Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of the antifungal activities of mint plant extracts against fungal isolates

Mint an aromatic plant is rich in essential oil and widely used for its condiment in foods. It has medicinal potential in traditional medicine. Fungi infection and its management can be challenging due to the adverse effect of presently available drugs. This paper discusses the potential of mint as an antifungal agent. A literature search using PubMed and the keywords that relates to “Mentha” “mint” “antifungal activity”, among others was carried out and data obtained was analyzed using a bibliometric tool. Relevant articles included in our studies were restricted to mint family, fungi of clinical importance, assessment and extraction methods, among others. Here, analysis shows Candida albicans is the must studied appearing in 39 studies, followed by Candida glabrata (12 times). Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus appeared in 9 and 8 studies, respectively. Mentha piperita was the most abundant mint species used in 28 studies tested against Candida albicans. Other mint, Mentha longifolia, Mentha spicata, and Mentha pulegium, among other were identified. Antifungal susceptibility measurement with the highest zone of inhibition was 90 mm from M. piperita exerted on C. albicans growth. Also, zone of inhibition measured at 10 mm was exerted by M. pulegium, Lavandula stoechas. ssp. stoechas, Nepeta cataria oil extract against Candida spp. , and Aspergillus spp. at MIC values of 0.25mg/ml and 125μg/ml. The MIC value of 0.001 to 0.06 mg/ml M. piperita inhibit growth of Candida species. With respect to percentile inhibition Mentha piperita and Origanum vulgare demonstrated anti-fungal activity at 70 to 100% on various fungi species, suggesting these mint species to be an effective source of fungicidal agents. Mentha piperita and other mint species extracts show a wide range of inhibitory activities against fungi growth, the various identified extracts and their antimicrobial activity were compared for different solvents and are then so discussed.
Pharmacists in Australian general practice: Discussion of the findings of an evaluation from 2016 to 2021

Pharmacists embedded in general practice can improve medicines optimisation and patient safety, but Australia has been slower to adopt and fund this model than other comparable countries. Over the last decade there have been various local programs integrating pharmacists in general practice across Australia. This article summarises the results of an evaluation in Canberra from 2016–2021. Pharmacists predominantly conducted clinical activities, including medication reviews and clinical audits. General practitioner (GP) acceptance and implementation of medication review recommendations was high (75%). General practice pharmacists were able to achieve positive clinical outcomes in asthma and smoking cessation. Surveys and interviews identified that the general practice pharmacist role was welcomed by patients, GPs, and other healthcare professionals. Patient satisfaction was very high, with patients supporting the expansion of this pharmacy service. Collaboration between the pharmacists and other healthcare professionals was high. Some pharmacists left employment in general practice after less than a year. Introducing a clear job description could be beneficial in retaining pharmacists, improving trust and working relationships, and enhancing collaboration. The majority of clinical activities conducted by the pharmacists had the potential to improve patient care and decrease healthcare costs. Apart from healthcare savings, benefit–cost ratios of income generated and costs reduced by pharmacists when compared to salaries suggested that pharmacists may be cost‐beneficial in some scenarios. Absence of funding for this model of care remains a barrier to wider adoption in Australia and needs addressing. This study was approved by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (Project number: 15–235) and funded under the Primary Health Network Program (Grant number: 25097479).
Otolith morphometrics and population structure of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) along the west coast of North America

The broad distribution of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) along the Pacif ic coast of North America makes it difficult for fisheries managers to identify regional stocks of this dominant small pelagic species. An investigation of morphometric characteristics of otoliths of Pacific sardine across most of their range revealed regional differences in populations. In a survey of over 2000 otoliths, all ages (with an emphasis on age-1 recruits) were compared. Principal components analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and a novel method derived from regression and residuals calculations, termed perimeter-weight profiles (PWPs), revealed otolith similarities and differences. The results of the different approaches to statistical comparisons did not always agree. Sardine otoliths from Mexican waters were generally lighter and more lobate than those from U.S. and Canadian populations. Age-1 otoliths from northern California in 2006–07 tended to be heavier and smoother than those from other areas, including year-class cohorts from southern California. Comparisons of age-groups and year-classes of northern California otoliths with the use of the PWP models indicated signif icant trends in year-to-year patterns. In conjunction with other established indices of population structure, otolith PWPs are a useful tool for identifying local and regional stocks of Pacific sardine and may help distinguish populations of other fish species as well.
Significance of Triglyceride-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Purpose Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the significance of markers such as the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and TG-glucose (TyG) indices in a group of patients with NAFLD. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients aged 5–18 years diagnosed with NAFLD between January 2014 and January 2021. Results Among the 151 patients with NAFLD, 79.5% were found to be obese, and the mean TG/HDL-C ratio (3.78±2.54 vs. 3.13±2.24) and TyG index (4.69±0.28 vs. 4.56±0.30) were slightly higher in patients with obesity compared to those without obesity. Patients with severe hepatic steatosis had a significantly higher mean TG/HDL-C ratio (4.11±2.16 vs. 3.11±2.30, p=0.035) than those with mild to moderate steatosis. Severe hepatic steatosis grade was defined as an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the TG/HDL-C ratio of 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.544–0.875), with an optimal cutoff value of 3.37. Conclusion A high TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with severe hepatic steatosis and diabetes mellitus in children with NAFLD. Measurement of this ratio can help clinicians in identifying patients and targeting them for treatment and follow-up.
Competitive Strength Effect In the Climate Response of Scots Pine Radial Growth In South-Central Siberia Forest-Steppe

ABSTRACT This paper presents a method for classification of trees in groups depending on parameters of the age trend in tree-ring width. The method is tested on a sample containing 194 trees of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in the forest-steppe zone of the South of Central Siberia. The climatic response of tree-ring width in such climatic conditions is complex. The influence of temperature in May-September is negative (moisture reducing). Warm-season precipitation serving as a source of moisture is a positive factor. Another positive factor is cold-season precipitation as frost protection. We determined the dependence of this response on the local conditions (soil, landscape and anthropogenic factors). The competitive strength of the trees influences both the sensitivity of individual trees to extreme climatic factors and the timing of growth processes. The latter implies the duration of the period of significant response to climate. It appears promising to take this influence into account in dendroclimatic reconstructions by using separate clusters of trees based on the competitive strength and having the maximum response to the reconstructed factor.
Iron fluxes to Talos Dome, Antarctica, over the past 200 kyr

Abstract. Atmospheric fluxes of iron (Fe) over the past 200 kyr are reported for the coastal Antarctic Talos Dome ice core, based on acid leachable Fe concentrations. Fluxes of Fe to Talos Dome were consistently greater than those at Dome C, with the greatest difference observed during interglacial climates. We observe different Fe flux trends at Dome C and Talos Dome during the deglaciation and early Holocene, attributed to a combination of deglacial activation of dust sources local to Talos Dome and the reorganisation of atmospheric transport pathways with the retreat of the Ross Sea ice shelf. This supports similar findings based on dust particle sizes and fluxes and Rare Earth Element fluxes. We show that Ca and Fe should not be used as quantitative proxies for mineral dust, as they all demonstrate different deglacial trends at Talos Dome and Dome C. Considering that a 20 ppmv decrease in atmospheric CO2 at the coldest part of the last glacial maximum occurs contemporaneously with the period of greatest Fe and dust flux to Antarctica, we confirm that the maximum contribution of aeolian dust deposition to Southern Ocean sequestration of atmospheric CO2 is approximately 20 ppmv.
Emotional intelligence as a predictor of job satisfaction: the mediating role of conflict management in nurses

Background Emotional Intelligence (EI) has emerged as a pivotal factor in work effectiveness and well-being within the healthcare domain. Specifically, its significance is heightened in the nursing sector, where emotional and social demands are high. Additionally, job satisfaction and conflict management are recognized as vital predictors of patient care service quality. However, there is a dearth of research addressing the mediating role of conflict management in the relationship between EI and job satisfaction within a nursing context. Objective This study aims to assess the mediating role of conflict management in the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among nurses. Methods The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was followed. A cross-sectional and explanatory design was employed. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires to measure emotional intelligence, conflict management, and job satisfaction. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. Results A total of 208 nurses aged between 18 and 65 years participated (M = 41.18, SD = 8.942). The findings confirmed a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management (β = 0.64, p < 0.001). Similarly, a positive relationship between conflict management and job satisfaction was observed (β = 0.37, p < 0.001). Moreover, conflict management was validated as a mediator in the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction (β = 0.77, p = 0.002). Conclusion The study underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and conflict management as predictors of job satisfaction in nurses. The results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence might be an effective avenue for increasing job satisfaction, especially when conflict management strategies are integrated.
Required and possessed Nigerian University graduates employability quality: Perception of Gombe State employers of labour

This study investigated the perception of Gombe State employers of labour on the required employability quality of Nigerian university graduates' employability. The study adopted the survey design in which two research questions were set. The research was carried out in Gombe State, Nigeria. The multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the participating organizations and individual respondents. A total of 336 organisations constituted the study sample. A scale titled “Nigerian University Graduate Employability Quality Scale (NUGEQS)” was developed by x the researchers for data collection. The scale has two versions (Employers' Expectations and Employers' Rating). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of simple frequency counts and percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square.The findings revealed a mismatch between the employability skills expected by Gombe State employers of labour and the possessed skills by Nigerian university graduates. The paper recommended that curriculum planners and tertiary institutions should respond to the challenge of differences in the expected and actual qualities of Nigerian university graduates
Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Control in Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) Turf by Diclofop

Greenhouse and field experiments were performed to investigate diclofop rate and mowing height interactions on goosegrass control and ‘Tifgreen’ and ‘Tifdwarf’ bermudagrass tolerance. In greenhouse experiments, greatest goosegrass control was achieved with diclofop when plants were maintained at 1.3 cm. Increased diclofop rates were required to suppress goosegrass mowed higher than 1.3 cm or unmowed. Greater than 90% goosegrass control was achieved with the combination of 1.3-cm mowing height and 0.6 kg ai ha–1 of diclofop. In field experiments, a minimum of 2 weeks was necessary for complete herbicidal activity. Diclofop at 1.1 kg ha–1 provided >90% control of goosegrass mowed between 1.9 to 2.5 cm. The addition of nonionic surfactant (0.25% by vol) to diclofop did not influence control. The addition of metribuzin (0.1 kg ai ha–1) to diclofop resulted in initial increased control, but it was transient The addition of MSMA (2.2 kg ai ha–1) to diclofop reduced goosegrass control an average of 18% compared to diclofop treatments alone. Tifdwarf bermudagrass was more sensitive to diclofop compared to Tifgreen. Seven to 14 days were required for Tifdwarf to recover from initial injury. This injury, although significant, was acceptable for bermudagrass used for golf greens. Clipping weights following treatment were also less for Tifdwarf than Tifgreen.
Protective Effect of Procyanidin-Rich Grape Seed Extract against Gram-Negative Virulence Factors

Biofilm formation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Grape seeds, wine industry by-products, have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. In the present study, the protective effect of procyanidin-rich grape seed extract (prGSE), from unfermented pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv Bellone, on bacterial LPS-induced oxidative stress and epithelial barrier integrity damage has been studied in a model of Caco-2 cells. The prGSE was characterized at the molecular level using HPLC and NMR. The in vitro activity of prGSE against formation of biofilm of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli was investigated. In vivo, prGSE activity using infected Galleria mellonella larvae has been evaluated. The results show that the prGSE, if administered with LPS, can significantly reduce the LPS-induced permeability alteration. Moreover, the ability of the extract to prevent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production induced by the LPS treatment of Caco-2 cells was demonstrated. prGSE inhibited the biofilm formation of E. coli and S. Typhimurium. In terms of in vivo activity, an increase in survival of infected G. mellonella larvae after treatment with prGSE was demonstrated. In conclusion, grape seed extracts could be used to reduce GI damage caused by bacterial endotoxin and biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria.
InSAR monitoring of progressive land subsidence in Neyshabour, northeast Iran

SUMMARY The area of Neyshabour, a small historical city located in Northeast Iran, is subject to land subsidence. To monitor the temporal evolution of the subsidence, the small baseline subset (SBAS) algorithm is used for interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) time-series analysis. To limit the spatial and temporal decorrelation phenomena, the interferograms produced from the raw ENVISAT ASAR data are characterized by small spatial and temporal baselines. Accordingly, four independent SAR acquisition data sets separated by large spatial and temporal baselines are used in the time-series analysis. To link the separate data sets, a smoothing constraint that minimizes the curvature of the subsidence temporal evolution is added to the least-squares method. The optimum smoothing factor estimated in the smoothed time-series analysis reduces the atmospheric noise, unwrapping and orbital errors whereas it preserves the non-linear seasonal deformation features. The time-series results show an incremental lowering of the ground surface, accompanied by small seasonal effects. The mean LOS deformation velocity map computed from the time-series analysis demonstrates a considerable subsidence rate of up to 19 cm yr–1. Comparison between the InSAR time-series and continuous GPS measurements verifies the accuracy of the obtained results. Moreover, the quantitative integration of the InSAR-derived displacement measurements with observations of the hydraulic head fluctuations causing these displacements yields information about the compressibility and storage properties of the aquifer system.
Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour of Paddy Growers towards Use and Handling of Pesticides in Krishna Western Delta area of Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Use of pesticides have become inevitable for crop pest management leading to increased cost of cultivation, pesticides residues in food and also making the farmers vulnerable to risks of pesticide application. Thus, study on paddy farmers’ knowledge and practices in handling pesticides was conducted among 90 farmers in Krishna Western Delta area of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A great majority of the farmers were unaware about recommended pesticides (70.65%) as per Insecticide Act, 1968 and got the advisories on pesticide recommendation from retail pesticide shop dealers (66.30%). About 67.39% measured pesticide using bottle cap and majority of the farmers (63.04%) didn’t follow any safety measure during pesticide application and 69.57% were unaware of the first aid practices to be followed in case of accidental poisoning. None of the farmers were aware of proper disposal methods and 80% throw the used pesticide containers into open fields or in the farm.
Detecting Fluvial Wood in Forested Watersheds using LiDAR Data: A Methodological Assessment

It has long been known that large wood in rivers increases channel complexity and is a primary driver of geomorphic change in forested mountain streams in the Pacific Northwest. Studies analyzing the presence and distribution of fluvial wood are often limited in their spatial extents to the site or reach scales because of the intensive fieldwork required for comprehensive wood surveys. Remote sensing techniques are beginning to allow researchers to assess fluvial wood dynamics and distributions on a basin or regional scale. We used 2009 high‐resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data to detect and quantify wood within five forested watersheds in the Oregon Coast Range. We filtered the LiDAR data to remove the forest canopy over the stream channel and visually inventoried fluvial wood based on its distinct shape within the channels. We derived several wood and stream morphometric variables to test theories relating to wood abundance and positioning in the lower reaches of streams. We were able to detect fluvial wood with confidence; however, validation of results with ground‐truth data was difficult in the study due to the dynamic and mobile nature of wood through time. We mapped a total of 163 single logs and 55 logjams within the five study watersheds. We did not find statistically significant differences between individual pieces and jam positioning in relation to slope; however, the surveyed wood was often found in areas of lower stream power. This research shows that it is possible to use height‐filtered LiDAR to detect in‐stream wood in densely forested watersheds and has the potential to be employed in future wood studies across broad spatial scales. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution and conservation status of the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea in New South Wales

The Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea has undergone a dramatic population decline in New South Wales. During this time the species' status in this state has changed from being common in the 1960s to endangered in 1992. To assess the present population numbers and environmental pressures, 31 sites within the Greater Sydney region and 61 sites from regional areas of New South Wales were surveyed. The sites consisted of previously known but no longer used localities prior to 1990, as well as more recently discovered localities. Since 1990, only 38 localities have been recorded for Green and Golden Bell Frogs, 19 of these are in the Greater Sydney region. Since the 1960s Green and Golden Bell Frogs have disappeared completely from all highland areas above 250 m a.s. l. Coastal populations have been reduced in number and are more isolated from other extant populations. Many of the extant sites are new sites (post 1990) for this species and occur in highly disturbed environments. The ecological niche of t.
Effects of partially defatted larvae meal of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) on caecal microbiota and volatile compounds of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica)

Abstract The present study explored the effects of substituting maize gluten meal with increasing levels of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in Muscovy ducks’ diets on their caecal microbiota and organic volatile compounds. The ducks were divided into four groups, each receiving a diet containing 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% BSFLM (HI0, HI3, HI6, and HI9, respectively). At slaughter (50 days of age), caecal samples were collected and analysed. The alpha diversity indexes were lower in the HI9 than in the HI0 and HI3 treatments that did not differ between them. Bacteroidetes in the HI0 and Firmicutes in the HI6 treatment showed a higher abundance than in the HI9 treatment. Faecalibacterium and Megamonas were more abundant in the HI6 than in the HI9 treatment. Abundance of Clostridium and unclassified Coriobacteriaceae were higher and lower, respectively, in the HI9 than in the HI0 treatment. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that Faecalibacterium, unclassified Victivallaceae and Megamonas in relation to Ruminococcus would separate the HI6 and HI9 treatments, while unclassified Coriobacteriaceae in relation to Streptococcus and Faecalibacterium would distinguish the HI0 and HI3 from the HI6 and HI9 treatments. Eleven volatile compounds were more abundant HI9 than in the HI6 treatment. Five of them were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium and two with Megamonas. These findings indicate that diets with 6% and 9% BSFLM alter the caecal microbiota in Muscovy ducks, while a diet with 3% BSFLM has no effect. The distinct abundance of several volatile compounds in the 6% and 9% BSFLM treatments suggests a relationship between their characteristic microbiota profile and those compounds that warrants further investigation. HIGHLIGHTS 3% black soldier fly larvae meal in duck feed does not affect caecal microbiota profile. Diets with 6% and 9% black soldier fly larvae meal trigger distinct caecal microbiota and volatile compound shifts.