Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of continuous cranial shape variation in the identification of divergent crocodile species of the genus Mecistops

The discovery of cryptic biodiversity has blossomed under the advancements of genetic techniques, but species identification via morphology remains crucial to effective conservation efforts. In this study, we tested the use of continuous cranial shape variation in distinguishing the two living species of Mecistops: the West African slender‐snouted crocodile (M. cataphractus) and the Central African slender‐snouted crocodile (M. leptorhynchus). Using a combination of geometric morphometric characters and ratios of linear measurements, we identified statistically significant variation in cranial bone and overall skull shape of mature individuals that corroborates existing molecular and discrete morphological evidence for two distinct, extant species within Mecistops. Specifically, variation in the shape of the nasal appears particularly diagnostic, while ratios involving metrics of snout length to snout width at the premaxillary notch offer distinguishing features easily measured in the field. Because of the complementary results and applications of the morphometric and cranial ratio analyses, we argue that both methodologies remain relevant to species identification. Moreover, we recommend continued cooperation between geneticists and morphologists in diagnosing species of conservation concern.
A global carbon and nitrogen isotope perspective on modern and ancient human diet

Significance The carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of human tissues can be used to infer dietary information. We transformed isotope compositions of 13,666 modern and ancient analyses to make them comparable on a common scale. This reveals that the isotope dietary breadth of modern humans is highly compressed when compared to populations predating the development in 1910 of modern industrial fertilizer by the Haber–Bosch method. However, modern humans that still use “traditional” subsistence strategies retain remarkably similar isotope dietary breadth to all pre-Haber–Bosch human populations. Increased reliance on industrial agriculture and pastoralism is resulting in a cascade of “rewiring” to remaining food webs globally that can reduce the resilience of global ecosystems in the face of accelerating environmental change. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses are widely used to infer diet and mobility in ancient and modern human populations, potentially providing a means to situate humans in global food webs. We collated 13,666 globally distributed analyses of ancient and modern human collagen and keratin samples. We converted all data to a common “Modern Diet Equivalent” reference frame to enable direct comparison among modern human diets, human diets prior to the advent of industrial agriculture, and the natural environment. This approach reveals a broad diet prior to industrialized agriculture and continued in modern subsistence populations, consistent with the human ability to consume opportunistically as extreme omnivores within complex natural food webs and across multiple trophic levels in every terrestrial and many marine ecosystems on the planet. In stark contrast, isotope dietary breadth across modern nonsubsistence populations has compressed by two-thirds as a result of the rise of industrialized agriculture and animal husbandry practices and the globalization of food distribution networks.
Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence‐enabled wound imaging mobile application in diabetic foot ulcers

There is a lifetime risk of 15% to 25% of development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with diabetes mellitus. DFUs need to be followed up on and assessed for development of complications and/or resolution, which was traditionally performed using manual measurement. Our study aims to compare the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of an artificial intelligence‐enabled wound imaging mobile application (CARES4WOUNDS [C4W] system, Tetsuyu, Singapore) with traditional measurement. This is a prospective cross‐sectional study on 28 patients with DFUs from June 2020 to January 2021. The main wound parameters assessed were length and width. For traditional manual measurement, area was calculated by overlaying traced wound on graphical paper. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was analysed using intra‐class correlation statistics. A value of <0.5, 0.5–0.75, 0.75–0.9, and >0.9 indicates poor, moderate, good, and excellent reliability, respectively. Seventy‐five wound episodes from 28 patients were collected and a total of 547 wound images were analysed in this study. The median wound area during the first clinic consultation and all wound episodes was 3.75 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.40–16.50) and 3.10 cm2 (IQR 0.60–14.84), respectively. There is excellent intra‐rater reliability of C4W on three different image captures of the same wound (intra‐rater reliability ranging 0.933–0.994). There is also excellent inter‐rater reliability between three C4W devices for length (0.947), width (0.923), and area (0.965). Good inter‐rater reliability for length, width, and area (range 0.825–0.934) was obtained between wound nurse measurement and each of the C4W devices. In conclusion, we obtained good inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability of C4W measurements against traditional wound measurement. The C4W is a useful adjunct in monitoring DFU wound progress.
How I cope at university: Self-directed stress management strategies of Australian students.

Universities across the world remain under-resourced and frequently unequipped to provide the required support to the increasing demand of students experiencing mental health problems. While there is a considerable amount of research focusing on university student stress levels, interventions to address them, and coping strategies adopted by students, little research has reported on the strategies students choose to manage their stress and how that relates to their self-identified sources of stress as well as to what universities are offering to support their mental health and wellbeing. The present study provides a contribution in this direction, reporting on a study that surveyed over 3200 students from three large Australian metropolitan universities and interviewed three groups of university staff who provide student wellbeing services. Results highlight differences between what students and staff perceive as main sources of stress and best strategies to address them. In addition, students recommend task-oriented, pro-active coping strategies more often to their peers than engage in them themselves. The findings of the study further reinforce the need to develop an understanding of student coping strategies with a lens considerate of students' perspectives and preferences to authentically support their wellbeing, better informing planning and service delivery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Impact of COVID-19 Containment Actions on Extra-Analytical Phases of the Clinical Laboratory: A Case Report

Abstract Laboratory information systems need to adapt to new demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has set up new normals like containment measures and social distancing. Some of these have negatively impacted the pre- and postanalytical phases of laboratory testing. Here, we present an intriguing finding related to the generation of the accession number/specimen number on the investigation module of a hospital management information system and its impact on the dissemination of reports resulting in the wrong release of reports on a female patient amidst the background of COVID-19 containment measures. We analyze the situation that led to this false reporting and the importance of the proper customization of information software in laboratories along with a robust postanalytical framework of laboratory work culture to avert such untoward incidents. This introspection has made us realize that COVID-19 has been a scientific, medical, and social challenge. We need to redefine our priorities in the days to come because SARS-CoV-2 is here to stay.
Changes of fibrinolytic system in thrombolytic resuscitation of pulmonary thromboembolism‐induced cardiac arrest model

The objective of this study is to explore the changes in the coagulation and fibrinolysis system in an animal model with pulmonary embolism after cardiopulmonary bypass and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice. An animal model of cardiac arrest due to pulmonary embolism was established for venous thrombus (10‐15 mL) in the left external jugular vein of 21 pigs. Computed tomography (CT) pulmonary arteriography was performed after the recovery of the underlying state, cardiac arrest state and spontaneous circulation, and then thrombolysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [t‐PA] 50 mg) were performed immediately. The changes of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), t‐PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) in the blood were detected by ELISA. The blood samples were collected immediately, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after the recovery of spontaneous circulation. Data from animals that were successfully resuscitated at different time points were compared using a repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance. Seventeen pigs had cardiac arrest after 10 to 15 mL of thrombus injection, and the other four had cardiac arrest after 5 to 8 mL of additional thrombus. Nine pigs survived 6 hours of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CT pulmonary angiogram showed pulmonary artery obstruction. TF levels were increased compared with basal status, but there was no statistical difference (P > .05). TFPI levels were higher at 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after recovery of spontaneous circulation compared with basal state (P < .05); t‐PA levels were higher at cardiac arrest, and immediately after recovery of spontaneous circulation compared with basal state. There was a statistical difference in PAI‐1 level at 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after recovery of spontaneous circulation (P < .05). There was no statistical difference in PAI‐1 level at each stage compared with basal state (P > .05). TFPI has a certain influence on the coagulation and thrombosis regulation of the body, and the increase in fibrinolytic activity has a positive promoting effect on the thrombolysis. It provided the theoretical basis of clinical treatment of thrombotic diseases.
Morbidity Patterns among Menopausal Women in Rural Uttar Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives The quality of life declines gradually as women enter menopause, owing to the various problems associated with estrogen deficiency and aging, which adds to their morbidities. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of morbidity among rural menopausal women and compare the morbidity patterns among menopausal transition group and post-menopausal women. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study included menopausal women aged 45–55 years from rural areas of the Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh, India. To select blocks and villages of the district, multistage random sampling was performed. According to a pretested, semistructured schedule, data were collected through interviews. Results A total of 315 women participated in the study. The most frequent complaints among the participants were of feeling tired and worn out (85.1%) and of muscle and joint pains (67.6%). Poor memory (P = 0.046) and diabetes (P = 0.024) were more common in women who were in the menopause transition phase than in those who were in the postmenopausal phase. Conclusions This study showed that majority of the menopausal women suffered from physical problems. Lifestyle modification and awareness programs will be beneficial among women in menopausal transition, to reduce the morbidity later in post-menopausal stage. Behaviour change communication, family and community support are essential in post-menopausal women, to help them cope with various morbid conditions.
Investigation of the possibilities of the ‘saddle points’ model for an explanation of anomalies in the characteristics of Schottky-barrier contacts

Numerical and experimental analyses of a model of a Schottky-barrier (SB) contact with barrier-height inhomogeneity in the form of ‘saddle points’ (the Tung model) [1] are carried out. On the basis of the known data for the contacts with Si, InP, and GaN and the experimental data obtained in this work for the Au–GaAs, Ni–GaAs, Ir–GaAs, and Pt–Rh–GaAs contacts, it is shown that the approximation widely used in the literature for the ideality factor of the I–V characteristics (IVCs) in the Tung model does not correspond to an exact solution, which, in turn, does not correspond to the real IVCs of contacts, at least at room temperature. The density of patches is demonstrated to have significant influence on the ideality factor under certain conditions, which is ignored by the Tung approximation. For the first time, on the basis of the known data on the distribution of the parameter γ ? > &sgr; γ ), ? > the spread of the barrier height &sgr; &phgr; ? > is simulated for a set of similar contacts. The results obtained indicate that the standard deviation &sgr; &phgr; ? > estimated on the basis of this model for the typical values of parameters significantly differs from the real values of σφ.
Measurement of the modifications of Polidocanol absorption spectra after exposure to NIR laser radiation

Polidocanol (commercially available under the name Aetoxisclerol) is one of the medicines used in the treatment of varicose veins diseases. It seems that exposure of tissues impregnated with Polidocanol to Nd:YAG laser radiation at 1. 06μm improves the treatment efficiency. Because the commercially available Aetoxisclerol is a mixture of substances, when it is exposed to laser radiation, one should consider the interaction with all the compounds. The absorption spectra in UV-VIS-NIR spectral ranges are measured for Aetoxisclerol. We exposed it at pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam between 2-30 min at known irradiation doses. The possible mechanisms implied in improvement of the efficiency of Polidocanol are discussed.
Na- and Cs-exchange in a clinoptilolite-rich rock: Analysis of the outgoing cations in solution

Abstract Batch cation-exchange experiments were performed by placing 4 g of clinoptilolite-rich rock into 100 mL of 1 M concentrations of NaCl or CsCl solution for differing times and temperatures. The solutions were analyzed for the outgoing cations Na, K, Ca, and Mg by ICP-AES. The goal of these experiments was to determine the behavior (i.e., effect of temperature, release rate, and time) of Na, K, Ca, and Mg exchanging out of the solid and into the liquid in either NaCl or CsCl solutions. For the Na-exchanged samples, the concentration of the outgoing divalent cations increased with time and increased temperature, with the majority of the exchange occurring in the first 10 h. Potassium behaved in a different manner, with approximately 20% exchange occurring within 0.5 h. With increased exchange time, K concentrations actually decreased slightly, indicating some reexchange back into the solid from the liquid. After 24 h, samples in the four storage conditions averaged approximately 20% K, 80% Ca, and 50% Mg exchange out of the sample and into the liquid. For the Cs-exchanged samples, the concentration of the outgoing divalent cations increased with time and increased temperature, with the majority of the exchange occurring in the first 10 h. The outgoing monovalent cations behaved in a different, and somewhat unpredictable, manner. The majority of the exchange for both Na and K occurred within the first 0.5 h. Increased time had little effect on exchange; in fact, both exhibited some re-exchange back into the liquid. Also, more exchange occurred at lower than higher temperatures. With increased exchange time, K concentrations decreased slightly, indicating some re-exchange back into the solid from the liquid. After 24 h, samples in the four storage conditions averaged approximately 85% Na, 50% K, 80% Ca, and 40% Mg exchange out of the sample and into the liquid.
Desenvolvimento da alfafa em diferentes níveis de acidez, potássio e enxofre no solo

This trial was developed in Bandeirantes, State of Parana, Brazil, to verify the effects of acidity and the addition of potassium and sulfur in soil, upon dry matter of alfalfa, nutrient uptake and critical levels of K and S in the herbage. Soil samples from the arable layer of a dusk-red latosol (typic eutrorthox) were collected and mixed with Ca(OH) 2 , KCl and CaSO 4 . 2H 2 O, allowing the following treatments : a) two levels of soil pH (5.4 and 6.8) ; b) four levels of potassium (none, 30, 100 and 300 mg K kg -1 soil) and c) four levels ofsulfur (none, 15, 30 and 60 mg S kg -1 soil). Alfalfa was grown in a greenhouse environment and submitted to four cuts. The soil umidity was kept near to the field capacity. The results showed that the growth of alfalfa was impaired under soil pH 5.4, resulting in the lowest dry matter production. This level of soil pH reduced the uptake of nitrogen and increased the uptake of manganese. Positive effects of K and S additions upon dry matter yield were observed only when soil acidity was reduced to pH 6.8. Potassium and sulfur fertilization increased the nitrogen concentration in the herbage. Critical levels ofpotassium were 13.3 3 (2° cut) and 13.5 g kg -1 (3° cut) while the sulfur were 2.6 (2° cut) and 3,8 g kg -1 (3° cut).
Antioxidant Microemulsion-based Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Film Containing Mangiferin and Surfactants

Mangiferin, a natural antioxidant additive, was incorporated into an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing 18% vinyl acetate (VA) using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Sorbitan ester (Span ® 20) and polymeric surfactant (Pluronic ® P−123) were compared. Mangiferin was finely dispersed in the suspension with the addition of surfactants studied. Span ® 20 was chosen as the surfactant for film preparation in the next step due to the dispersing and film forming properties. Effects of vinyl acetate (VA) contents on the film properties were investigated. The EVA films with 12% VA had the highest tensile strength and oxygen barrier, followed by 18, 25 and 40% VA, respectively. Addition of Span ® 20 had only a slight effect on mechanical and barrier properties of the films, but markedly increased the release of mangiferin from the EVA matrices except in the 40% VA films. The maximum concentrations of mangiferin released from the 40, 25, 18 and 12% VA films into 95% ethanol were 83.30, 66.84, 51.77 and 34.57 μg·mL −1 1, respectively. The release concentrations from the 40 and 25% VA films was 2.4 and 1.9 folds of that from the 12% VA film, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the EVA films containing mangiferin and Span ® 20 was 80% radical-scavenging capacity (RSC) for the 40 and 25% VA and 60% RSC for the 18 and 12% VA. The release of mangiferin from the EVA matrices may be controlled by appropriate selection of the surfactants and vinyl acetate contents.
In-situ laser tagging of barium ions in liquid xenon for the EXO experiment

IN-SITU LASER TAGGING OF BARIUM IONS IN LIQUID XENON FOR THE EXO EXPERIMENT The goal of the Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) collaboration is to measure the half life of neutrino-less double beta decay using a ton size liquid Xe detector with zero background. Zero background detection can only be achieved if the daughter nucleus, Ba, can be tagged. The EXO collaboration is investigating several techniques to tag the Ba daughter. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the prospects of directly observing a single Ba ion in the liquid using a laser aimed at the decay site, hence in-situ laser tagging. Because the energy levels of Ba ions are expected to be altered from the vacuum configuration, in-situ laser tagging can only be accomplished if the spectroscopy of the Ba ions in liquid xenon is understood. An ultra pure liquid xenon test apparatus with a liquid xenon purity monitor has been built to study the spectroscopy of the Ba ions. An unexpected discovery of the nonresonant multiphoton ionization of liquid xenon using pulsed UV lasers was made while characterizing the purity monitor. The discovery was vital to the ability to accurately measure the purity of the liquid xenon. The spectroscopy of Ba ions in liquid xenon and the multiphoton ionization studies are the two key topics that are presented in this thesis.
Variation of microfibril angle, density and fibre orientation in twenty-nine Eucalyptus nitens trees

SilviScan-2 was used to estimate and map microfibril angle (MFA) and density in twenty-nine 15-year-old Eucalyptus nitens trees. Over 4000 MFA measurements were made at about 100/hour. Each measurement represented a weighted average for about 50000 fibres. After an initial decrease near ground level, density increased with height in the stem. MFA decreased with height in the stem, reached a minimum around 30 to 50% of tree height, then increased towards the top. In the radial direction, density first decreased for a few years, then increased towards the bark. MFA was in the range 20 to 30 degrees near the pith at all heights and generally decreased towards the bark over most of the height of the stem. The lowest MFA values (approx. 10 degrees) were found close to the bark at 30 to 50% of stem height. Both density and MFA varied more rapidly near ground level, increasing the uncertainty of correlations between breast-height properties and whole tree properties. On some samples, high-resolution (0.2 mm) MFA scans were performed to confirm an earlier finding that MFA is strongly inversely correlated with density over a few growth rings but not over larger distances. X-ray diffraction was also used for estimating the orientation of the fibres within the samples. The radial variation in fibre orientation generally decreased with distance from the ground. Breast-height sample properties were moderate to good predictors of whole tree properties. Better correlations were obtained using samples from 5.5 m. Whole tree average density and MFA were found to be uncorrelated, indicating that tree improvement strategies could be designed to simultaneously optimise these properties.
Verification of the fate of a volatile organic compound in activated sludge

The fate of the volatile organic compound, 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) was examined in a bench-scale activated sludge system. A shift in removal mechanism, from stripping to biodegradation, was observed at different stages of acclimation. The response of an unacclimated sludge to DCB perturbations showed a preferential loss of DCB by stripping. Radiolabeled DCB tracer studies with an acclimated sludge demonstrated 10 to 20% mineralization of DCB, 25 to 30% loss by stripping, and the remaining DCB transformed to intermediate metabolites that were found in the mixed liquor and effluent
Experimental study on solution and diffusion process of single carbon dioxide bubble in seawater

Solution and diffusion process of carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater is important in the research and development of CO2 ocean sequestration technology to mitigate global warming. In this study, solution and diffusion process of single CO2 bubble in seawater and pure water were experimentally studied under various pressures and temperatures to evaluate the transport process of CO2 in seawater. The solution process was conducted in a test vessel. CO2 bubble was generated by a CO2 bubble generator installed at the bottom of the vessel. The diameter of CO2 bubble was recorded using a high speed video camera. The pressure and temperature of liquids were measured by using a pressure transducer and thermocouples. Experimental conditions for the temperature ranged from 277 K to 297 K, and the pressure ranged from around 101 kPa up to 400 kPa. It was obtained that the complete solution time decreases with the increase in pressure due to its higher solubility at a higher pressure. It decreases with an increase in temperature arising from a higher diffusivity at a high temperature. It was clarified that the complete solution time for CO2 in seawater is longer than that in pure water due to its relatively lower solubility compared with pure water.