Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yogurt in the diet of the elderly: a preliminary investigation into its effect on the gut ecosystem and lipid metabolism

The effect of yogurt as a dietary supplement was investigated with regard to the gut eco- system and lipid metabolism of 12 healthy, elderly people (78.3 ± 9.8 years, body mass index 23.6 ± 5.3 kg·m -2 , mean ± SD). Commercial yogurt with homogenized fruit was prepared by fer- menting milk with yogurt specific cultures Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (strain AY/CSL) and Streptococcus thermophilus (strain 9Y/CSL). The subjects consumed their usual diet (equal to 6279-6698 kJ·d -1 ) over a 2-week baseline period (baseline start to end) and then were sup- plemented for 4 weeks with 250 g·d -1 of fruit yogurt. The yogurt was administered in 125 g portions twice per day: at breakfast in substitution of milk and in the afternoon in substitution of tea with milk (test). At the end of the 4-week period the volunteers returned to their usual diet for a further 4 weeks (follow-up). At the end of each trial period no changes were observed in faecal water content, pH, bile acid concentration or cytolytic activity of the faecal water. Throughout the study there was significant variation neither in dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients, nor in the plasma lipids and, during the experimental period, in the counts of the total anaerobic microorganisms, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, coliforms or enterococci. The only significant difference was observed in the clostridia counts, that decreased (P < 0.05) after the consumption of yogurt. Moreover, this effect was still evi- dent at the end of the follow-up period. Since this last result can be considered a positive modification of the colon ecosystem, as clostridia are involved in the production of putrefactive compounds, it is possible that a yogurt-supplemented diet can maintain and/or improve the intestinal microbiota of elderly subjects. Yogurt / faecal microflora / bile acid / cytolytic activity / plasma lipid
Status of Three Plethodontid Salamanders (Genus Plethodon) From the Ouachita National Forest of Southwest Arkansas

IA three-yearfield investigation was initiated in 1996to updateprevious information on the local abundance and distribuon of three salamandersof the genus Plethodon (P. caddoensis,P.fourchensis, and P. ouachitae); these salamanders are found with1 a five-countyarea of the OuachitaNationalForestin southwesternArkansas.Plethodon fourchensis was most numerous at three tes in Polk County;a total of 18 specimens was found. Searching for Plethodon fourchensis was successfulfollowingmoderateto-heavyprecipitation but onlyin selected habitats on Fourche and Irons Forks mountains. The preferred habitats of P. caddoensiswere talus-coveredslopes and wet ravines consisting of mostly small loose rocks within the Caddo Mountains. This species was found at 17 of 25 collection sites (n = 108); the largest single collection(n = 52) occurred on 19April1998.Rocky habitats withan abundance of leaf litter on Rich Mountain yielded Plethodon ouachitae in modest numbers (n = 45); three new locality sites were found during this study. Although new localities were discovered for each species during this study, none occurred outside its currently recognized range. Current forest management/landscape practices should strive to prevent any precipitous declinesin populations of these salamanders.
Cycling charity challenge events: can they contribute to the lifestyle medicine movement?

Many developed countries, including Australia, are experiencing an increase in lifestyle-related disease such as obesity, heart disease, and mental distress. A new model of health care known as lifestyle medicine encourages individuals to be active partners in their health care and take responsibility for their long-term health, as well as address causes of lifestyle-related disease and concentrate on prevention. Focusing on a cycling-based charity challenge event designed to raise funds to support cardio health, the Yellow Pages Cardiac Challenge, this article considers the role of charity challenge events, and more broadly cycle tourism, within lifestyle medicine. Using survey-based primary and secondary data, the study addresses two questions: To what extent do the socio-demographic profiles of charity challenge participants and lifestyle disease "at-risk" groups overlap and what is the cycling involvement and experience of charity challenge participants? The results suggest that charity challenge events can play a role in introducing individuals to the physical health benefits of cycling, and encourage mental health and well-being through the creation of new social relationships, development of a sense of achievement, and experiencing positive emotions. Whereas a number of questions remain to be answered, this study's results contribute to existing health policy debates by exploring the role of sports tourism in supporting lifestyle medicine initiatives.
Size Specific Distribution Analysis of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Atmospheric Particulate Matter - Development of a Sampling Method and their Concentration in Meeting Room/Ambient Atmosphere

ABSTRACTThe international regulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) according to the Stockholm convention started in May 2001, and is intended to regulate the production and use of hazardous chemicals on a global scale. PFOS is one of the newly listed emerging POPs and only one of a diverse huge group of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are known as a “super set” of chemical tracers that include more than ninety related chemicals. The comprehensive monitoring of PFASs is necessary to develop a reliable understanding of environmental kinetics related to these pollutants. However, the extent of atmospheric pollution by PFASs is still unclear because their distribution and sources are not fully understood. Hence, a reliable analytical method for precisely measuring the levels of PFASs in particulate matter is needed. In this study, in order to investigate the levels of PFASs in atmospheric particles including PM2.5, the use of new sampling equipment was evaluated by obtaining multiple samples of air from a stable meeting room environment. Meanwhile, by simultaneously obtaining samples from a roadside environment, the characteristics of PFASs from two different types of air samples were compared.
Temporary Foreign Worker Programmes: Policies, Adverse Consequences, and the Need to Make Them Work - eScholarship

This paper comparatively discusses the policies and adverse consequences of six major temporary foreign worker programmes (TFWPs) in five different countries (Germany, Kuwait, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States). I find that TFWPs have been quite different in design, but rather similar in their adverse consequences. The latter include: (i) the emergence of “immigrant sectors” in the host economy; (ii) the vulnerability of migrant workers toward various forms of exploitation in recruitment and employment; (iii) the tendency of TFWPs to become longer in duration and bigger in size than initially envisaged; (iv) native workers’ opposition against the introduction or expansion of a TFWP; and (v) the emergence of illegal foreign workers who, together with native employers, circumvent the programme. Given that most countries lack viable alternative to TFWPs, I argue that there is an urgent need to develop new types of TFWPs that avoid and learn from the past policy mistakes identified in this paper. The paper concludes with a proposal of seven general policy principles for making TFWPs work.
Manipulation of the energy metabolism of ruminants in the tropics: options for improving meat and milk production and quality.

Ruminant feeding in tropical regions is characterized by grass grazing. Throughout the year, grasses show variations in their availability and quality. Therefore, modern feeding systems must consider the energy requirements of the animal and the degree in which a feed or a combination of several of them could cover the nutritional requirements of the different species and physiological conditions. The central reaction for obtaining energy is carry out in the rumen in the anaerobic fermentation of the carbohydrates present in the feed. This process is developed by the ruminal microorganisms, with the purpose of generating energy for the microbial growth and the concomitant production of volatile fatty acids, methane, carbon dioxide and fermentation heat. For improving meat and milk production and quality in tropical regions, different options have been created for manipulating the energy metabolism of ruminants. Silvopastoral systems, based on Leucaena leucocephala and Panicum maximum association, allow attaining live weight gains of 770 g/d in growing cattle. It is essential the identification of Bos indicus cattle breeds or crosses with lower requirements of metabolizable energy (ME) for maintenance, so as the energy efficiency of meat production could be increased. For milk, it is possible to increase the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (CLA’s) by the tannin presence in the foliages that due to its beneficial effect on human health, could supply aggregate value to the cow’s milk. Feeding practices are necessary for reducing the caloric increase of the feeding and that decrease methane emissions from the rumen through the effect of some foliages and fruits that possess secondary metabolites capable of affecting ruminal fermentation.
Spin Foam Models with Finite Groups

Spin foam models, loop quantum gravity, and group field theory are discussed as quantum gravity candidate theories and usually involve a continuous Lie group. We advocate here to consider quantum gravity-inspired models with finite groups, firstly as a test bed for the full theory and secondly as a class of new lattice theories possibly featuring an analogue diffeomorphism symmetry. To make these notes accessible to readers outside the quantum gravity community, we provide an introduction to some essential concepts in the loop quantum gravity, spin foam, and group field theory approach and point out the many connections to the lattice field theory and the condensed-matter systems.
The Importance of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in South Africa

The use of traditional leafy vegetables in communities has been noted in several studies. These studies highlighted concerns about the loss of knowledge. The aim of this work was to enhance the role of African leafy vegetables in the nutrition of vulnerable groups in South Africa through improved preparation, promotion of consumption, processing, landrace improvement program, and management of their genetic diversity. Researchers needed to establish the extent of the use, conservation status and awareness of these plants, to ensure effective research decisions. The results from these studies are reported on here. Localities that differed in ethnicity and climate were targeted. The data collection phase used a questionnaire survey, rapid and participatory methodologies to collect information from the women. Traditional leafy vegetables were found to be a very important source of food in summer, but especially in winter. Several drying methods are used to ensure the availability of these vegetables during the winter. Pumpkins and cowpeas were the only crops grown, with some of the others occasionally broadcast. The most popular crops for consumption with all the age groups were amaranth and pumpkins, with jute mallow (Chorcorus sp.) and spider plant (Cleome gynandra) popular in the northern areas in South Africa. Where cowpeas were available, they were seen as the most valuable dried leaf product, as they were used as a safety crop due to their long shelf life. Ethnicity and gender had an effect on the use and preferences of the different crops, with men preferring the more bitter taste and women and children preferring the milder taste. Different ethnic groups showed differences in terms of bitterness of the taste and composition of the leaf mixes. In many areas seed systems were poor as the traditional role of keeper of the seed had been lost. Constant downgrading of traditional vegetables and associated knowledge by research and extension had led to the labels of ‘backward knowledge’ and ‘poverty foods’. This led to a shift in food use and willingness of the youth to learn about and eat these crops. Awareness creation contributed to a change in the perceptions amongst the youth and adults, leading to increased demand for information and seed. It was determined that traditional leafy vegetables played an important role in food security in rural South Africa, but the status of the crops, as well as their conservation, need to be addressed to ensure sustainable use. Keywords: Leafy vegetables, Food security, Conservation
SOME CASES OF MACRO-EPIBIOSIS ON THE INVASIVE CRAYFISH ORCONECTES LIMOSUS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Several cases of epibiosis by macro-invertebrates on Orconectes limosus were recorded during our research on the biology of populations of this invasive crayfish species in the Czech Republic. (1) In 2001, we observed a high infestation of O. limosus by native species of branchiobdellidan worms (Annelida: Branchiobdellidae) in the river Elbe at Obristvi (Central Bohemia). Four European Branchiobdella species were collected and identified from three crayfish specimens: B. pentodonta (52%), B. balcanica (24%), B. parasita (18%) and B. hexodonta (6%). In 2003, only a single crayfish was found bearing branchiobdellidans (5 specimens of B. parasita only) in the same locality. No branchiobdellidans on O. limosus have been confirmed since. (2) A flooded sandpit Lhota near Brandýs nad Labem is the only Czech locality where the settlement of Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia) on an O. limosus body was recorded. The crayfish lost the bivalves by moulting in summer; new mussels had settled by late summer and early autumn. (3) Females of the fish louse Argulus cf. foliaceus (Crustacea: Branchiura) lay egg-strings on any hard substrate, including the crayfish exoskeleton. Such egg-masses were found on up to 65% of O. limosus specimens in the above-mentioned sandpit. (4) Bryozoan colonies of Plumatella repens were found twice on crayfish in the rivers Elbe (Labe) and Cidlina.
Using open sidewalls for modelling self-consistent lithosphere subduction dynamics

Abstract. Subduction modelling in regional model domains, in 2-D or 3-D, is commonly performed using closed (impermeable) vertical boundaries. Here we investigate the merits of using open boundaries for 2-D modelling of lithosphere subduction. Our experiments are focused on using open and closed (free slip) sidewalls while comparing results for two model aspect ratios of 3:1 and 6:1. Slab buoyancy driven subduction with open boundaries and free plates immediately develops into strong rollback with high trench retreat velocities and predominantly laminar asthenospheric flow. In contrast, free-slip sidewalls prove highly restrictive on subduction rollback evolution, unless the lithosphere plates are allowed to move away from the sidewalls. This initiates return flows pushing both plates toward the subduction zone speeding up subduction. Increasing the aspect ratio to 6:1 does not change the overall flow pattern when using open sidewalls but only the flow magnitude. In contrast, for free-slip boundaries, the slab evolution does change with respect to the 3:1 aspect ratio model and slab evolution does not resemble the evolution obtained with open boundaries using 6:1 aspect ratio. For models with open side boundaries, we could develop a flow-speed scaling based on energy dissipation arguments to convert between flow fields of different model aspect ratios. We have also investigated incorporating the effect of far-field generated lithosphere stress in our open boundary models. By applying realistic normal stress conditions to the strong part of the overriding plate at the sidewalls, we can transfer intraplate stress to influence subduction dynamics varying from slab roll-back, stationary subduction, to advancing subduction. The relative independence of the flow field on model aspect ratio allows for a smaller modelling domain. Open boundaries allow for subduction to evolve freely and avoid the adverse effects (e.g. forced return flows) of free-slip boundaries. We conclude that open boundaries in combination with intraplate stress conditions are to be preferred for modelling subduction evolution (rollback, stationary or advancing) using regional model domains.
Improving Running Performance Using Non- Running Tasks

For decades researchers and runners have endeavored to improve endurance running performance. Recent evidence suggests that adding resistance training to a running program can improve running performance. Our purpose was to determine if 6wks of resistance exercise via negative eccentrically-induced work (RENEW), an exercise that increases muscle size, strength, and stiffness, could serve as an effective “non-running” modality for improving running performance. Recreational runners were assigned to a: RENEW (n=7), plyometric (PLYO, n=7), or control (CON, n=7) group. RENEW trained on an eccentric ergometer (3x/wk, 10-30min, 54-66% of peak heart rate) while the PLYO performed a standardized protocol (2-3x/wk, 30min,) for 6wks. Groups continued their normal running. Before and after training, participants performed a 3km running time trial and 5-bound hop test to evaluate running performance and stretch-shortening cycle utilization. During training RENEW increased work rates from 192±44 to 324±89W while exercising at “moderate to somewhat hard” exertion levels (11.9±1.1 to 14.0±0.7 Borg-scale units). Both RENEW and PLYO reported similar levels of muscle soreness (0.68±0.49cm vs. 1.37±1.32cm; group x time interaction, P=0.310). Following training, all groups exhibited similar 3km times and 5-bound hop distances (group x time interactions P=0.232 and P=0.94, respectively). These results demonstrate that RENEW training can be safely tolerated while performing normal running training. RENEW training, however, was not a strong enough stimulus to improve performance in these recreational runners. These findings fall squarely in the middle of previous reports indicating 1) improvements, 2) decrements, or 3) no change in running performance when utilizing non-running tasks. iii Acknowledgements This project was supported by the Center for Undergraduate Research at the University of Maine. I would sincerely like to thank all of the committee members of this thesis for all of their support. I would especially like to thank Dr. Elmer, Dr. Nightingale, and Ms. Sarah Lange for all of their input, help, and time. Finally, thank you to all of the participants that took part in the study.
The relationship between temporomandibular disorder and work stress in type C private hospital nurses

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) includes functional problems in the masticatory system affecting the temporomandibular joint, and anything related to orofacial structures, or masticatory muscles. The etiology of TMD is multifactorial and very complex, and many considerations must be made, such as parafunctional activities, occlusal condition, deep pain input, emotional stress, and trauma. Objectives: Studies analyzing the relationship between TMD and work stress among nurses in type C private hospitals using the Index Diagnostic Temporomandibular Disorder (ID-TMD) and Expand ed Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS). Indonesian version questionnaires have never been conducted in Indonesia. Material and methods: This study analyzed the relationship of TMD with work stress and sociodemographic factors (sex and age) among nurses in a type C private hospital. This cross-sectional study assessed the data of 92 nurses in the Hasanah Graha Afiah Hospital; two questionnaires were given to each nurse. The ID-TMD was used to evaluate TMD and the ENSS Indonesian version questionnaire was used to evaluate work stress. Results: The Mann-Whitney test and independent t-test revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between TMD and work stress among nurses in this type C private hospital. The χ2 test showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between TMD and the aforementioned sociodemographic factors in these nurses. Conclusions: TMD was not associated with work stress among nurses in a type C Indonesian private hospital.
Oxidation of Ethylene—Air Mixtures at Elevated Pressures, Part 2: Chemical Kinetics

A chemical kinetics submechanism for small molecular weight hydrocarbons was modified by adjusting rate constants to produce better agreement with recent ethylene ignition delay time data compared with an earlier version of the mechanism, for temperatures from 1003 to 1401 K, at pressures between 1.1 and 24.9 atm, and for equivalence ratios from 0.3 to 2.0. The improved mechanism captures the pressure and equivalence ratio behavior seen in the data at these intermediate temperatures, such as the smaller-than-expected effect of equivalence ratio at the higher temperatures and an apparent lack of pressure dependence at fuel-lean conditions. By using detailed sensitivity analyses, the important reactions were identified, rectifying the model simulations in predicting the observed experimental behavior of the data in this study. In fact, when the model is used to extend the temperature range above 1400 K and below 1000 K, the same pressure dependence is actually seen for all equivalence ratios, just to a less.
DPYD, TYMS and MTHFR Genes Polymorphism Frequencies in a Series of Turkish Colorectal Cancer Patients

Fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy is extensively used for the treatment of solid cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, fluoropyrimidine-driven toxicities are a major problem in the management of the disease. The grade and type of the toxicities depend on demographic factors, but substantial inter-individual variation in fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity is partly explained by genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms in colorectal cancer patients. Eighty-five patients who were administered fluoropyrimidine-based treatment were included in the study. The DPYD, TYMS and MTHFR polymorphisms were scanned by a next generation Sequenom MassARRAY. Fluoropyrimidine toxicities were observed in 92% of all patients. The following polymorphisms were detected: DPYD 85T>C (29.4% heterozygote mutants, 7.1% homozygote mutants), DPYD IVS 14+1G>A (1.2% heterozygote mutants), TYMS 1494del TTAAAG (38.4% heterozygote mutants, 24.7% homozygote mutants), MTHFR 677C>T (43.5% heterozygote mutants, 9.4% homozygote mutants) and MTHFR 1298A>C (8.2% heterozygote mutants, 2.4% homozygote mutants). A statistically significant association was demonstrated between MTHFR 677C>T and fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity (p value = 0.007). Furthermore, MTHFR 1298A>C was associated with hematopoietic toxicity (p value = 0.008). MTHFR polymorphisms may be considered as related factors of fluoropyrimidine toxicity and may be useful as predictive biomarkers for the determination of the colorectal cancer patients who can receive the greatest benefit from fluoropyrimidine-based treatments.
Classical molecular dynamics simulations of hypervelocity nanoparticle impacts on amorphous silica

We have investigated the transition from the atomistic to the macroscopic impact mechanism by simulating large Argon cluster impacts on amorphous silica. The transition occurs at cluster sizes less than $50\text{ }000$ atoms at hypervelocity regime (22 km/s). After that, the crater volume increases linearly with the cluster size opposite to the nonlinear scaling typical of small cluster impacts. The simulations demonstrate that the molecular dynamics method can be used to explore atomistic mechanisms that lead to damage formation in small particle impacts, for example, in impacts of micrometeorites on spacecraft.