Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic in Bauchi state, Nigeria

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The infection may lead to some complication in pregnancy; it has been related with premature labor and low birth weight. High vaginal swabs (HVS) and urine samples, 100 each, were collected from consenting pregnant women and examined for the presence of T. vaginalis under the microscope using direct wet mount microscopy within 2 hours of collection. Out of 200 samples examined, 46 (23.0%) were found to be infected with T. vaginalis; 17(17%) in General Hospital Bayara and 29 (29%) in Specialist Hospital Bauchi. There is no significant difference in the hospitals used (P>0.05). Women in the age group 25-35 years had the highest prevalence rate of 27.4%, while the lowest rate of 7.1% was observed in women at the age group 3645, but difference was statistically insignificant(P>0.05) among the age groups. Women in their second trimester had the highest prevalence rate of 24.5% while the lowest prevalence rate of 21% was noted among those in their third trimester. Comparing HVS and urine microscopy showed that HVS had a prevalence of 31% while urine had 15%; the difference in their detection was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). In relation to number of birth, women at first birth had the highest prevalence (34.4%) while the lowest prevalence (17.5%) was observed in women at second birth. These findings are useful for ante-natal care and protection against STDs. The need for improved personal hygiene and other intervention programmes among these vulnerable groups of women is advocated.
Feeding Relationships among Species of Notropis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in a Wisconsin Stream

The relationship between spatial preference and diet in four species of the genus Notropis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) was investigated in Roxbury Creek, a small stream in southern Wisconsin. Characteristic spatial distributions for each species were determined from frequency of catch in unbaited minnow traps set at varying heights and locations in the pools of the stream. Data for the year 1966—67 indicate that two species, Notropis atherinoides and N. spilopterus are common in midwater. Notropis dorsalis is most frequently found near the bottom and shows a strong preference for the upstream edge of pools Notropis stramineus is also found most often near the bottom but within the pools themselves. The spatial distributions of aquatic invertebrates, the major prey of Notropis in the pools of Roxbury Creek, were also investigated. Data gathered from drift and bottom samples taken in eight sampling periods during 1970—71 suggest a separation between the relatively sedentary bottom fauna, composed of oligochaetes, isopods, several genera of chironomids, tipulids, and trichopterans; and the drift fauna, composed of copepods, chironomids of the subfamily Orthocladiinae, ephemeropterans, and terrestrial anthropods. Certain genera, including the ubiquitous Gammarus were found commonly in both drift and benthic samples. Indices of similarity between pool benthos and drift ranged between 7% and 59%. Data on food habits of Notropis gathered from stomach content analysis of fishes collected over the same period indicate that 73% of the invertebrate genera present are utilized by Notropis species in Roxbury Creek. Considerable overlap exists in the invertebrate genera chosen by the four species (69%—84%), and strong overall correlations between species are found in the importance of various orders of aquatic invertebrates in the diet. Differences in food habits relate principally to differences in space utilization. Midwater species tend to feed on drifting chironomids, copepods, terrestrials, and other animals found in the water column. Bottom—dwelling fishes feed on benthic genera of chironomids, tipulids, oligochaetes, and other organisms found commonly in pool substrates. It is concluded that spatial rather than taxonomic considerations are the chief determinants of prey selection in these four species, and that this pattern of resource subdivision acts to reduce competition in sympatric, syntopic populations of these fishes. Data from other Wisconsin Streams, from aquarium observations, and from literature review suggest that multispecific assemblages of mutually responsive species like the ones in Roxbury Creek are common in Notropis.
Natural history of coastal Peruvian solifuges with a redescription of Chinchippus peruvianus and an additional new species (Arachnida, Solifugae, Ammotrechidae)

Abstract Two species of Chinchippus (Ammotrechidae) were studied in central Peru. Both species are endemic to the hyper-arid coastal desert and appear to derive most of their energy and nutrients from maritime prey, such as intertidal amphipods feeding on beach-cast algae or as arthropod scavengers feeding upon seabird and pinniped carcasses. Data on the spatial distribution of the two species were obtained from analyzing stomach contents of one common predator, the gecko Phyllodactylus angustidigitus, and suggest that both species are more abundant in insular than in mainland habitats. We redescribe Chinchippus peruvianus Chamberlin 1920, known only from a female specimen and describe the male for the first time while C. viejaensis is recognized as new. The new species is distinguished from C. peruvianus by its darker coloration, smaller size, and differences in cheliceral dentition.
A STUDY OF THE INFORMATION CONTENT OF THE ENGINEER’S LOGBOOK

The practice of maintaining a logbook is undertaken by the majority of engineers. These logbooks represent a significant amount of design information and knowledge, a large proportion of which is not formerly recorded and managed. Arguably this information could be of considerable benefit for supporting both current and future design activities. Hence there is a need to develop improved methods for managing this important and frequently neglected information resource. Prior to developing such methods, it is firstly necessary to understand the information content of the engineer's logbook. This understanding is a prerequisite for the development of strategies for effectively managing the content and also provides important information handling requirements for the creation of an electronic engineers' logbook. This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the information content of a variety of engineers' logbooks. The study highlights the key classes of information associated with logbooks and examines the distribution of these classes of information with respect to various engineering roles.
Capability of multi-viewing-angle photo-polarimetric measurements for the simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties

Abstract. An important new challenge in the field of multi-angle photo-polarimetric satellite remote sensing is the retrieval of aerosol properties under cloudy conditions. In this paper the possibility has been explored to perform a simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties for partly cloudy scenes and for fully cloudy scenes where the aerosol layer is located above the cloud, using multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements. Also, for clear sky conditions a review is given of the capabilities of multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements in comparison with other measurement types. It is shown that already for clear sky conditions polarization measurements are highly important for the retrieval of aerosol optical and microphysical properties over land surfaces with unknown reflection properties. Furthermore, it is shown that multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements have the capability to distinguish between aerosols and clouds, and thus facilitate a simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties. High accuracy (0.002–0.004) of the polarimetric measurements plays an essential role here.
Behavioral foundations of the substitutability between insurance and self-insurance: An experimental study

In this experimental study, the analysis on two levels of substitution between insurance and self-insurance shows that a higher unit price results in a quantity-based substitution and a between-tools substitution while the only effect of a higher fixed cost is to reduce the insurance market. The optimality of the coverage demands associated with the equalization of marginal returns is not achieved. Instead, individuals chose a stable global amount of coverage. These behavioral insights have a potential impact on public policies related to insurance and self-insurance.
Conservation genetics of two co‐dominant grass species in an endangered grassland ecosystem

Summary 1. Global habitat fragmentation and loss of undisturbed grasslands has led to the use of non-local seed and cultivars in restoration. There is concern that these sources may be genetically depauperate and their introduction may lead to loss of unique local genotypes. Within this context we considered the issue with regard to the once widespread but now highly fragmented North American tallgrass prairie. 2. We characterized the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of the co-dominant species in this system, big bluestem Andropogon gerardii and Indian grass Sorghastrum nutans , from seven remnant and six restored local tallgrass prairies, a non-local remnant prairie, and five cultivated varieties. 3. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of these grasses showed that genetic diversity was mostly retained within rather than among populations, and did not differ among restored or remnant populations or cultivars. 4. Genetic diversity estimates were not correlated with the area of the grassland, nor was there a clear association between diversity and species abundance. All of the restored grasslands in this study were established with seed from at least two local populations and were as genetically diverse as remnant sites. 5. Principal components analysis of RAPD band frequencies showed that the local remnant and restored populations were genetically different from the non-local remnant grasslands and were consistently different to the cultivars. The genetic relationships among local remnant and restored populations reflected biogeography and human activities. 6. Synthesis and applications. Restoration practitioners have often assumed that small populations are genetically depauperate and therefore the need for multiple seed sources to increase genetic diversity outweighs concerns over potential genetic differences among widespread species. Our research, however, indicates that genetic diversity is much less of an issue in these perennial outcrossing autopolyploid grasses than genetic differences among local and non-local or cultivar seed sources. Combining these results with our previous research, indicating differences in plant performance as a function of the source population, suggests that genetic differences and ecological performance among local and non-local seed sources are more of a concern than genetic diversity. Translocating non-local seed in order to increase diversity, or using cultivars, is likely to alter the genetic structure of remnant populations and potentially influence the associated community and affect ecosystem structure and function in unforeseen ways.
Experimental Activities in Primary School to Learn about Microbes in an Oral Health Education Context

Experimental science activities in primary school enable important cross-curricular learning. In this study, experimental activities on microbiology were carried out by 16 pupils in a Portuguese grade-4 classroom (9–10 years old) and were focused on two problem-questions related to microbiology and health: (1) do your teeth carry microbes? (2) why should you brush your teeth after meals? To solve problem-question (1), children’s samples of dental plaque were prepared and observed under the microscope. For question (2), culture medium plates were inoculated with children’s dental plaque either before or after tooth brushing and the colonies were counted. Results showed that pupils easily recognised the presence of microorganisms in the mouth and verified the effectiveness of the process of teeth-brushing. Pupils understood that microorganisms were potentially responsible for the onset of dental caries. These practical activities on microbiology in primary school were very effective in ensuring young children easily understand the causes of dental caries and how they can be prevented. Pupils became aware that the act of brushing their teeth is not only a socially correct behaviour or a simple rule to meet, but also a matter of preventing illness and promoting health.
The Role of Experimental Stress Analysis at Graduation and Post Graduation Courses - A Brazilian Case

This paper presents an alternative to the theoretical classic teaching methods generally used in Strength of Materials or Solids Mechanics. It introduces a dynamic and interactive process, with emphasis in the use of ESA-Experimental Stress Analysis, especially strain gauges and photo-elasticity. In addition to the didactic and practical experiments, the students used all their energy and creativity to develop the interesting results presented here, such as, experimental device for measuring displacement, Buckling, Spaghetti and Popsicle sticks Bridges, Stress analysis in a cylinder block and Mini Baja project.
Risk Factors for the Presence of Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis in Human Intestinal Biopsies in Brazil

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiologic agent of Johne’s disease or paratuberculosis, a persistent gastroenteritis that affects ruminants and leads to progressive weight loss. In humans, MAP has been frequently isolated from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), the etiology of which is still unclear. Although paratuberculosis and CD have many clinical and histological similarities, the role of MAP in CD pathogenesis is unknown. Therefore, due to its zoonotic potential, it is important to detect factors that can favor MAP infection in humans. A case-control study was carried out in a population of patients who underwent a colonoscopy between 2009 and 2011 at a gastroenterology referral center, located in the Hospital das Clinicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG), Belo Horizonte-MG. Eight out of a total of 148 patients had a positive intestinal biopsy for the presence of MAP DNA. In the risk factor analysis, MAP was positively associated with the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (Odds ratio=13.39, CI=1.57 to 298; p<0.01) and a history of intestinal diseases among family members (odds=8.42; IC=1.44 to 63.50; P<0.01). This study suggests that consumption of informally marketed milk and a history of intestinal diseases among family members are risk factors for the occurrence of MAP in intestinal biopsy samples. These data reinforce what has been described in studies in other countries. This is the first report on the subject
Secondary School Teachers' Commitment to Change: The Contributions of Transformational Leadership.

Findings of a study that examined the extent to which transformational forms of leadership contribute to teacher commitment are presented in this paper. Teachers' commitment to change is expressed as a function q personal goals, two types of personal agency beliefs, and emotional arousal processes. Alterable variables giving rise to commitment are conceptualized as a set of eight in-school and out-of-school conditions as well as seven dimensions of transformational leadership practices. Data were derived from a survey of 168 teachers (of whom 91 percent were involved in implementing school improvenent efforts) in 9 secondary schools in a large urban school district. Path analysis was used to generate three models. Findings indicate that each class of variables appeared to exercise a significant influence on teachers' commitment. Vision-creating and goal consensus-building practices of school leaders had especially strong effects on motivational conditions associated with teachers' personal goals, which, in turn, wyre significantly related to teachers' context and capacity beliefs. In summary, the dimensions of leadership practice that contributed most to teachers' commitment to change were those that helped to give direction, purpose, and meaning to teachers' work. Four figures and four tables are included. (Contains 68 references.) (LMI) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Eastern European Attitudes to Integration with Western Europe

This article examines attitudes to membership of the EU and Nato amongst countries in central and eastern Europe. Sample survey data are obtained from the Eurobarometer surveys of transition and EU candidate countries. The empirical results suggest that support for membership increases with socio-economic variables such as in come and education, reflecting self-interest. But attitudinal variables are also important and, in particular, confidence in the free market economy impacts positively on support for membership. Support for EU membership is not a mirror image of that for Nato, with the differences appearing to revolve around self-interest.
STABLE OPERATION OF HHG-SEEDED EUV-FEL AT THE SCSS TEST ACCELERATOR

We completed HHG (Higher-order Harmonic Generation) optical laser-seeded FEL (Free Electron Laser) operation at a 61.2-nm fundamental wavelength with an HHG pulse seeding source from a Ti:sapphire laser at the EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) -FEL test accelerator. The HHG-seeded FEL scheme must synchronize the seeding laser pulse to the electron bunch. We constructed a relative arrival timing monitor based on EO (Electro-Optic) sampling. Since the EO-probe laser pulse was optically split from the HHG-driving laser pulse, the arrival time difference of the seeding laser pulse, with respect to the electron bunch, was measured in real time. This non-invasive EOS (EO Sampling) monitor made uninterrupted, single shot monitoring possible even during the seeded FEL operation. The EOS system was used for the arrival timing feedback with a hundred-femtosecond adjustability for continual operation of the HHGseeded FEL. Using the EOS locking system, the HHGseeded FEL was operated over half a day with a 20 – 30% effective hit rate. The output pulse energy was 20 ΠJ at the 61.2-nm wavelength. A user experiment was performed using the seeded EUV-FEL at SCSS, and a clear difference was observed between the SASE FEL and the seeded FEL with a high contrast.
Energy Subsidies and Energy Consumption — A Cross-Country Analysis

The economic and environmental implications of energy subsidies have received renewed attention from policymakers and economists in recent years. Nevertheless there remains significant uncertainty regarding the magnitude of the impact of energy subsidies on energy consumption. In this paper we analyze a panel of cross-country data to explore the responsiveness of energy consumption to changes in energy prices and the implications of our findings for the debate on energy subsidy reform. Our findings indicate a long-term price elasticity of energy demand between -0.3 and -0.5, which suggests that countries can reap significant long-term benefits from the reform of energy subsidies. Our findings also indicate that short-term gains from subsidy reform are likely to be much smaller, which suggests the need for either a gradual approach to subsidy reform or for more generous safety nets in the short term.
Impact of Information Technology (IT) Investment on Banks’ Performance: A Study on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Listed Banks of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Information and communication technology (ICT) has become the impetus of current financial sector. Globalization, technological advancement and innovation, make it imperative for the banking industry in Bangladesh to invest more on ICT to stay ahead in the competition. This paper intends to explore the relationship between Information Technology (IT) investment and banks’ performance. This study is conducted on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) listed banks and especially five commercial banks are selected for this research. Based on secondary data, this research is quantitative and longitudinal in nature. The correlation and regression models have been used to measure the relationship between Information Technology (IT) investment and banks’ performance. Bank’s performance has been measured by Return on Investment (ROI), Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Asset (ROA). The findings of this study reveal that a positive relationship exists between IT Investment and banks performance. Hence, it is suggested that more thought has to be put towards the investment and use of Information and Communication Technology in banking sector. Keywords: ICT, Information Technology, Investment, Bank, Evaluation, Bangladesh.
Maximizing L-glutaminase production from marine Bacillus subtilis JK-79 under solid state fermentation

L-Glutaminase is majorly produced by microorganism including bacteria, yeast and fungi. It mainly catalyzes the hydrolysis of gamma-amido bond of L-glutamine. In the present investigation, the potent marine isolate, Bacillus subtilis JK-79 producing L-glutaminase was evaluated for the maximum L-glutaminase production by solid state fermentation (SSF). In this context, different agro-industrial residues reported in literature were tested and among them, wheat bran gave maximum L-glutaminase production (236.67 U/ml) and protein concentration (6.89 mg/ml). Statistical optimization of media components and culture conditions were successfully employed to markedly enhance the L-glutaminase production under SSF by marine B. subtilis JK-79. Optimization was sequentially performed from one factor at a time (OFAT), followed by Plackett and Burman Design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). With the help of PB design, three significant factors such as moisture content, pH and L-glutamine were identified to significantly affect the L-glutaminase production. These three independent variables were then optimized by central composite design (CCD) of RSM. Maximum L-glutaminase production of 672.28 U/ml under flask condition was obtained at the predicted optimal values of moisture content of 62.5% (w/w), pH of 7.1 and glutamine of 2.44% (w/v). The maximum experimental L-glutaminase production was 680.8 U/ml, whereas the predicted value for L-glutaminase production was 672.28 U/ml, indicating a strong agreement between them. Statistical optimization has enhanced the production of the enzyme up to 2.88 fold as compared to the basal wheat bran medium. Thus, application of PBD and RSM for optimization studies proves to be an effective method for improving the L-glutaminase production and also understanding the interaction effects between the factors with minimum number of experiments. Key words: Bacillus subtilis JK-79, L-glutaminase, Plackett-Burman design, response surface methodology, wheat bran.