100% NPK (100:60:60 kg ha−1), T3 -FYM @ 20 t ha −1, T4 -Pig manure @ 15 t ha−1, T5 -Vermicompost @ 10 t ha−1, T6 -50% NPK + 50% FYM, T7 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure, T8 -50% NPK + 50% Vermicompost, T9 -50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers, T10 -50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Biofertilizers, T11 -50% NPK + 50% Vermicompost + Biofertilizers. Results revealed that application of different levels of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, yield and quality of capsicum as compared to control. The maximum plant height (54.46 cm), number of leaves plant−1 (38.89), leaf area (54.60 cm2), number of fruit plant1 (10.48), average fruit weight (85.06 g), fruit length (8.56 cm), fruit diameter (5.63 cm), fruit yield (29.70 t ha−1), TSS (9.55 oBrix) and vitamin C (126.31 mg 100 −1g) were recorded with the conjoint application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers. There is a significant build up of organic carbon in the soil after harvest of the crop with 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers. The same treatment also produced the highest net return of Rs. 7, 93,858.00 along with cost benefit ratio 1:8.16. These results suggested that the optimum production of capsicum can be obtained with integrated application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers. These results also saved about 50% of chemical fertilizers without any compromise on yield and quality parameters of capsicum.
Implementing the Marketing Concept at the Employee-Customer Interface: The Role of Customer Need Knowledge

Although the identification of customer needs constitutes a cornerstone of the marketing concept, the accuracy of frontline employees’ perceptions of customer needs has never been examined in a systematic manner. Following research in social cognition, this article introduces the concept of “customer need knowledge” (CNK), which describes the extent to which a frontline employee can accurately identify a given customer's hierarchy of needs. The results of two large-scale, multilevel investigations involving data from three different levels (customers, employees, and managers) demonstrate the importance of CNK for the provision of customer satisfaction and customer value. In particular, CNK fully mediates the influence of employees’ customer orientation and cognitive empathy on these customer outcomes. Moreover, whereas the length of the relationship between an employee and a particular customer enhances CNK, a large age discrepancy in relation to the customer decreases employees’ level of CNK.