Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Management

This book deals with the topic of traditional ecological knowledge specifically in the context of natural resource management. An issue of today is how humans can develop a more acceptable relationship with the environment that supports them. Growing interest in traditional ecological knowledge is perhaps indicative of two things: the need for ecological insights from indigenous practices of resource use; and the need to develop a new ecological ethic in part by learning from the wisdom of traditional knowledge holders. This book explores both of these ideas together by treating traditional ecological knowledge as a knowledge-practice-belief complex. This complex looks at traditional knowledge at four interrelated levels: local knowledge (species specific); the resource management system; social institutions; and worldview (religion, ethics, and defined belief systems). Divided into three parts that deal with concepts, practices and issues, respectively, the book examines many traditional knowledge systems. It discusses the usefulness of traditional ecological knowledge in terms of providing an understanding, not merely information, which is complementary to scientific ecology. At the same time, the book explores a diversity of relationships that different groups have developed with their environment, using extensive case studies.
The Dialectic of Creativity: A Synthesis of Neurobiological, Psychological, Cultural and Practical Aspects of the Creative Process

In the beginning of the 21st century, creativity has been highly esteemed not only in the arts and sciences, but also in economy, politics, and individual welfare. Most theories and practical applications stem from individual sciences and frequently conclude with generalizations that cannot be derived from the specific scientific paradigm. It seems necessary to mark the limitations of individual scientific approaches and to detect where interdisciplinary perspectives are indispensable. This article is an attempt to investigate the interdependence and complementarity of neurobiological, psychological, and socio-cultural, as well as practical, aspects of creativity. It is shown that creativity is often a dialectical process apparent in psychological, cultural, and even neurobiological research. The dialectic of order and chaos seems to be a general concept that is conceived differently by the individual sciences and transports different meaning. However, it is shown that different scientific concepts also contain corresponding and complementary knowledge which amplifies scientific perspectives through interdisciplinary interpretation. The dialectics between coherence–incoherence, stabilization–destabilization, construction–deconstruction of cognitions, emotions, and actions are shown to be corresponding and complementary principles. The interdisciplinary interpretation of the findings of individual sciences leads to practical implications.
Dysbiosis and inflammation in periodontitis: synergism and implications for treatment

ABSTRACT Recent advances from microbiome and host response mechanistic studies indicate that periodontitis is not a bacterial infection in the classical sense but rather results from dysbiosis owing to a breakdown in host-microbe homeostasis. Accordingly, periodontitis is induced in susceptible hosts by a polymicrobial community, in which different members have distinct roles that converge synergistically to enhance colonization, nutrient procurement and persistence in an inflammatory environment. Keystone pathogens – the colonization of which is facilitated by accessory pathogens – initially subvert the host response leading to the emergence of a dysbiotic microbiota, in which pathobionts overactivate the inflammatory response and cause periodontal tissue destruction. Inflammation and dysbiosis positively reinforce each other because inflammatory tissue breakdown products are used as nutrients by the dysbiotic microbiota, thereby contributing to its persistence and chronic inflammation. These concepts have important implications for novel therapeutic approaches, including strategies for microbial community manipulation and targeted modulation of the host response to limit destructive inflammation and reverse the microbial immune subversive tactics that fuel dysbiosis.
Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also know as “roseroot”, is a plant indigenous to the high altitude Polar Regions of Europe and Asia. A quick look at the data behind this supplement indicates that Rhodiola rosea is, in fact, the “Golden Root” of ancient legend and more importantly, that its potential for improving physical and mental performance is unmatched. Authentic Russian Golden Root is now available for the first time in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. Is this ancient “adaptogen” from Siberia really worth its weight in gold? We think so, and invite you to read on and then decide for yourself.
Exploring Long Term Spatial Vegetation Trends in Taiwan from AVHRR NDVI3g Dataset Using RDA and HCA Analyses

Due to 4000 m elevation variation with temperature differences equivalent to 50 degrees of latitudinal gradient, exploring Taiwan’s spatial vegetation trends is valuable in terms of diverse ecosystems and climatic types covering a relatively small island with an area of 36,000 km2. This study analyzed Taiwan’s spatial vegetation trends with controlling environmental variables through redundancy (RDA) and hierarchical cluster (HCA) analyses over three decades (1982–2012) of monthly normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) NDVI3g data for 19 selected weather stations over the island. Results showed two spatially distinct vegetation response groups. Group 1 comprises weather stations which remained relatively natural showing a slight increasing NDVI tendency accompanied with rising temperature, whereas Group 2 comprises stations with high level of human development showing a slight decreasing NDVI tendency associated with increasing temperature-induced moisture stress. Statistically significant controlling variables include climatic factors (temperature and precipitation), orographic factors (mean slope and aspects), and anthropogenic factor (population density). Given the potential trajectories for future warming, variable precipitation, and population pressure, challenges, such as land-cover and water-induced vegetation stress, need to be considered simultaneously for establishing adequate adaptation strategies to combat climate change challenges in Taiwan.
Probability of regaining dexterity in the flaccid upper limb: impact of severity of paresis and time since onset in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To improve the accuracy of early postonset prediction of motor recovery in the flaccid hemiplegic arm, the effects of change in motor function over time on the accuracy of prediction were evaluated, and a prediction model for the probability of regaining dexterity at 6 months was developed. METHODS In 102 stroke patients, dexterity and paresis were measured with the Action Research Arm Test, Motricity Index, and Fugl-Meyer motor evaluation. For model development, 23 candidate determinants were selected. Logistic regression analysis was used for prognostic factors and model development. RESULTS At 6 months, some dexterity in the paretic arm was found in 38%, and complete functional recovery was seen in 11.6% of the patients. Total anterior circulation infarcts, right hemisphere strokes, homonymous hemianopia, visual gaze deficit, visual inattention, and paresis were statistically significant related to a poor arm function. Motricity Index leg scores of at least 25 points in the first week and Fugl-Meyer arm scores of 11 points in the second week increasing to 19 points in the fourth week raised the probability of developing some dexterity (Action Research Arm Test >or=10 points) from 74% (positive predictive value [PPV], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63 to 0.86) to 94% (PPV, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.91) at 6 months. No change in probabilities of prediction dexterity was found after 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Based on the Fugl-Meyer scores of the flaccid arm, optimal prediction of arm function outcome at 6 months can be made within 4 weeks after onset. Lack of voluntary motor control of the leg in the first week with no emergence of arm synergies at 4 weeks is associated with poor outcome at 6 months.
Studies on the use of fear appeals: A summary and analysis

While a number of studies have been concerned with the effects of varying intensities of fear appeals on audience response, interpretation of the findings poses a number of problems. The author summarizes some of the major research thus far conducted, analyzes several of the problems involved in interpreting the findings of these studies, and provides some tentative suggestions for fruitful approaches to the study of the effects of fear‐arousing appeals.
Can a Territorial Policy be Based on Science Alone? The System for Creating the Natura 2000 Network in France

Decreed in May 1992 by the eec with a view to conserving biodiversity, the Habitats directive envisages, between now and the year 2004, constructing a European ecological network named Natura 2000. The implementation of the network, based firstly on compiling a list of habitats and species that could be recognized as being of Community importance, generated considerable conflict in France, to the extent that the directive was suspended in July 1996. The analysis of the Habitats directive system has taken a two-fold approach. The procedures first of all correspond to the tools for reaching the goals set out in the Brussels text, in the time allowed and based on scientific criteria. The second dimension refers to an interpretation of the debates and conflicts generated by the application of the directive's conservation measures on the territory. This second dimension in fact would have been difficult to implement were it not for the support of the area administrators, since their involvement was crucial. In this context, we have interpreted the changes in the procedures of the Habitats directive and the role given to negotiations as well as the issues raised by the nature conservation policies that could no longer be restricted to scientific criteria.
Assessing diversity climate: A field study of reactions to employer efforts to promote diversity

Based on intergroup theory, this study examined relationships among group characteristics (racioethnicity, gender, and level), contextual organizational unit characteristics (gender and racioethnic heterogeneity, resource support for women and racioethnic minorities) and perceptions of diversity climate by faculty at a large university. Compared to white men, white women and racioethnic minorities placed greater value on employer efforts to promote diversity, and held more favorable attitudes about the qualifications of women and racioethnic minorities. The study found that group rather than contextual organizational unit characteristics were more strongly related to diversity climate. However, the organizational unit characteristic, gender heterogeneity, was significantly related to valuing diversity. The greater the ratio of women in a unit, regardless of the respondents' gender, racioethnicity or level, the more favorable diversity activities were viewed. In addition, units whose allocation of resources to racioethnic minorities were perceived as insufficient by respondents were more likely to have members who valued diversity and held favorable perceptions toward the qualifications of racioethnic minorities. Implications for organizations and future research are offered.
Classification of odours with mobile robots based on transient response

Classification of odours with an array of gas sensors mounted on a mobile robot is a challenging and still relatively unexplored topic. Mobile robots able to classify an odour could navigate to a specific source or isolate high concentration areas in applications such as environmental monitoring. A key aspect to classification is to be able to process the data collected while moving the robot and using a simple and compact sensor system. In order to achieve this, we present a classification algorithm that is based on the transient response from the sensors. An analysis of how classification results vary with regards to the movement of the robot is provided and subsequently the experimental validations show that the classification performance depends more on how the robot traverses the odour plume and the quality of the transient than on the distance from the source location. The experimental validation has been done in a large unmodified indoor environment.
The Science and Typology of Family Systems II. Further Theoretical and Practical Considerations

Family systems are conceptualized as stable, but open, control systems characterized by: (a) formal organization, similar in principle to that of other complex, organic systems — physical, cognitive (11), or social; (b) freedom of action, reserved for human, “purposefu” systems (1). These characteristics are linked to auto-regulatory processes mediated by morphostasis (16), which insures systemic stability, and morphogenesis (16), which enables the system to change in accordance with the demands of intra- and extra-systemic reality. The latter two concepts, earlier used to construct a typology of family systems (19), are here further theoretically elaborated and operationally defined (1). Morphostasis is tied to the system's: (a) behavioral structure, embodied in a network of ground rules and meta-rules, as defined, and organized according to a principle of hiearchical linkage; (b) behavioral functioning, regulated by rule circuits in accordance with a principle of functional linkage. Morphogenesis is conceptualized as a serial, decision-making, change-producing process, dependent on specified, necessary, and sufficient conditions for its occurrence. The role of pragmatic, perceptual meanings (1) and of biological/experiential and conscious/unconscious factors in the system's auto-regulation are considered, as well as research approaches to some of these problems. The implications of the present theoretical rationale for the systematic testing and clinical use of the published family system typology (19) and for some more general issues concerning psychological theory, as well as the modern Western family and society, are discussed.
The 2000 periastron passage of PSR B1259–63

We report here on a sequence of 28 observations of the binary pulsar system PSR B1259−63/SS2883 at four radio frequencies made with the Australia Telescope Compact Array around the time of the 2000 periastron passage. Observations made on 2000 September 1 show that the apparent rotation measure (RM) of the pulsar reached a maximum of −14800 ± 1800 rad m −2 , some 700 times the value measured away from periastron, and is the largest astrophysical RM measured. This value, combined with the dispersion measure, implies a magnetic field in the wind of the Be star of 6 mG. We find that the light curve of the unpulsed emission is similar to that obtained during the 1997 periastron but that differences in detail imply that the emission disc of the Be star is thicker and/or of higher density. The behaviour of the light curve at late times is best modelled by the adiabatic expansion of a synchrotron bubble formed in the pulsar/disc interaction. The expansion rate of the bubble ∼12 km s −1 is surprisingly low but the derived magnetic field of 1.6 G close to that expected.
Clinical Correlation Between Degenerative Spine Disease and Dermatomal Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials in Humans

The relationship between clinical status and preoperative and intraoperative dermatomal somatosensory-evoked potentials was investigated as a function of test site. Results indicated that the specificity and sensitivity of dermatomal somatosensory-evoked potentials varied with level of involvement: L5 demonstrated greatest agreement with equal correlation at L3, L4, and S1. Variables that influenced correlation included history of previous surgeries, type of anesthetic used, interpretation criteria, and whether the patient was awake or asleep. It was concluded that dermatomal somatosensory-evoked potentials can provide the surgeon with diagnostic and intraoperative information regarding the functional integrity of single nerve root function.
Providers of Syphilis Care in the Southern United States

Background and Objectives: The nadir in syphilis incidence in the 1950s provided evidence that current control methods could eliminate the transmission of syphilis. Planning such an effort will require information on the current state of the public and private infrastructure for the control of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Goal of This Study: To evaluate the accessibility, acceptability, and quality of delivery of clinical and preventive outreach services for syphilis control in the southern United States. Study design: A telephone‐and‐questionnaire survey of the 7 largest southern city, 10 state, and 9 nonsouthern comparison state STD control rograms. Results: The gender‐race composition of public‐sector STD providers is very different from their clients. Median ratio of STD clinicians per 1994 infectious syphilis patient was 0.08 (0.01–0.25) in southern states and 0.50 (0.07–1.00) in comparison states. The proportion of clients treated within one day of care‐seeking in southern states was 58% to 100%; regions with inadequate access were common. A median of 45% to 50% of patients with presumptive congenital syphilis underwent recommended diagnostic procedures. Conclusions: Serious deficiencies exist in the accessibility of STD care in the south that make the elimination of syphilis transmission difficult using current clinic‐based diagnosis and treatment. A more community‐based program of case finding and presumptive treatment may be indicated.
Wideband mm-wave compensated 90° bends for Grounded Coplanar Waveguide and microstrip Transmission Lines on flexible LCP substrates

The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach for creating the first truly wideband (10–90 GHz), high performance, compensated 90° bends for planar Transmission Lines fabricated on Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) for use with mm-wave applications. These bends are very critical components for the miniaturization of high performance packages used for integrated multi-layer millimeter-wave front-ends on low-cost, organic, flexible substrates. In this paper we describe a method for creating ultrawideband, low-cost, high performance bends for Microstrip and Grounded Coplanar Waveguide (CPWG) lines. The simulated S-parameters demonstrated a Return Loss below −30 dB from 10 GHz-90 GHz for the Microstrip line bends and below −22 dB for the CPWG bends. These bends are capable of operating for applications ranging from X to W-bands.
Dynamic modeling of a gymnast on a high bar-computer simulation and construction of a gymnast robot

Dynamic modelings of a gymnast on a high bar are presented. Three types of models are developed in the paper. The first one is a single-link pendulum robot with an additional mass able to slide up and down on a straight path along the link. It can perform a giant swing. This model is developed to make a study about the mechanism of a giant swing and increasing swing amplitude. The second is the three-link model consisting of arms, trunk and legs. It can perform a skip, a giant swing and other stunts which require bent knees. The third is four-link model with bent knees. In this model the coordinates of the position of the body in sagittal plane are added so that it can perform aerial stunts and landing. For the three models computer simulations show that the control strategy to realize the high bar stunts depends mainly on the control of the position of the center of the gravity of the whole body. Except for the four-link model, physical models are constructed. The three-link gymnast robot can perform sequential stunts by the same control strategy to that of the computer simulations. <<ETX>>
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with MicroRNA Regulation

Since the discovery of microRNA (miRNA), the polymorphisms that affect miRNA regulation had been extensively investigated by many independent studies. Recently, researchers utilized bioinformatics and statistical approaches for genome-wide analysis on the human polymorphisms that reside in the miRNA genes, targets, and/or genes involved in miRNA processing. In this review, we will give an overview about the important findings of these studies from three perspectives: architecture of the polymorphisms within miRNAs or their targets, potential functional consequences of the polymorphisms on miRNA processing or targeting, and the associations of the polymorphisms with miRNA or target gene expression. The results of the previous studies demonstrated the signatures of natural selections on the miRNA genes and their targets, and proposed a collection of potentially functional, expression-associated, and/or positively selected polymorphisms that are promising for further investigations. In the meantime, a few useful resources about the polymorphic miRNA regulation have been developed and the different features of these databases were discussed in this review. Though recent research had benefited from these comprehensive studies and resources, there were still gaps in our knowledge about the polymorphisms involved in miRNA regulation, and future investigations were expected to address these questions.
Low-Complexity Multiternary Digit Multiplier Design in CNTFET Technology

This brief presents a multiternary digit (trit) multiplier design in carbon-nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) technology using unary operators of multivalued logic. The proposed structure is based on the classical Wallace multiplier and includes a novel ternary multiplexer design requiring only a small number of CNTFETs. Two ternary full-adder configurations are also proposed based on an examination of the multiplier structure. In addition, the design includes a new single-trit multiplier which requires 67% less CNTFETs compared to a recent design. HSPICE simulations reveal low power-delay product for the proposed designs for different choices of drive strength. Furthermore, the designs are comparable to prior works with respect to noise margin.