Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosurfactant Production by Rhizospheric Bacteria Isolated from Biochar Amended Soil Using Different Extraction Solvents

Microbial-derived surface-active compounds (biosurfactants) have attracted attention due to their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, biodegradable nature and environment compatibility. Due to paucity of knowledge in the production of biosurfactant by microorganisms from other sources such as biochar-amended soil, the present study investigates the potential of rhizospheric bacteria isolated from biochar amended soil of okra plant in the production of biosurfactants using different recovery techniques. Rhizospheric bacteria were screened for biosurfactant production using Haemolytic, Oil spreading, Drop collapse, Methylene blue method, Bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon and Emulsification activity. The biosurfactant was extracted using different extraction solvents (acid precipitation, ethyl acetate, acetone, dichloromethane and chloroform/methanol). Degradation of hydrocarbon (diesel) was determined spectrophotometrically. A total of twenty-three rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from the soil of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra plant). Nine isolates were positive for haemolysis with values between 1.1±0.2 mm by Enterobacter cloaca and 23.0±0.6 mm by Alcaligenes faecalis. Two isolates were positive for the drop collapse test. Only one isolate was positive for the methylene blue method. In the oil spreading test, ten isolates were positive and five isolates had the ability to adhere to hydrocarbons. Six isolates exhibited emulsification potential after 24 h, with the highest and lowest (65.9%) and (40.7%) recorded by Alcaligenes faecalis and Citrobacter sp, respectively. The biosurfactant produced by Alcaligenes faecalis using different recovery solvents showed that chloroform and methanol are the best extraction solvents and Alcaligenes faecalis was also able to degrade diesel oil over a period of 10 d. Conclusively, Alcaligenes faecalis recovered from soil amended sawdust biochar of okra plant is both a potent biosurfactant producer and an agent for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated soil environments.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Decreased Spasticity in Stroke

This study investigates effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on decreased spasticity in stroke in rats. 20 eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, a control group. The experimental group received ESWT after the stroke. The Dartfish software was used to determine the effect of the stroke on functional changes. In the evaluation of the knee and ankle angle in the initial contact of the control and ESWT groups showed statistically significant deference. Application of ESWT reduced spasticity.
Physical activity and lipidomics in a population at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT The aim was to investigate how measurements of the lipidome differ according to the level and intensity of physical activity in a population at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A targeted metabolomics platform provided quantitative molecular data on lipid species. Linear regression examined the associations between plasma lipid concentrations, particle size and time spent in objectively measured physical activity intensity domains, in increments of 500 counts per minute (cpm) (up to >4500 cpm (~>5.6METs)). Results are presented as % difference in the concentration (lower/higher) or particle size (smaller/larger) per 10 min of activity within each intensity. Five hundred and nine participants were included. Time spent in the lowest physical activity intensity domain (<500 cpm) was unfavourably associated with VLDL (2%), HDL (−2%) and Apolipoprotein A-1 particle concentrations (−2%) and HDL diameter (−2%). Conversely, time spent in intensities ≥1000 cpm were favourably associated with HDL subclass concentrations; with stronger associations seen at moderate intensities (2000-3999 cpm (~4.5METs)). For Apolipoprotein-B concentration and VLDL particle concentration and size, a negative association was consistently observed at the highest physical activity intensity only. If these associations are causal, HDL subclasses appear sensitive to light-intensities whereas only the high category of physical activity intensity was consistently associated with VLDL subclasses.
Effect of dietary selenium supplementation and oestrous synchronisation on reproductive performance of South African indigenous goats

Optimum reproduction performance of small ruminants managed under extensive production system can be influenced by the availability of nutrients, especially the mineral content of forages and reproductive management. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Se supplementation and oestrous synchronisation protocols on the reproductive performance of South African indigenous goats during the autumn breeding season. Does (n = 48) were randomly allocated to six treatment groups in a 2x3 factorial design. The factors in the study were Se supplementation (Se supplemented and non-supplemented) and oestrous synchronisation protocols; (progesterone (P4) + male effect, P4 + equine chronic gonadotrophin (eCG) and male effect). The Se supplemented group was dosed with 0.34 mg Se per kg body weight in the form of sodium selenite at 10-days interval. For oestrous synchronisation protocols, all does in the P4 groups were treated with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) for 11 days. At CIDR removal, does in the P4 + eCG group, were intramuscularly injected with 300 IU eCG. While does in the P4 + male effect group, were introduced to a teaser buck wearing an apron. Does in the male effect group did not receive CIDR devices, instead oestrous was naturally synchronised with the aid of teaser buck wearing apron. Reproductive measures taken included, the number of follicles and size of the largest follicle, oestrous response, oestrous onset and duration, gestation length, kidding weight, litter size and pregnancy rate. The results revealed that Se supplementation had no significant effect on the number of follicles, size of the largest follicle, oestrous onset and duration, pregnancy rate, oestrous response, kidding weight, litter size and gestation length. There was no significant difference between oestrous synchronisation treatment groups for their effect on the number of follicles, size of the largest follicle, oestrous response and duration, pregnancy rate, kidding weight and litter size. However, there was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the different oestrous synchronisation protocols on the onset of oestrous. The P4 + male effect protocol had resulted in an earlier onset of oestrous compared to P4 + eCG and male effect groups. The interaction between Se and oestrous synchronisation was significant in terms of kidding weight and oestrous response.
Hunting for points: the effects of research assessment on research practice

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the effects of research assessment on the overall research practices of academics. Case study research was conducted in departments from two contrasting disciplines – the natural sciences and the humanities – in one research intensive Danish university. The case studies examined academics’ and administrators’ experiences of a national bibliometric indicator (BFI) used for research assessment. PhD students and early career researchers reported that the greatest effects of research assessment were on their publishing practices. Prompted by further questions, many interviewees reflected on the relationship between research assessment and changes in their overall research practice about which they were previously unaware. We drew on Bourdieu’s theory of practice to theorise why there was so little reflexivity, especially among senior researchers, about the relationship between actions to comply with research assessment and changes in research practice itself. We conclude by highlighting some potential implications, especially for mentorship of early career academics.
Important Bacterial and Viral Infections in Patients with Hemodialysis

Important Bacterial and Viral Infections in Patients with Hemodialysis Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi, Jamshid Ayatollahi, and Mohammad Darabi Mohebbi Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IR Iran Faculty of Medicine, The International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, IR Iran Corresponding author: Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9132531389, E-mail: shahcheraghih@gmail.com
An Investigation of Low Velocity Impact Properties of Rotationally Molded Skin–Foam–Skin Sandwich Structure

In this study, the low velocity impact properties of rotationally moulded skin-foam-skin sandwich structures were investigated experimentally since there is a need for a greater understanding of the impact behaviour of these composites in service to extend the range of their applications. Polyethylene rotationally moulded sandwich structures were manufactured at various skin and core layer thickness combinations and tested using an instrumented low velocity drop weight impact testing machine at 20J to 100J impact energy levels, at room temperature. This allowed the identification of the impact response, failure mode, the effects of the skin and core layer thickness on impact resistance. Force-deflection curves, maximum force, contact time, maximum deflection versus impact energy curves were analysed. Samples were seen to fail due to the indentation dart piercing the upper and lower skins, with crushing and consolidation seen in the core foamed layer. Delamination at the core/skin interface was not observed. It was found that fracture initiates from the lower skin and then continues to grow to the upper skin via the foamed core layer. The impact resistance was noted to increase with increasing skin and core layer thickness, though an increase in skin layer thickness had a greater contribution than an increase in the core layer thickness. Keywords: Rotational moulding, skin-foam-skin, sandwich, low velocity impact, PE.
Identities for Dirichlet and Lambert-type series arising from the numbers of a certain special word

The goal of this paper is to give several new Dirichlet-type series associated with the Riemann zeta function, the polylogarithm function, and also the numbers of necklaces and Lyndon words. By applying Dirichlet convolution formula to number-theoretic functions related to these series, various novel identities and relations are derived. Moreover, some new formulas related to Bernoulli-type numbers and polynomials obtain from generating functions and these Dirichlet-type series. Finally, several relations among the Fourier expansion of Eisenstein series, the Lambert series and the number-theoretic functions are given.
Measuring the scientific publications of double first‐class universities from mainland China

This paper reports a comparative study of the scientific publications of double first‐class universities based on international and domestic Chinese databases from 2006 to 2018. The main results are as follows. Quantitatively, the absolute total number of articles published by Chinese universities has increased. Specifically, the number of international publications in the natural and social sciences from double first‐class universities showed an increasing trend, but the number of domestic journal articles showed the reverse trend. Moreover, based on the number of papers published by each university over the years, we recognized that the ranking changes of universities fall into four categories: rising, declining, stable, and fluctuating. Qualitatively, the international and domestic publications issued by double first‐class universities greatly improved from 2006 to 2018. Moreover, scientific publications, either international or domestic, were unevenly distributed among the double first‐class universities. In general, the double first‐class universities developed rapidly in recent years and play an important role in the development of science and technology in China.
Chips or caviar, lazy or loyal?: Investigating neural correlates of accent-related stereotypes about Frisian speakers of Dutch

A common finding in the literature is that standard accents are associated with status, while regional accents are associated with social attractiveness. An issue with these studies, however, is that a questionnaire-based evaluation method is not informative regarding the neural processes that occur while these association are activated. The present study therefore compared the electrophysiological brain responses in subjects hearing a series of accent-congruent versus accentincongruent statements; these statements were either made by a Frisian (regional) or Dutch (standard) speaker. It was hypothesized that accent-incongruent items would elicit a larger negativity than accent-congruent stimuli around 400ms (N400) post stimulus-onset, reflecting difficulties integrating speaker and message. Furthermore, in the analyses a comparison was made between Frisian and Dutch subjects. It was expected that participants who heard a speaker from their own group utter negative but accent-congruent stimuli, would show a larger N400 effect compared to subjects from the other group, due to not having the same implicit associations with this accent. Similarly, participants who heard positive but accent-incongruent stimuli from a fellow group-member were expected to display a smaller N400 effect compared to the other group. While some differences between accents or groups were significant, no evidence in favor of these hypotheses was found. A number of possible explanations for this lack of effect is discussed, as well as suggestions to improve further work in this field. N400; speaker-message integration; implicit associations; accent stereotypes
ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CeO2 AND Nd2O3 NANOPARTICLES

Cerium oxide (CeO2) and Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) nanoparticles using local content have been synthesized by precipitation method. The CeO2 and Nd2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) to analyze the material phase and structure. The XRD spectrum shows that CeO2 and Nd2O3 nanoparticles have face-centered cubic and hexagonal, and cubic, respectively. The anti-microbial activity of CeO2 and Nd2O3 nanoparticles was analyzed by diffusion method using gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa), and gram-positive bacteria (S. entericatyphi, L. monocyogenes), and fungus (C. albicans). The result confirms that CeO2 and Nd2O3 nanoparticles have the capability of microbial pathogen inhibition. The CeO2 nanoparticles have the effective activities of inhibition for the microbial of S. aureus and S. entericatyphi, whereas Nd2O3 nanoparticles can inhibit the microbial of P. aeruginosa, S. entericatyphi, and L. monocyogenes.
Effect of integrating research skills in the medical curriculum: a comparative cross sectional study on students’ research practices and their perception at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah

Background: Health research plays a vital role in promoting medical students’ interest in academic medical careers, and increases their postgraduate research productivity. Scientific research skills were integrated into the developed medical curriculum implemented at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in 2006-2007 and its impact on students’ research practices was not assessed till now. Objectives: this study aimed to assess the effect of integrating scientific research skills into the medical curriculum on research practices and perception among senior medical students at KAU. Subjects and methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the KAU in the academic year 2014-2015. A validated questionnaire was distributed to all the sixth year medical students (n=307) and 60% (n=184) of them responded. Data was analysis by using the Statistical Package of Social Science. Results: About 51% of the students have started their own research projects and 17% have completed and published their articles, 14.7% of them got accepted manuscript for publication. Career progression (75%) was the main students’ motive to conduct research and the lack of dedicated time for research was the most reported obstacle to participate in research (73.4%). Students reported that inclusion of one-month rotation dedicated for research in the internship will enhance their research activity (68.5%) and agreed that research publication will greatly improve their postgraduate acceptance chances (95.1%). Conclusion: A large percent of KAU senior medical students have started their research project but only small percent succeed to complete it. Providing dedicated time for conduction research, more research opportunities and devoted supervisors are recommended to further boost students’ involvement in research.
Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) Deficiency, A Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndrome: A Rare Treatable Metabolic Disorder

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology ¦ Volume 23 ¦ Issue 3 ¦ May-June 2020 419 Sir, The prevalence of cerebral creatine deficiency syndrome (CCDS) has been estimated as 2.7% in children with unexplained mental retardation. [1] The prevalence of CCDS in children with autism spectrum disorder has been reported to be less than 7 per 1000. [2] CCDS encompasses guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency (GAMT-D), L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase deficiency (AGAT-D), and creatine transporter (CRTR) deficiency. Here, we report a 29-monthsold boy with socio-adaptive and language delay, autistic traits and hypotonia. GAMT-D was diagnosed based on the elevated urinary excretion of guanidinoacetate (GAA), and identification of a novel pathogenic variant in GAMT, the gene encoding guanidinoacetate methyltransferase. There are only few reports of genetically confirmed GAMT-D cases from the Indian subcontinent.
Third-Stream Orientalism: J. N. Farquhar, the Indian YMCA's Literature Department, and the Representation of South Asian Cultures and Religions (ca. 1910–1940)

This article reconstructs the history of the Indian YMCA's Orientalist knowledge production in an attempt to capture a significant, if forgotten, transitional moment in the production and dissemination of scholarship on the religions and cultures of the Indian subcontinent. The YMCA's three Orientalist book series examined here flourished from the 1910s to the 1930s and represent a kind of third-stream approach to the study of South Asia. Inspired by the Christian fulfillment theory, “Y Orientalism” was at pains to differentiate itself from older polemical missionary writings. It also distanced itself from the popular “spiritual Orientalism” advocated by the Theosophical Society and from the philologically inclined “academic Orientalism” pursued in the Sanskrit departments of Western universities. The interest of the series’ authors in the region's present and the multifarious facets of its “little traditions,” living languages, arts, and cultures, as well as their privileging of knowledge that was generated “in the field” rather than in distant Western libraries, was unusual. Arguably, it anticipated important elements of the “area studies” approach to the Indian subcontinent that became dominant in Anglophone academia after the Second World War.
An explanatory sequential investigation of the working alliance as a change process in videoconferencing psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN Debate exists as to patient experience, and the importance, of the working alliance (WA) in videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP). This study used a two-phase explanatory sequential design to investigate the WA as a change process in VCP. METHODS Phase I: sessional VCP outcome and WA data were analysed using multilevel modelling (n = 46). Phase II: participants (n = 12) from Phase I were recruited to semi-structured interviews, analysed using thematic framework analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate: (1) a significant correlation between WA and outcome (F(1, 15.19) = 25.01, p < 0.001), (2) previous session WA significantly predicted outcome in the next session (F(1, 355.61) = 4.47, p < 0.05), and (3) previous session outcome significantly predicted next session WA (F(1, 55.3) = 15.19, p < 0.001), with three core themes explaining patient experience (engaging with the medium, connection with the therapist, and working via the medium). Results are discussed and future research recommended.
Effect of School Community Empowerment Model towards Handwashing Implementation among Elementary School Students in Dayeuhkolot Subdistrict

Handwashing with soap behavior in Indonesia remains a problem. The cause is associated with lack of awareness in handwashing with soap. This study aimed to determine effect of school community empowerment on handwashing implementation among elementary school students in Dayeuhkolot Subdistrict, Bandung District. This study used quasi experimental design with pretest and posttest, also descriptive and inferential analysis. Samples consisted of 24 teachers, 377 students at 4th – 6th grade and 24 little doctors. The approach method in this study was using integrated school health effort (combined model of fit for school and selected school health effort) consisting of six stages. Instruments were knowledge questionnaires, observation and checklist sheets. Handwashing with soap was evaluated for three months. Results found that score of little doctors in good category increased in skill of handwashing with soap from 0% to 100%, the skill among the students improved in good category from 0% to 87.5%. School community empowerment affects on handwashing behavior among elementary school students. Abstrak Perilaku mencuci tangan dengan sabun di Indonesia masih menjadi masalah. Penyebabnya dikaitkan dengan kurangnya kesadaran dalam mencuci tangan pakai sabun. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberdayaan komunitas sekolah terhadap penerapan mencuci tangan di kalangan siswa sekolah dasar di Kecamatan Dayeuhkolot, Kabupaten Bandung. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain quasi eksperimental dengan pretest dan posttest serta melakukan analisis deskriptif dan inferensial. Sampel terdiri dari 24 guru, 377 siswa di kelas 4-6, dan 24 dokter kecil. Metode pendekatan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan usaha kesehatan sekolah terpadu (gabungan model fit for school dan UKS terpilih), yang terdiri dari enam tahap. Instrumen terdiri dari kuesioner pengetahuan, lembar observasi, dan lembar checklist. Cuci tangan pakai sabun dievaluasi selama tiga bulan. Hasil menemukan bahwa terdapat skor meningkat dalam kategori baik untuk keterampilan cuci tangan pakai sabun guru dari 12,5% menjadi 100%, skor dokter kecil dalam kategori baik meningkat pada keterampilan cuci tangan pakai sabun dari 0% sampai 100%, keterampilan dari cuci tangan pakai sabun pada siswa meningkat dalam kategori baik dari 0% menjadi 87,5%. Pemberdayaan komunitas sekolah memengaruhi perilaku mencuci tangan di kalangan siswa SD.