Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Prangos ferulaceae leaves

Nowadays, green chemistry and its advantages are generating interest of researchers toward ecofriendly biosynthesis of the metallic nanoparticles. In this research, a rapid, simple and green method was developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Prangos ferulaceae leaves. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods. The results of DLS, SEM, EDAX, XRD and UV-Vis techniques confirm the synthesis and formation of uniform and spherical shape of silver nanoparticles with average particles size around 10 nm. The aqueous extract of Prangos ferulaceae leaves was found to displays strong potential for the reduction of silver ions and producing of the silver nanoparticles via a very cost effective, clean, nontoxic, ecofriendly method which can be manufactured at a large scale.
Evolution of Predator Dispersal in Relation to Spatio-Temporal Prey Dynamics: How Not to Get Stuck in the Wrong Place!

The eco-evolutionary dynamics of dispersal are recognised as key in determining the responses of populations to environmental changes. Here, by developing a novel modelling approach, we show that predators are likely to have evolved to emigrate more often and become more selective over their destination patch when their prey species exhibit spatio-temporally complex dynamics. We additionally demonstrate that the cost of dispersal can vary substantially across space and time. Perhaps as a consequence of current environmental change, many key prey species are currently exhibiting major shifts in their spatio-temporal dynamics. By exploring similar shifts in silico, we predict that predator populations will be most vulnerable when prey dynamics shift from stable to complex. The more sophisticated dispersal rules, and greater variance therein, that evolve under complex dynamics will enable persistence across a broader range of prey dynamics than the rules which evolve under relatively stable prey conditions.
Body image and body change techniques among young adolescent boys

The aim of the present study was to examine the level of body image disturbance among adolescent boys and to determine how body image disturbance was related to body change techniques. Twenty boys from year 7 (mean age = 12.55 years, SD = 0.61) and 20 boys from year 9 (mean age = 14.85 years, SD = 0.59) were interviewed individually about their body image and body change strategies. The boys were questioned about the importance and their satisfaction with their weight, body size, body shape, muscle tone and parts of their body and the frequency with which they used the following techniques: eating less to lose weight, eating more to gain weight, and exercise to change body size, shape or muscle tone. The results demonstrated that of those boys who wanted to change their body (50 per cent), 12 wanted to lose weight and eight wanted to gain weight. The most frequent strategy used to change body size or shape was exercise, rather than changing eating patterns. Year 7 boys were more satisfied with their weight than year 9 boys, and boys with a larger body mass index (BMI) were less satisfied with their muscle tone and more likely to change their eating habits to decrease their body size or shape than boys with a smaller BMI. The implications of these findings for obtaining a better understanding of how male body image and body change strategies are different from girls are discussed.
Parkinson's disease occurrence in Europe

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) surveys and death‐record studies in European populations were reviewed. Particular attention was given to methodological aspects. Two sets of quality criteria were used. Four door‐to‐door surveys revealed underdiagnosis of prevalent idiopathic parkinsonism ranging from 30% to 71%. Quality surveys based on medical records were scarce. The analysis of a) the time relationships between the diagnostic process and the study period for measurements, and b) a variation observed in the shape of the curve for age‐specific prevalences, suggested that both incidence and prevalence were underestimated by these surveys, especially among the elderly. In the UK, Denmark and Sweden, mortality from parkinsonism increased over time for ages over 70 years, but decreased for the younger age groups. A two‐fold variation in mortality was found between countries. It is concluded that PD is widely distributed in Europe, and that most geographical differences in reported disease occurrence can be explained by methodological variations in measurements. The pattern of variation of age‐specific figures was similar for mortality and prevalence. This might reflect decreasing prevalences among those aged under 70 years and increasing ascertainment in the elderly. There is a need for research methods for specific purposes in this field to be developed.
Protein Hydrolysates Are Avoided by Herbivores but Not by Omnivores in Two-Choice Preference Tests

Background The negative sensory properties of casein hydrolysates (HC) often limit their usage in products intended for human consumption, despite HC being nutritious and having many functional benefits. Recent, but taxonomically limited, evidence suggests that other animals also avoid consuming HC when alternatives exist. Methodology/Principal Findings We evaluated ingestive responses of five herbivorous species (guinea pig, mountain beaver, gopher, vole, and rabbit) and five omnivorous species (rat, coyote, house mouse, white-footed mouse, and deer mouse; N = 16–18/species) using solid foods containing 20% HC in a series of two-choice preference tests that used a non-protein, cellulose-based alternative. Individuals were also tested with collagen hydrolysate (gelatin; GE) to determine whether it would induce similar ingestive responses to those induced by HC. Despite HC and GE having very different nutritional and sensory qualities, both hydrolysates produced similar preference score patterns. We found that the herbivores generally avoided the hydrolysates while the omnivores consumed them at similar levels to the cellulose diet or, more rarely, preferred them (HC by the white-footed mouse; GE by the rat). Follow-up preference tests pairing HC and the nutritionally equivalent intact casein (C) were performed on the three mouse species and the guinea pigs. For the mice, mean HC preference scores were lower in the HC v C compared to the HC v Cel tests, indicating that HC's sensory qualities negatively affected its consumption. However, responses were species-specific. For the guinea pigs, repeated exposure to HC or C (4.7-h sessions; N = 10) were found to increase subsequent HC preference scores in an HC v C preference test, which was interpreted in the light of conservative foraging strategies thought to typify herbivores. Conclusions/Significance This is the first empirical study of dietary niche-related taxonomic differences in ingestive responses to protein hydrolysates using multiple species under comparable conditions. Our results provide a basis for future work in sensory, physiological, and behavioral mechanisms of hydrolysate avoidance and on the potential use of hydrolysates for pest management.
Airborne Fungal Spore Monitoring in a Protective Environment During Hospital Construction, and Correlation with an Outbreak of Invasive Aspergillosis

Abstract Objectives: Evaluate aerobiological monitoring for fungal spores during hospital construction and correlate results with an outbreak of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Design: Prospective air sampling for molds was done using the gravity air-settling plate (GASP) method. Setting: A university medical center special care unit consisting of single-patient rooms with high-efficiency particulate air filtration under positive pressure. Patients: Five neutropenic patients who subsequently developed IA. Result: Four of the five patients with IA were housed in rooms adjacent to a construction staging area. Aerobiological monitoring detected an increase in the number of airborne fungal spores including Aspergillus species in these rooms; however, increased counts preceded IA diagnosis by 1 to 7 days in only three of the five patients. Swab cultures of the exhaust vents within each room confirmed results from air-settling plates. Follow-up monitoring, using the GASP method, demonstrated that control procedures were effective in reducing air mold contamination. Conclusion: The GASP method, although able to demonstrate that infection control measures reduced mold contamination of the air, was insensitive to detect levels of mold contaminates in time to prevent IA.
Sustained Suppression of Neointimal Proliferation by Sirolimus-Eluting Stents: One-Year Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Follow-Up

Background—We have previously reported a virtual absence of neointimal hyperplasia 4 months after implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether these results are sustained over a period of 1 year. Methods and Results—Forty-five patients with de novo coronary disease were successfully treated with the implantation of a single sirolimus-eluting Bx VELOCITY stent in São Paulo, Brazil (n=30, 15 fast release [group I, GI] and 15 slow release [GII]) and Rotterdam, The Netherlands (15 slow release, GIII). Angiographic and volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) follow-up was obtained at 4 and 12 months (GI and GII) and 6 months (GIII). In-stent minimal lumen diameter and percent diameter stenosis remained essentially unchanged in all groups (at 12 months, GI and GII; at 6 months, GIII). Follow-up in-lesion minimal lumen diameter was 2.28 mm (GIII), 2.32 mm (GI), and 2.48 mm (GII). No patient approached the ≥50% diameter stenosis at 1 year by angiography or IVUS assessment, and no edge restenosis was observed. Neointimal hyperplasia, as detected by IVUS, was virtually absent at 6 months (2±5% obstruction volume, GIII) and at 12 months (GI=2±5% and GII=2±3%). Conclusions—This study demonstrates a sustained suppression of neointimal proliferation by sirolimus-eluting Bx VELOCITY stents 1 year after implantation.
Combined Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant And Micropulse Yellow Laser For Treatment Of Anti-VEGF Resistant Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: To report the efficacy and safety of combined intravitreal dexamethasone implant and micropulse laser for anti-VEGF resistant diabetic macular edema. Patients and Methods: Prospective, non-controlled study that was conducted for twenty eyes with center-involved diabetic macular edema not responding to anti-VEGF therapy. Ozurdex intravitreal implant was injected to all eyes with subsequent micropulse yellow laser one month after the injection. All eyes were followed up after one, three, four, six, nine and twelve months. The primary outcome measure is the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after one year and secondary outcome measures are central macular thickness (CMT) change and safety of both dexamethasone implant and micropulse laser. Reinjection was done for those eyes with recurrent edema. Results: The mean age was 58.8 ±7.94 years. The mean BCVA was 0.6± 0.14, 0.57 ±0.12, 0.51±0.15, 0.59±0.12, 0.6± 0.12 and 0.59±0.14 after one, three, four, six, nine and twelve months in comparison to 0.45± 0.14 as initial BCVA [SS,P<0.05]. The CMT was 302.5±30.01, 330.6±20.24, 357.6±32.15, 285.4±19.95, 292.9±25.07 and 285.2±14.99 after one ,three, four ,six , nine and twelve months µm in comparison to initial CMT of 420.7 ±38. 74µm [HS, P<0.01]. Cataract occurred in 6 eyes from 14 phakic eyes (42.8%). Transient ocular hypertension occurred in 6 eyes (30%). Reinjection was done for eight eyes (40%). Conclusion: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant and micropulse laser are both effective and safe treatment options for anti-VEGF resistant diabetic macular edema.
An IPA-embedded model for evaluating creativity curricula

How to diagnose the effectiveness of creativity-related curricula is a crucial concern in the pursuit of educational excellence. This paper introduces an importance-performance analysis (IPA)-embedded model for curriculum evaluation, using the example of an IT project implementation course to assess the creativity performance deduced from student learning outcomes. The results would serve as a basis for curriculum improvements. The evaluation model consists of such steps as determining the target curriculum, establishing indicators for the assessment of competence, developing an IPA questionnaire, conducting an IPA and improving feedback-based curriculum. The research methods adopted in this paper include literature review, expert advice and survey research. To verify the particular evaluation model, data was collected from project review conferences held by a Taiwan-based polytechnic institute. This paper demonstrates the merits of introducing a model that efficiently solves the vagueness problem when it comes to curriculum benefits and consequently improves the project implementation courses.
Figure 1 – Simplified Version of Decision Chart to Select Alternatives for Treatment of an Organic Contaminated Aqueous Stream

The membrane biological reactor (MBR) configuration has proven to be optimal for treatment of many industrial wastewaters when treatment efficiency is an important consideration. Since installation of the first large, U.S., full scale MBR system for industrial wastewater treatment at the General Motors plant in Mansfield, Ohio in the early 1990s, use of membranes for biomasseffluent separation in biological systems has gained wide appeal both in this country and internationally. Industrial applications have ranged from nitrogen removal from food processing wastewaters to use of the technology to deal with complex organics in wastewaters originating from the production of pharmaceuticals and the manufacture of polymeric membrane materials. Historically, low membrane flux, low permeability, limited membrane life and high membrane costs hindered broad application of the MBR technology. The membrane industry, including independent research and development organizations and system suppliers, invested considerable effort to overcome these limitations over the past decade. The result has been a dramatic increase in the number of new commercial system embodiments of the MBR configuration offered by suppliers and a rapid acceleration in the use of the technology for treatment of industrial wastewaters and other aqueous streams. MBR systems can be categorized according to the location of the membrane component. Until recently, the immersed or internal membrane MBR was typically more cost-effective than the external membrane MBR particularly in the treatment of larger wastewater flows. The technical advantages of the external membrane configuration, and recent significant membrane and system design advances resulting in reductions in operating power costs, have translated to broader application of this configuration. External membrane MBRs have recently been designed to treat wastewater flows as high as 3785 m/day.
Ethnographic Fiction and Representing the Absent Other

Abstract Speaking to and for the interests of silenced groups and absent Others raises a number of ethical and pedagogical dilemmas. In this paper, I focus upon my attempt to resolve some of these dilemmas by the use of an ethnographic fiction I constructed about a gay, male, physical education teacher and sportsman called Alexander. A context for this construction is provided prior to presenting the fiction in its entirety. Questions are then raised regarding how readers might pass judgement on such tales. Finally, the value of this genre of representation as a tool for critical pedagogy is considered.
Infant and young child feeding practices and stunting in two highland provinces in Ecuador

Abstract The first two years of life are critical for growth and development. Little is known about infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in the Ecuadorian highlands and how they contribute to stunting. With the objective of understanding nutritional status and the influencing factors to design an intervention, we assessed the nutritional status of 293 infants and children between 0 and 24 months of age, living in 14 communities in the provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo using a cross‐sectional study design. We used the WHO IYCF indicators to assess feeding practices; estimated dietary intake with 24‐h recalls; and identified nutritious local foods by food frequency questionnaires. Multiple regression modelling was performed to identify correlates of nutritional status. Stunting was found in 56.2% of children. Mean protein, vitamin A and vitamin C intakes were above recommendations for all ages. Only infants 6.0 to 8.9 months of age and non‐breastfed children 12–23.9 months of age consumed energy intakes below recommendations. Younger age groups had below recommended intakes for iron and calcium. While mean complementary food densities met recommendations for protein, vitamin A, vitamin C and energy, those for zinc, iron and calcium were lower than recommended. Older age, respiratory infections and being male were predictors of lower HAZ, whereas early initiation of breastfeeding, higher socioeconomic status, consumption of iron‐rich foods and higher dietary protein density were protective. Interventions that promote and support optimal breastfeeding practices and enable increased consumption of nutritious local foods have potential to contribute to reducing stunting in this vulnerable population. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The True Electorate A Cross-Validation of Voter Registration Files and Election Survey Demographics

I cross-validate the 2004 general election electorate's demographic profile available from voter registration files, the media consortium's National Election Poll or exit poll, and the Current Population Survey within selected states. I find voter files and Current Population Survey to be in general agreement, but the exit poll reports an electorate that is younger and composed of more minorities. All three confirm a pronounced pro-woman turnout gap.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii at the Crossroads of Genomics

Simple, experimentally tractable systems such Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Arabidopsis thaliana are powerful models for dissecting basic biological processes. The unicellular green alga C. reinhardtii is amenable to a diversity of genetic and molecular manipulations. This haploid organism grows rapidly in axenic cultures, on both solid and liquid medium, with a sexual cycle that can be precisely controlled. Vegetative diploids are readily selected through the use of complementing auxotrophic markers and are useful for analyses of deleterious recessive alleles. These genetic features have permitted the generation and characterization of a wealth of mutants with lesions in structural, metabolic and regulatory genes. Another important feature of C. reinhardtii is that it has the capacity to grow with light as a sole energy source (photoautotrophic growth) or on acetate in the dark (heterotrophically), facilitating detailed examination of genes and proteins critical for photosynthetic or respiratory function. Other important topics being studied using C. reinhardtii, many of which have direct application to elucidation of protein function in animal cells (26), include flagellum structure and assembly, cell wall biogenesis, gametogenesis, mating, phototaxis, and adaptive responses to light and nutrient environments (32, 44). Some of these studies are directly relevant to applied problems in biology, including the production of clean, solar-generated energy in the form of H2, and bioremediation of heavy metal wastes. Recent years have seen the development of a molecular toolkit for C. reinhardtii (42, 44, 66, 98, 99). Selectable markers are available for nuclear and chloroplast transformation (4, 5, 12, 13, 30, 44, 56, 82). The Arg7 (22) and Nit1 (30) genes are routinely used to rescue recessive mutant phenotypes. The bacterial ble gene (which codes for zeocin resistance [70, 112]) is an easily scored marker for nuclear transformation, and the bacterial aadA gene (which codes for spectinomycin and streptomycin resistance) is a reliable marker for chloroplast transformation (39). Nuclear transformation can be achieved by
The nature of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxies in various classes based on morphology, colour and spectral features – II. Multi-wavelength properties

We present a multi-wavelength study of the nature of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies divided into fine classes based on their morphology, colour and spectral features. The SDSS galaxies are classified into early-type and late-type; red and blue; passive, H ii, Seyfert and low-ionization nuclear emission region, which returns a total of 16 fine classes of galaxies. The properties of galaxies in each fine class are investigated from radio to X-ray, using the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey, Infrared Astronomical Satellite, Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimetres, NRAO VLA Sky Survey, Galaxy Evolution Explorer and Roentgen Satellite data. The UV–optical–NIR colours of blue early-type galaxies (BEGs) seem to result from the combination of old stellar population and recent star formation (SF), if there is no significant difference in their formation epoch between different spectral classes. Non-passive red early-type galaxies (REGs) have larger metallicity and younger age than passive REGs, considering their UV–optical–NIR colours, which imply that non-passive REGs have suffered recent SF adding young and metal-rich stars to them. The radio-detection fraction of REGs strongly depends on their optical absolute magnitudes, while that of most late-type galaxies does not, implying the difference in their radio sources: active galactic nucleus and SF. The optical–NIR colours of red late-type galaxies (RLGs) reveal that they may have considerable old stars as well as young stars. The UV–optical colours and the radio-detection fraction of passive RLGs show that they have properties similar to REGs rather than non-passive RLGs. Dust extinction may not be a dominant factor making RLGs red, because RLGs are detected in the mid- and far-infrared bands less efficiently than blue late-type galaxies (BLGs). The passive BLGs have very blue UV–optical–NIR colours, implying either recent SF quenching or current SF in their outskirts. Including the star formation rate, other multi-wavelength properties in each fine class are investigated and their implication on the identity of each fine class is discussed.