Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the moderating role of age and gender in the belief–behaviour link: a study within the context of water resources pollution

In Ghana, water resources represent a symbol of cultural authority, spiritual strength and a major source of wealth and power. To preserve these resources, taboos and customary practices were instituted as precepts in precolonial Ghanaian societies to regulate access. However, recent studies claim that the proliferation of Western religions has significantly diminished the potency of these centuries-long belief systems, with a potential impact on the role of beliefs on behaviours. Applying conditional process modelling to survey data from four rural communities in Ghana, we explore whether some beliefs influence pro-environmental behaviours in relation to water resources pollution; and examine the potential factors that moderate this link. Results show that some belief factors predict pro-environmental behaviour. However, this link depends on gender and age. The present study thus advances our understanding of the complex ways in which beliefs interact with sociodemographic variables to influence the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours.
Processing of Positive Visual Stimuli Before and After Symptoms Provocation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Trauma-Affected Male Refugees

Background Symptoms of anhedonia are often central to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is unclear how anhedonia is affected by processes induced by reliving past traumatic memories. Methods Sixty-nine male refugees (PTSD = 38) were interviewed and scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing positive, neutral and Scrambled Pictures after being read personalized scripts evoking an emotionally neutral memory and a traumatic memory. We further measured postprovocation state symptoms, physiological measures and PTSD symptoms. We tested whether neural activity associated with positive picture viewing in participants with PTSD was differentially affected by symptom provocation compared to controls. Results For the pictures > scrambled contrast (Positive contrast), PTSD participants had significantly less activity than controls in fusiform gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus. The Positive contrast activity in fusiform gyrus scaled negatively with anhedonia symptoms in PTSD participants after controlling for total PTSD severity. Relative to the emotionally Neutral Script, the Trauma Script decreased positive picture viewing activity in posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and left calcarine gyrus, but there was no difference between PTSD participants and controls. Conclusions We found reduced responsiveness of higher visual processing of emotionally positive pictures in PTSD. The significant correlation found between positive picture viewing activity and anhedonia suggests the reduced responsiveness to be due to the severity of anhedonia.
Anthocyanins Extracted from Chinese Blueberry and its Anticancer Effects on HepG2 Cells

Recently studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins from blueberry have anticancer effects. Here, HepG2 cells were treated with anthocyanins (200、400、600、800 and 1000 μg/ml) for 48h, the effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated. The results suggested that anthocyanins can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of caspase-3 was increased in the anthocyanins treatment group. Moreover, results of Western blotting shown that the expression of Caspase-3 protein increased significantly in the treatment group. Taken together, our data suggest that anthocyanins could be developed as an agent against liver cancer.
Influence of Levantine Artificial Reefs on the fish assemblage of the surrounding seabed

Four Artificial Reef (AR) units were deployed at a 20m depth on a flat hard substrate 3 km west of Haifa, Israel and then surveyed for fish for 12 months. AR units supported 20 times the biomass of control quadrates and their enrichment impact was still significant at a radius of 13m away from units. The 13m values were also significantly higher than those of quadrates adjacent to units, suggesting the existence of a halo of relative depletion within the outer enrichment halo. The main species contributing to this pattern was the migrant herbivore Siganus rivulatus . A decrease in grazing resources is thus suggested as an explanation for creation of this halo. The most consistent AR residents were also Lessepsian migrants - Sargocentron rubrum , nocturnal predators which displayed high microhabitat fidelity and a steady increase in density. The 6 species of migrants recorded accounted for 65.3% of the commercially exploitable biomass and 25.2% of the specimens in the AR site. Other constant AR residents were the groupers Epinephelus costae and Epinephelus marginatus , which are rare and commercially important species. Site protection from fishing and storms were found to be of utmost importance, and design and deployment considerations are discussed.
CD73+ extracellular vesicles inhibit angiogenesis through adenosine A2B receptor signalling

ABSTRACT Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of several conditions including eye diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Stromal cells play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis through the release of soluble factors or direct contact with endothelial cells. Here, we analysed the properties of the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and explored the possibility of using them to therapeutically target angiogenesis. We demonstrated that in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines, MSCs produce EVs that are enriched in TIMP-1, CD39 and CD73 and inhibit angiogenesis targeting both extracellular matrix remodelling and endothelial cell migration. We identified a novel anti-angiogenic mechanism based on adenosine production, triggering of A2B adenosine receptors, and induction of NOX2-dependent oxidative stress within endothelial cells. Finally, in pilot experiments, we exploited the anti-angiogenic EVs to inhibit tumour progression in vivo. Our results identify novel pathways involved in the crosstalk between endothelial and stromal cell and suggest new therapeutic strategies to target pathological angiogenesis.
The New Construction Approach Adapted by Ashghal for the Public Projects in Qatar

The purpose of this paper is to review the new strategy adapted by Ashghal to implement lean construction in Qatar to improve project performance and predictability of delivery. This is a significant change programme led by a government delivery entity. In 2017, the Public Works Authority (ASHGHAL) piloted the implementation of lean construction principles within 3 projects. Following realization of tangible benefits through the pilot application, Ashghal made it contractual to implement lean in all future projects. Since then, Ashghal has awarded 26 projects with the enhanced requirements in the construction contracts. The enhanced requirements within the construction contract are intended for improving public satisfaction and project delivery performance. This paper discusses the changes implemented by Ashghal and provides some recommendations. The paper presents findings from Literature reviews, interviews with Ashghal, and site visit to one of the projects undergoing the transformation. Qatar had not implemented lean construction principles at such large scale before 2018. Ashghal has realised various challenges in embedding the new strategy, which will be explored in this paper. Ashghal recognizes that the program requires time and effort, and has invested in building local capability. The enhanced requirements are applicable only to full infrastructure construction projects awarded post October 2018. Thereby the new approach is focused on contractors and supervision consultants’ way of delivery. There is scope however to expand the application of lean principles to improve internal processes. Other influencing government agencies could also benefit from this program. Finally, this paper presents the efforts by Ashghal in raising the bar of delivery in the state of Qatar and the region. It is a rare example of a public sector authority leading a major change initiative that can benefit all parties involved and especially in construction, which makes this a very unique and special case that deserves to be written about.
Target Coordinates Estimation by Passive Radar with a Single non-Cooperative Transmitter and a Single Receiver

Passive radar is a bistatic radar that detects and tracks targets by processing reflections from non-cooperative transmitters. Due to the bistatic geometry for this radar, a target can be localized in Cartesian coordinates by using one of the following bistatic geometries: multiple non-cooperative transmitters and a single receiver, or a single non-cooperative transmitter and multiple receivers, whereas the diversity of receivers or non-cooperative transmitters leads to extra signal processing and a ghost target phenomenon. To mitigate these two disadvantages, we present a new method to estimate Cartesian coordinates of a target by a passive radar system with a single non-cooperative transmitter and a single receiver. This method depends on the ability of the radar receiver to analyze a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and estimate two arrival angles for the target’s echo signal. The proposed passive radar system is simulated with a Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T) transmitter, and the simulation results show the efficiency of this system compared with results of other researches.
Fertility of roach × bream hybrids, Rutilus rutilus (L.) ×Abramis brama (L.), and their identification

Adult roach, bream and their presumed F1 hybrid from an Anglian Water reservoir were identified on the basis of morphological and meristic characteristics. The hybrid was clearly intermediate. Four hybrid breeding crosses were induced to spawn by hypophysis. A bream × roach cross (female named first) failed to produce fertile eggs, whereas F1 hybrid × roach, roach × F1 hybrid and F1 hybrid × F1 hybrid all produced fry. Fertility (defined as survival of eggs to hatching) was high for the F1 hybrid × roach back-cross (56%) but low for the others (<2%), in comparison to the pure species controls (roach 69%, bream 76%). Progeny from these crosses were reared until anal fin rays could be counted. These counts indicated intermediacy between the parents and back-crossed individuals, and similarity between F1 hybrids and their F2 progeny.
The use of positron emission tomography for studies of long‐distance transport in plants: uptake and transport of 18F

Abstract. Positron emission tomography (PET) has been utilized to obtain dynamic images of long distance nutrient translocation in plants. Positron emitting 18F, produced by a Van de Graaff accelerator using the reaction 18O(p,n)18F, was fed in solution to excised stems of Glycine max positioned vertically in a large-aperture PET detector system. Images of tracer activity were recorded with a time resolution of 0.5 min and a spatial resolution of 4 mm. Maximum tracer activities at stem sites were obtained within 3 min of the pulse feed. A model is presented enabling evaluation of regional values for tracer flow, tracer binding, flow speed and flow volume. Analysis of data for one stem position yielded a flow volume of 2.1mm3 min−1 and a flow speed of 36cm min−1. Comparison with the distribution of 14C-inulin, which was simultaneously fed to the cut stems, indicates the 18F is suitable for use as an apoplastic tracer; 92% of the tracer activity accumulated in the leaves. The fraction of 18F that remained bound was most concentrated at stem nodal regions, an observation consistent with the existence of transfer cells at these sites. Advantages and limitations of PET applied to plant physiological investigations are discussed.
Variation in the Size of Eggs of Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicarius) at Two Colonies in Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract Although several studies have reported basic information about the size of Kelp Gull (Larus dominicarius) eggs, no attention has been paid to the comparison of patterns of intra-clutch variation at different breeding sites. Here, the variation in egg size of Kelp Gulls at two colonies from Patagonia, Argentina, was analyzed. The objectives were to characterize egg size variation in Kelp Gulls breeding at a recently established colony in Punta Loma that primarily relies on natural prey; and to evaluate if patterns of intra-clutch variation in that colony differ from those at Vernaci Sudoeste Island, a larger and well-established colony with access to supplementary food in the form of fishery waste. In two-egg clutches, first-eggs were larger than second-eggs. Neither average egg size nor intra-clutch patterns differed between study sites. Also, in two-egg clutches, egg size decreased as date of laying increased, probably due to younger birds laying smaller eggs later in the season. The pattern of intra-clutch variation in three-egg clutches differed between sites. Three-egg clutches at Vernaci Sudoeste Island presented similar sizes for first- and second-eggs and these were larger than third-eggs. This pattern contrasted with the steady decrease in relation to laying order that was observed at Punta Loma. Also, second-and third-eggs from Vernaci Sudoeste Island were larger than corresponding eggs from Punta Loma. Our data suggest that differences in egg size between colonies could be the consequence of enhanced food availability at Vernaci Sudoeste Island in the form of discards generated by trawl fisheries. Future studies to evaluate age of birds and inter-annual environmental stochasticity are needed to elucidate the effect of these factors on egg size variation.
Whole-lake Herbicide Treatments for Eurasian Watermilfoil in Four Wisconsin Lakes: Effects on Vegetation and Water Clarity

Abstract Four pilot whole-lake herbicide treatments for extensive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) infestations were conducted in Wisconsin between 1997 and 2001 using fluridone at a range of dosages (6–16 μg/L). Annual post-treatment data (4–7 years) were evaluated to assess (1) effects on exotic plants; (2) changes to native plant communities; and (3) effects on water clarity. Temporal shifts in treatment lakes were compared against natural fluctuations in untreated reference lakes. In conjunction with aggressive follow-up spot treatments with 2,4-D or manual removal, fluridone treatments provided between 1 and 4 years of substantial EWM relief, with the exotic ultimately re-establishing at pre-treatment levels or greater in 3 of the 4 lakes. Native plant communities shifted in all 4 lakes following fluridone treatment. The large decreases, outside the range seen in untreated lakes (first quartile of the reference lake distribution) for all treatment lakes containing EWM, Elodea canadensis, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Najas flexilis, strongly suggest a direct effect of the fluridone treatment. We observed large increases, outside the range seen in untreated lakes (fourth quartile of the reference distribution), for 1 of 2 treatment lakes with Potamogeton crispus, and 1 of 2 treatments with Chara spp. Secchi depth decreased significantly in 2 of the 3 lakes for which data were available. Future applications should consider, among other criteria, the dominant natives in the plant community, their sensitivity to fluridone, and potential impacts associated with decreased water clarity.
Training Elementary Students’ Collaborative and Entrepreneurship Skills Using Science Student Worksheet Based on Project Learning

This study aims to practice the collaboration and entrepreneurship skills of elementary school students. This research is a type of development of the 4D model, which was adapted into the 4P model, which is defining, planning, developing, and disseminating. This research conducted 30 students of fifth grade in Muhammadiyah 4 Surabaya Elementary School. Data analysis methods used were t-test, N-Gain analysis, and observation to find out if there was an improvement after learning. The results of the analysis using the t-test showed a significant increase in collaboration skills in pre and post-test, with post-test values better than pre-test (negative t). The results of the N-Gain analysis showed the average increase in student scores of collaboration skills in the high category. The observation of entrepreneurship skills showed that it was started to appear in students. The students' collaboration and entrepreneurship skills were successfully trained using the developed worksheet.
Litter Interception on Astrocaryum mexicanum Liebm. (Palmae) in a Tropical Rain Forest 1

The goal of this study was to quantify litter interception on Astrocaryum mexicanum Liebm. , an abundant and efficient litter–capturing palm. The study was done in a forest at Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Palms were randomly selected and total litter retention was quantified by determining dry weight over two years. Litter interception by palms was 4.4 and 27.1 Mg/ha/yr for the first and second years, respectively, and accounted for 47.9 and 239.4 percent of the reported annual litterfall in the same area. Results showed that litter interception by plants is related to litterfall and should therefore be added to total litterfall in order to calculate the net primary productivity.
Incidence of Multiple Herbicide Resistance in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Across Southeastern Australia

Abstract Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a problematic annual weed in established turf where the intensive use of herbicides has resulted in the evolution of herbicide resistance. In 2017, 31 populations of P. annua suspected to be resistant to herbicides commonly used to control this weed in turf were collected from golf courses across southeastern Australia to check the resistance status to different herbicide groups. All populations were found to be resistant to multiple turf herbicides. Dose–response experiments confirmed resistance to propyzamide, simazine, rimsulfuron, foramsulfuron, endothall, and pinoxaden. Levels of resistance to rimsulfuron (>56-fold), foramsulfuron (>19-fold), endothall (>7-fold), and pinoxaden (>4.3-fold) compared with the susceptible population were high, but levels of resistance to propyzamide (>2-fold) and simazine (>2-fold) were lower. Considerable variation in resistance to endothall and pinoxaden was observed among the populations of P. annua. Target-site resistance was confirmed for acetolactate synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors, but not for photosystem II and microtubule assembly inhibitors. This study documented the extensive resistance to herbicides in P. annua from turf in Australia. Three of the populations investigated exhibited multiple resistance to herbicides from five mechanisms of action. The identification of multiple-resistant P. annua on several golf courses is a serious concern for turf managers.
Teaching Social Work Students About Homelessness: An Interdisciplinary Interinstitutional Approach

ABSTRACT This article presents the conceptual underpinnings of a homelessness intervention program, accompanied by a social work course, that provide direct services and cause advocacy with and on behalf of people experiencing homelessness. A program goal is to educate students in social work, medicine, law, pharmacy, public health, and nursing about systemic causes and human consequences of homelessness, while teaching students skills for providing trauma informed care while simultaneously pursuing mezzo and macro-level systems change. The program’s and course’s evolution and efforts to collect evaluation data are described. In detailing the iterative process that spawned the still evolving program and course, the article illuminates person-centered ways to teach about homelessness, social work practice, interprofessional teamwork, humility, flexibility, and persistence.
Dominance-Based Decision Rules for Pension Fund Selection under Different Distributional Assumptions

The pension landscape is changing due to the market situation, and technological change has enabled financial innovations. Pension savers usually seek financial advice to make a personalised decision in selecting the right pension fund for them. As such, decision rules based on the assumed risk profile of the decision maker could be generated by making use of stochastic dominance (SD). In the paper, the second-pillar pension funds operating in Lithuania and Slovakia are analysed according to SD rules. The importance of the distributional assumption is explored while comparing the results of empirical, student-t, Hyperbolic and Normal Inverse Gaussian distributions to generate SD-based rules that could be integrated into an advisory solution. Moreover, due to the differences in SD results under different distributional assumptions, a new SD ratio is proposed that condenses the dominance-based relations for all considered dominance orders and probability distributions. The empirical results indicate that this new SD ratio efficiently characterises not only the preference of each fund individually but also of a group of funds with the same attributes, thus enabling multi-risk and multi-country comparisons.
Intrusion Detection in Cyber Security: Role of Machine Learning and Data Mining in Cyber Security

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Received: 10 August, 2019 Accepted: 04 March, 2020 Online: 03 May, 2020 In recent years, cyber security has been received interest from several research communities with respect to Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Cyber security is “a fast-growing field demanding a great deal of attention because of remarkable progresses in social networks, cloud and web technologies, online banking, mobile environment, smart grid, etc.” An IDS is a software that monitors a single or a network of computers from malicious activities (attacks). Detecting an intrusion or prevention (due to increase the usage of internet), is becoming a critical issue. In past, several techniques have been proposed to overcome or detect intrusion in a network. But most of the techniques (used now days in detecting IDS) are not able to overcome this problem (in efficient manner). Together this, Machine Learning (ML) also has been adopted in various applications (due to providing good accuracy results (in respective domain)). Hence, this work discusses “How machine learning anddata mining can be used to detect IDS in a network” in near future.ML use efficient methods like classification, regression, etc., with efficient results like high detection rates, lower false alarm rates and less communication costs. This work also provides a detail comparison with metrics in table 1-3 (with their performance/ algorithms/ dataset or metrics used).
Inflorescences and Flowers of Mauldinia angustiloba sp. nov. (Lauraceae) from Middle Cretaceous Karst Infillings in the Rhenish Massif, Germany

A new species of the extinct genus Mauldinia (Lauraceae) is described from middle Cretaceous karst infillings in Upper Devonian limestone of the Rhenish Massif, Germany. The new species, Mauldinia angustiloba, is based on exquisitely preserved flowers and fragments of inflorescences, in some cases with flowers attached. The compound inflorescences consist of an elongate axis with bilobed lateral inflorescence units in a spiral arrangement. Each lateral inflorescence unit typically bears five sessile and bisexual flowers on the adaxial surface but in rare cases has up to nine flowers. Flowers are trimerous with two perianth whorls, nine fertile stamens in three whorls, three staminodia in an inner fourth whorl, and a superior unilocular gynoecium. Stamens of the third whorl have paired, almost sessile, lateral staminal appendages. Mauldinia angustiloba is distinguished from previously described species of the genus by the longer and narrower lobes of the lateral units and by the almost sessile staminal appendages. The excellent preservation of the fossils has yielded new information on floral structure and anatomy in Mauldinia.