Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal BRUVs (baited remote underwater video system) survey design for reef fish monitoring in the Stilbaai Marine Protected Area

Marine protected areas (MPAs) play an important role in coastal conservation, but there is presently no uniformly applied methodology for monitoring the efficacy of coastal fish protection. Whereas underwater visual census and controlled angling surveys have been used, their skilled-labour requirements and environmental impact have prevented their nation-wide application in South Africa. We used a baited remote underwater video system (BRUVs) to provide the first survey of reef fishes in the Stilbaai MPA (SMPA), and assessed the deployment time and sample size requirements of BRUVs for reef fish monitoring. Thirty-eight species, including 13 chondrichthyans, were recorded in one-hour deployments across 29 sites in the 11.3 km2 no-take zone of the SMPA, in depths ranging from 5 to 41 m. Bait was limited to sardine Sardinops sagax homogenate, but the species recorded by BRUVs comprised several feeding guilds, including herbivores. Optimal deployment time was 49 min, but 60 min is recommended as a conservative and practical standard. Over a five-year period, annual BRUVs sample sizes required to detect increases in abundance of 0.1 y−1 with 80% power would be 28 deployments for abundant species and 129 for rare species. Detection of decreases of equivalent magnitude will require more samples.
Executive Attitudes to Lean Management at the National University Hospital of Iceland

According to definition, the term ‘lean management’ involves increasing value for a client at minimum cost. In order to reach that goal, companies and institutions must realise that the flow of the products and/or service needs to be increased throughout the whole value chain. All waste taking place during the procedure must be prevented, from the beginning to the end, as it is not enough to eliminate it only in isolated areas. It is therefore important to create processes that require less labour, space, money, are less likely to cause mistakes or flaws, and require less time when handling and dealing with products and/or services. The application of lean management is a different approach to labour efficiency, involving a diverse and lean journey towards improved operations, and is thus not solely a process. Lean management can be applied to any form of activity, and after implementing the methodology, new and goal-oriented work begins. The objective of this research is to examine the attitudes of executives to lean management and to answer the research questions:  Do executives find that they have received satisfactory instruction and training in the methodology of lean management?  Is the implementation of lean management showing results, in the view of executives?
Seasonal dynamics of a periodically flooded man-made habitat in a submontane region: Junco bufonii-Gnaphalietum uliginosi or Cyperetum micheliani?

As a result of water regulation in the past, periodically exposed natural habitats with vegetation of the class Isoëeto-Nanojuncetea in Slovakia and the surrounding Central European countries have recently become scattered. Many of its characteristic species have, however, found opportunities for living in secondary habitats such as water reservoirs or field depressions. While much research has been carried out on amphibious vegetation in Slovakia, no data drawn from the Liptov Basin have been published to date. Here we provide the first vegetation survey of exposed banks of the Liptovská Mara Dam, four decades after its construction. Vegetation analyses identified three groups. Cluster 1 gathered on regularly exposed banks with nitrophilous perennial vegetation (Bidenti-Polygonetum hydropiperis and Rumici crispi-Agrostietum stoloniferae). Cluster 2 was found in the middle zone formed by annual stands and was the most widespread vegetation type within the studied object. In the newest surveys from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, vegetation with the same species composition was reported as Cyperetum micheliani. Comparison of those data with ours revealed that stands from Liptovská Mara belonged to the association Junco bufonii-Gnaphalietum uliginosi. Finally, cluster 3 grouped the most rarely exposed shores, with dwarf annual vegetation blocked by repeating inundation (Eleocharito acicularis-Limoselletum aquaticae). The length of flooding, slope and soil texture were the primary factors affecting the zonation of plant communities. Despite the secondary origin of the study object, the species composition is natural, and spreading of neophytes was not detected. In the case of such an artificial habitat, this is a remarkable finding.
Importance of fine needle aspiration cytology in thyroid lesions- A study of 51 cases

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple and cost-effective method in the diagnosis and early management of thyroid lesions. As this procedure provides rapid results, still is a diagnostic method of choice. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of FNAC in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions. In this study, 51 cases of thyroid were considered and FNAC findings were classified according to the Bethesda system. Maximum cases were found to of benign nature (76.4%), 3.9% were malignant and 1.9% were no diagnostic. The evaluation of thyroid FNAC samples provides immediate results and helps in the accurate plan of management of the patients. Furthermore crucial evaluation of FNAC smears of thyroid nodules reduces the need of surgical treatment and also decreases the apprehension of the patient for the disease.
Changes in the chemical composition of traditional Chinese-type soy sauce at different stages of manufacture and its relation to taste

Summary Chemical composition of traditional Chinese-type soy sauce (TCSS) at different stages of manufacture (moromi fermentation and pasteurisation) were analysed. Results showed that total nitrogen, formaldehyde nitrogen, total titratable acid, reducing sugar, NaCl, water soluble peptides, free amino acids (FAAs) and Maillard reaction products in TCSS changed significantly during manufacture. Most of FAAs were released during initial stage (0–15 days) of moromi fermentation, peptides (1–5 kDa) kept dominant (69.34–80.88%) among all peptides during manufacture and Maillard reaction products increased progressively during moromi fermentation and increased sharply during pasteurisation. According to hierarchical cluster analysis and sensory evaluation, there were obvious correlation between FAAs and sensory score of over-all in TCSS during manufacture, which indicated that balanced FAAs composition might be mainly responsible for the taste formation of TCSS. Besides, pasteurisation can further improve the over-all taste of TCSS.
Relationship Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Susceptibility Genes and Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the principal cause of death in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether NAFLD is causally involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. For this, previously reported NAFLD susceptibility genes were clustered and tested for an association with CAD in the Coronary Artery Disease Genome‐Wide Replication and Meta‐Analysis plus the Coronary Artery Disease Genetics (CARDIoGRAMplusC4D) Consortium data set. The role of plasma lipids as a potential mediator was explored by using data from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Statistical analyses revealed that the combination of 12 NAFLD genes was not associated with CAD in 60,801 CAD cases and 123,504 controls (odds ratio [OR] per NAFLD risk allele, 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99‐1.00). In a subsequent sensitivity analysis, a positive relationship was observed after exclusion of gene variants that are implicated in NAFLD through impaired very low‐density lipoprotein secretion (i.e., microsomal triglyceride transfer protein [MTTP], patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 [PNPLA3], phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase [PEMT], and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 [TM6SF2]) (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.02). Clustering of the excluded genes showed a significant negative relationship with CAD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96‐0.99). A substantial proportion of the observed heterogeneity between the individual NAFLD genes in relation to CAD could be explained by plasma lipids, as reflected by a strong relationship between plasma lipids and CAD risk conferred by the NAFLD susceptibility genes (r = 0.76; P = 0.004 for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol). Conclusion: NAFLD susceptibility genes do not cause CAD per se. The relationship between these genes and CAD appears to depend to a large extent on plasma lipids. These observations strongly suggest taking plasma lipids into account when designing a new drug to target NAFLD.
QUNTITATIVE ION DISTRIBUTION WITHIN ROOT CELLS OF SALT-SENSITIVE AND SALT-TOLERANT MAIZE VARIETIES.

Significant varietal differences were apparent in the survival of seedlings of maize in saline conditions but only at relatively high external concentrations (200 mol m-3 NaCl), where there was a range from 0 to 66% survival, 25 d after salinization. For the varieties examined there was a strong negative correlation between Na concentrations in the third leaf and survival. Two resistant varieties (Across 8024 and Protador) and one salt-sensitive variety (LG11 ) were identified. The characteristics of ion accumulation were clearly different in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive types, the difference becoming more pronounced with plant age. The distribution of ions, particular those of Na, K and Cl, was determined within subcellular compartments of roots cells using X-ray microanalysis of freeze-substituted tissue. Salinity induced a greater increase (about 1.7 times) in cytoplasmic Na concentration in the salt-sensitive variety (LG11 ) than in resistant varieties (Across 8024 or Protador). The mean K:Na ratio in the cytoplasm of the root cortical cells in the salt-resistant varieties grown for 15 d in saline conditions (100 mol m-3 NaCl) was twice that found for LG11 . Sodium and Cl concentrations in the vacuoles decreased radially inwards from the epidermal cells in salt-treated roots of LG11 .
Plants‐associated microflora and the remediation of oil‐contaminated soil

Abstract The use of plants and their rhizospheric microorganisms is a promising emerging technology for remediating contaminated soils. The degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in the rhizospheric and nonrhizospheric soil of three domestic plants, namely, alfalfa (Medicaga sativa) broad beans (Vicia faba) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was investigated. The experimental data from the studies of plantmicrobe‐soil interactions implicated the enhancement of TPH degradation by the rhizospheric microbial community. Although the three domestic plants exhibited normal growth in the presence of ∼1.0% TPH, the degradation was more profound in the case of leguminous plants. The TPH degradation in the soil cultivated with broad beans and alfalfa was 36.6 and 35.8%, respectively, compared with 24% degradation in case of ryegrass. Such a high correlation between plant type and TPH degradation rates indicate that selection for enhanced rhizosphere degradation may be accomplished by selecting leguminous plants.
Thermophilic xylanase production by Aspergillus niger in solid state fermentation using wheat straw and corn cob

The screening of thermophilic xylanase production strains was vital worth to enlarge their application range. A thermophilic xylanase production strain was screened from 11 Aspergillus niger strains which were kept in lab. Its optimal pH value and temperature for its activity were 5.0 and 55°C, respectively. The range of pH stability was wide, and it was stable at pH range of 3.0 to 9.0. Its thermal stability was good, the enzyme activity of xylanase almost did not lose when it was kept at 50°C for 30 min, and the remaining activity was still 55% left even when it was kept at 85°C for 30 min. Then, through single factor and orthogonal array tests, the culture medium and the fermentation conditions were optimized as follows: 30% wheat bran, 70% corncob, 1% NH4NO3, the ratio of solid medium and water was 1:1.2, the optimum inoculum concentration was 1.5×10 5 CFU/g dry matter. The highest xylanase activity was 2762 U/g dry matter under above conditions.
Prehension in Cebus and Saimiri: I. Grip type and hand preference

Prehension was examined in tufted capuchins (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Individual subjects were videotaped from frontal and sagittal planes while they grasped small objects presented in several ways (in view, out of view, embedded, moving). Capuchins used a precision grip in 30% of trials and in more than half of trials with stationary objects. Most (54%) of the precision grips used were opposition of the thumb to the index finger; however, eight other forms were also observed. Squirrel monkeys never used a precision grip. Data on hand preference, preliminary data on movement velocity, and preliminary observations of movement trajectories (up to the time of hand shaping prior to contact with the object) do not indicate significant differences across genera in these aspects of prehension. The presence of varied precision grips in capuchins and no form of precision grip in squirrel monkeys leads to two conclusions. First, a thumb classification of “opposable” (vs. “pseudo‐opposable”) is not essential for precision gripping. Capuchins, with pseudo‐opposable thumbs, use precision grips routinely. Second, the fundamental difference between these genera, which accommodates precision gripping in capuchins, is the capacity in capuchins (but not in squirrel monkeys) to produce lateral pressure between opposing digits. The anatomy of the spinal pyramidal tract and neuromuscular interfacing in the hands may be more sensitive gauges of manual dexterity than the anatomy of the thumb.
Department of Mathematics

The curriculum for the BS in Applied Mathematics includes courses in economics, industrial engineering, statistics, computer science and mathematics. A student completing this program is prepared to enter employment with analytical and quantitative tools relevant to modern technological industries and/or modern financial markets. On the other hand, with the appropriate electives chosen, the student is prepared to enter quantitatively oriented graduate programs. Advising for this degree option is done through the Undergraduate Program Office in the Department of Mathematics.
Performance of an Easy and Simple New Scoring Model in Predicting Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract Background Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a growing global problem in bacterial community-acquired urinary tract infections (CUTIs). We aimed to propose an easy-to-use clinical prediction model to identify patients with MDR in CUTI. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including 770 patients with documented CUTI diagnosed during 2010–2017. Logistic regression–based prediction scores were calculated based on variables independently associated with MDR. Sensitivities and specificities at various cutoff points were determined, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was computed. Results We found MDR Enterobacteriaceae in 372 cases (45.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥70 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–3.5), diabetes mellitus (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19–2.3), history of urinary tract surgery in the last 12 months (aOR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.22–17), and previous antimicrobial therapy in the last 3 months (aOR, 4.6; 95% CI, 3–7) were independent risk factors of MDR in CUTI. The results of Hosmer-Lemshow chi-square testing were indicative of good calibration of the model (χ2 = 3.4; P = .49). At a cutoff of ≥2, the score had an AUROC of 0.71, a sensitivity of 70.5%, a specificity of 60%, a positive predictive value of 60%, a negative predictive value of 70%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 65%. When the cutoff was raised to 6, the sensitivity dropped (43%), and the specificity increased appreciably (85%). Conclusions We developed a novel scoring system that can reliably identify patients likely to be harboring MDR in CUTI.
The role of topical tacrolimus in adherence to antifungal therapy in recalcitrant tinea incognito: a preliminary non randomised controlled study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The dropout of outpatients on antifungal therapy for recalcitrant tinea incognito is attributable to the flare on withdrawal of topical corticosteroids and the virulence of pathogens. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of topical tacrolimus in adherence to antifungal therapy in recalcitrant tinea incognito. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 28 cases of topical corticosteroid induced tinea incognito of more than 6 months duration were enrolled and topical and systemic antifungal therapy instituted for 8 weeks. Topical tacrolimus was also instituted in the test cohort. The end point for resolution was the absence of raised margins, erythema, induration and scaling. <strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 17 patients were male while 11 were female and their age ranged from 16-45 years (mean 26.5). Two patients were from upper-middle; 5 from lower-middle and 21 from upper-lower socioeconomic class. Their occupations included shop assistants, security guards, drivers and labourers and the duration of illness ranged from 7-36 months. Topical corticosteroids were obtained on prescription by 5 and over the counter by 23 patients. Out of the test cohort of 14, all lesions had resolved in 10 patients who had adhered to therapy and were reviewed at the end of 8 and 10 weeks. While 5 reported burning on application of tacrolimus 1 developed folliculitis. Out of the control cohort of 14, though 5 had adhered to therapy all lesions had resolved only in 3 patients at the end of 8 and 10 weeks. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Topical tacrolimus facilitates adherence to antifungal therapy in recalcitrant tinea incognito. </p>
Effect of nitrogen and carbon sources on lignin and cellulose degradation by Armillaria ostoyae

Lignin has been hypothesized to be the primary mechanism of resistance to fungal pathogens in plant tissue. Degradation of lignin and cellulose by Armillaria ostoyae cultured for six weeks in Melin-Norkrans medium containing various nitrogen and carbon sources was measured radiometrically. No consistent pattern of lignin or cellulose degradation was found, regardless of A. ostoyae isolate, nitrogen source and concentration, or carbon concentration. More lignin was degraded as the concentration of glucose and fructose increased but not when the concentration of sucrose increased.
Development of Isospora bigemina in dogs and other mammals

The life-cycle of canine Isospora bigemina was studied in dogs, cattle, cats and mice. Under experimental conditions dogs served as both definitive and intermediate hosts. Unsporulated oocysts (11 × 12 μm) were shed in the faeces and sporulated outside the host within 12 h at 30–37 °C and 36 to 48 h at 23 °C. Sporulated oocysts measured 12 × 13 μm and contained 2 sporocysts which in turn contained 4 sporozoites. Sporocysts averaged 6 × 9 μm and sporozoites averaged 2 × 6 μm. Although no stages were found microscopically in tissues or in faeces of 23 dogs orally inoculated with sporulated oocysts, the oocysts were infectious because 5 of 14 dogs that ingested tissues of dogs fed oocysts, shed oocysts. Prepatent periods were 7 to 15 days; patency was 1–3 days. No dogs became ill. In the naturally infected dog and one experimentally infected dog, schizonts were found in epithelial cells, distal to the host cell nucleus at the tips of villi throughout the small intestine. Schizonts were 5–7 μm and contained 3–12 merozoites. In the naturally infected dog, gametes were found in the same location. Male gametocytes were 6–8 μm and contained 6–12 microgametes, and female gametes were 7–8 μm. Sporulated I. bigemina oocysts from a naturally infected dog were not infectious to cattle, cats or mice. Structurally identical oocysts were shed by 2 dogs after ingesting hearts and diaphragm from naturally infected cattle; these oocysts were also not infectious to cattle. Although dogs acted as both intermediate and definitive hosts under experimentation, this is not likely to occur in nature. A canine-bovine-canine cycle would appear to be the natural mode of infection but I. bigemina was not infectious to cattle under experimental conditions.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Abundance and Diversity of an East African Leaf Litter Amphibian Fauna

We present data on sample richness, relative abundance, and community structure of a leaf litter amphibian assemblage from globally important miombo‐mopane woodlands characteristic of western Tanzania. We describe patterns of diversity across major habitat types and between different seasons from an annual pitfall‐trapping campaign. We recorded 28 species of amphibians, which is significantly higher than existing richness estimates for other miombo woodland sites elsewhere in sub‐Saharan Africa. We found that cultivation of native habitat reduces frog diversity, a conclusion that has important implications in light of the rapid conversion of miombo woodland for agriculture and fuel‐wood across much of southern and central Africa. Many species showed strongly ansynchronized patterns of seasonality in relative abundance, which has significant implications for the establishment of successful monitoring programs and biodiversity surveys. These conclusions emphasize the importance of stratified long‐term sampling in biodiversity studies and demonstrate that superficial levels of sampling effort can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding patterns of diversity in amphibian communities. The relatively poor focus on herpetofaunal research in African miombo‐mopane woodland is out of proportion to its ecological and conservation significance.
Advanced Glycation Endproducts as Biomarkers for Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases by Skin Autofluorescence: A Noninvasive Optical Screening.

Objective: The aim of this research is to study skin autofluorescence and the associations between skin glycated proteins and clinical characteristics of healthy and unhealthy subjects for noninvasive screening of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Background data: Accumulated advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) promote increased oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as cross-linking of proteins leading to tissue damage and several diseases, including diabetes. Materials and methods: One hundred and four subjects with or without diabetes and stroke aged 20-80 years and with Fitzpatrick skin type (I to IV) participated in this study. The fluorescence spectrometer was used to illuminate a skin surface of 1 cm2. The skin of forearm was positioned on the spectrometer to assess skin AGEs. Anthropometric data and body composition also were evaluated. Results: Elevated skin autofluorescence was found in subjects >50 years old, as well as in patients with insulin resistance (IR), diabetes, and stroke. There was a positive correlation between the skin autofluorescence and age (r = 0.7, p = 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.5, p = 0.001), body fat (r = 0.5, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (BP) (r = 0.45, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Elevated skin autofluorescence can provide a noninvasive screening of diabetes and CVD risks.