Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in clinical anaerobic isolates from India

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in anaerobes remains a neglected field. The laborious procedures, non-compliance with the standard methodology and differences in interpretive breakpoints add variation in resistance data. Objectives To assess the phenotypic and genotypic resistance among clinically important anaerobes to six antibiotics frequently used as empirical therapy for anaerobic infections. Methods A total of 150 anaerobic isolates were recovered from clinical specimens. The antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the breakpoint agar dilution method as per CLSI guidelines. The presence of genes encoding resistance to metronidazole (nim gene), imipenem (cfiA gene) and mobilizable insertion sequence (IS) elements was detected to comprehend their association with phenotypic resistance. Results This is a first study of its kind from the Indian subcontinent looking at the AMR and associated genes in anaerobes. Resistance to metronidazole, clindamycin, imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam and cefoxitin was 32.6%, 42.6%, 0.6%, 38% and 35.3%, respectively. No resistance was observed to chloramphenicol. The nim gene was detected in 24.6% of isolates, of which 70.2% were resistant by phenotype. On sequencing, the PCR products of six random nim genes showed a close similarity to nimE of Bacteroides fragilis with 99% nucleotide and 100% amino acid sequence similarity. The cfiA gene, associated with imipenem resistance, was detected in 16% of isolates. Conclusions The possibility of isolates carrying AMR genes to become resistant to antibiotics by acquisition of IS elements mandates attention to periodically monitor the resistance patterns and geographic distribution of these genes and IS elements to understand the trends of AMR in anaerobes.
A new stress-dilatancy framework for the modelling of rocks and rock masses

It is known that the stress-dilatancy behaviour of soils and rock masses is an integral aspect of their deformation behaviour; and that stress-dilatancy relations for soils and rocks and rock masses have strong similarities. However, when stress-dilatancy relations tuned for soils are directly adopted in constitutive models for rocks and rock masses without due consideration for differences in their yielding characteristics, some unintended assumptions are carried over. This has consequences on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the predicted stress-strain behaviour. In this paper, a new stress-dilatancy relation tuned towards the modelling of deformation behaviour of rocks and rock masses is presented. The formulation is established in both plane strain and full 3D and accommodates both loading and unloading in shear and effect possible non-coaxiality between eigen directions of plastic strain increments and stresses.
Decreased Implant Survival is Associated With Younger Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Younger patients are undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at increasing rates and may face multiple revisions during their lifetimes due to mechanical complications or infections. Questions/Purposes: We sought to compare the early complication rates and revision-free implant-survival rates across age groups of patients undergoing TKA, with particular focus on implant survival in younger patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data taken from a national insurance database on patients who underwent primary TKA from 2007 to 2015. Kaplan–Meier curve survival analysis and log rank test were performed to evaluate revision rates in 7 age groups (younger than 40, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, and 90 or more years of age). Complication rates were compared to rates in the age 60 to 79 years age groups using multiple logistic regression, controlling for baseline demographics and comorbidities. Results: There were 114,698 patients included in the analysis. Patients in the younger than 40 years, 40 to 49 years, and 50 to 59 years age groups had increased rates of early mechanical complications; 90-day readmission rates were significantly higher in those age groups as well. Revision-free implant survival at 5 years was significantly worse in patients younger than 60 years of age, particularly those less than 40 years, who had a 77% revision-free implant-survival rate at 5 years. Conclusions: Younger patients had a higher risk of early revision after TKA, as well as an increased rate of mechanical complications and readmissions at 90 days. These outcomes suggest more study is needed to better understand these discrepancies and to better guide preoperative counseling for young patients considering TKA.
Social Invisibility and Socio Cultural Construction of Gender in Historical Narratives of Chilean High School Students

This research seeks to evaluate the degree of inclusion of the gender perspective and the promotion of education in and for equality in the historical narratives of students in Chilean Secondary Education (n = 105). The study focuses on the analysis of the discursive-narrative mechanisms employed by the students and, in particular, of their representations of gender relations. To this end, the place given to men and women in past and present societies is analysed in the narratives generated by the students (n = 780). A mixed methodology is applied, combining quantitative (descriptive and inferential) and qualitative analyses of the manifest content. The results obtained report the persistence of stereotypical, exclusionary and androcentric perspectives, evidenced in hegemonic gender attributions and in the maintenance of the sex/gender system. These data confirm the need to implement specific teacher training programmes aimed at the acquisition of critical competences and the effective inclusion of the gender perspective in history education.
Developmental stage variation in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) low temperature tolerance: implications for overwintering

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a very destructive polyphagous insect pest of cereal crops accounting for up to 100% yield losses. To survive winter low temperatures in the Americas, adults FAW are known to migrate south for warmer climates and then re‐invade northern USA and Canada the following summer. Since its African invasion, no studies have looked at its overwintering biology. Specifically, there is no information on in situ ontogenetic low temperature tolerance, despite its significance in explaining overwintering survival. Here, we thus investigated low temperature tolerance of FAW larvae (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th) and adults from field populations through assessing basal stress tolerance (critical thermal minima [CTmin], supercooling point [SCP] and chill coma recovery time [CCRT]) and plasticity using standardized protocols. Our results showed significant life stage effects on low temperature tolerance, although all were chill‐susceptible. Adults had lower CTmin and CCRT than larvae (higher cold tolerance). However, early instar larvae had significantly depressed SCPs than later instars and adults. All larval instars tested showed no plastic responses to CTmin, while for adults, cold hardening appeared to come at a cost of CTmin. These results suggest ontogenetic differences in S. frugiperda cold hardiness albeit all are susceptible to chilling. Second, the absence or cost of hardening confirms FAW's maladaptation to low temperatures. However, Botswana microclimate records show that severe low temperature stress is limited, and thus, in situ overwintering is possible. These results are important in developing informed pest management options for effective management of FAW in Africa.
An Update of the Possible Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Dentistry: A Literature Review

This narrative review aims to evaluate the current evidence for the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a radiation-free diagnostic exam, in some fields of dentistry. Background: Radiographic imaging plays a significant role in current first and second level dental diagnostics and treatment planning. However, the main disadvantage is the high exposure to ionizing radiation for patients. Methods: A search for articles on dental MRI was performed using the PubMed electronic database, and 37 studies were included. Only some articles about endodontics, conservative dentistry, implantology, and oral and craniofacial surgery that best represented the aim of this study were selected. Results: All the included articles showed that MRI can obtain well-defined images, which can be applied in operative dentistry. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of MRI for diagnosis in dental clinical practice, without the risk of biological damage from continuous ionizing radiation exposure.
Evaluation of wetting, structural and thermal properties of electrospun nanofibers at different pineapple leaf fiber / polyethylene terephthalate ratios

In this study, pineapple leaf fiber and polyethylene terephthalate electrospun nanofibers were produced via electrospinning process. Six ratios of pineapple leaf fiber/polyethylene terephthalate, namely 1/10; 1/7,5; 1/5; 1/1 and 1,3/1 were prepared and their wetting, structural and thermal properties were characterised. Wetting properties of this sample were studied using contact angle measurement. X-Ray Diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to get better understanding on the structural and its thermal properties, respectively. The results revealed that increasing the pineapple leaf fiber content simultaneously increased the ability of nanofibers to adsorb water as shown by lower contact angle degree with 81,6° and adsorption time of 15 seconds. An increase in pineapple leaf fiber ratio did not change the peak position in X-Ray Diffraction and no new peaks observed for any sample. However, the peak at 23° for samples with ratio 1/1 and ratio 1,3/1 exhibited higher intensity compared to that of pure polyethylene terephthalate. Thermal properties obtained from thermogravimetric analysis results suggested that thermal properties were not influenced by the pineapple leaf fiber ratio. Overall, pineapple leaf fiber/polyethylene terephthalate electrospun nanofibers produced at the ratio of 1/1 displayed the optimum performance.
Bronchoalveolar lavage profiles in uncontrolled wheezy children compared by asthma predictive index

The asthma predictive index (API) predicts later asthma in preschoolers with frequent wheeze. We hypothesized that airway cytology differs between API positive (API+)/negative (API−) children with uncontrolled/recurrent wheezing with dominance of eosinophils in API+ and neutrophils in API− groups respectively. The main objective of this study is to compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell profiles in API+/API− children with recurrent wheezing unresponsive to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
Liquid chromatography column

(57) Abstract: Chromatography cartridge includes a cartridge, the first (40) and a second end cap (42). Wall of the cartridge (22) to form a space for containing the chromatographic medium. The end cap influx processing fluid flows (62) and outflow passages (66) are formed respectively. The first end cap is formed a flow distributor passage (100) for distributing process fluid across the cross section of the space, the second end cap, for collecting the process fluid from the entire cross-section of the space flow collector passage (104) is formed. Clamp is disposed on the outer periphery of the cartridge wall in order to through a wall by the action of load in the radial direction in the end cap to secure the end cap to the desired position.
Modelling Stock Returns and Risk Management in the Shipping Industry

We estimate the impact of macroeconomic risk factors on shipping stock returns, using a quantile regression (QR) model. We regress the excess return of a portfolio for the container, dry bulk, chemical/gas, oil tanker, and diversified shipping sectors on the world market portfolio excess return, volatility index, and changes in the oil price, exchange rate, and interest rate. The sensitivities of stock returns to the risk factors differ across quantiles and shipping segments and are found to be significant for the volatility index, world market portfolio return, exchange rate, and changes in long-term interest rate with variation over quantiles. This provides evidence of asymmetric and heterogeneous dependence between stock returns and certain macroeconomic risk variables. The results of the study also suggest that standard OLS regression is inadequate to uncover the risk-return relation.
Mapping of Kedaton Archaeological Sites Using Geomagnetic Methods (Preliminary Study)

Ancient civilizations in Jombang left many historical relics in the form of temples, artifacts, and other archeological sites. Kedaton site is one of the newly discovered archeological sites. This site is buried under a few meters thick of Mount Kelud’s pyroclastic flow. Therefore, the distribution patterns of the site is needed to improve the excavation plan in order to maintain the structure of the site. One of the technical approaches that can be applied to map the site’s distribution in detail is geophysical survey. Geomagnetic method is a method commonly used in the case of archeological site investigations because of its non-destructive nature. The mapping process on Kedaton site is conducted by applying geomagnetic survey that utilizes physical parameters in the form of magnetic susceptibility. The reduce to pole filter is applied to magnetic data processing to aid interpretation, coupled with horizontal gradient method and analytic signal method further clarify the boundaries of magnetic anomaly sources. Reduce to pole filter indicates that the site’s brick detected as moderate to high magnetic anomaly values (more than 450 nT). This research succeeded in mapping clearly the boundaries of the site with an area of up to 6000 meters2 with the shape of the site resembling a building with several chambers. The main chamber is in the north which is the widest chamber, and small chambers are found on the south side.
A new algorithm for reconstructing tree height growth with stem analysis data

Stem analysis allows us to obtain an abundant amount of information on tree growth. A couple of algorithms exist to utilize section height and growth ring data for reconstructing height and age time‐series information. I evaluated two alternatives, a well‐known and a newly proposed algorithm using stem analysis data of four species, including deciduous and evergreen broadleaves and a conifer. I reconstructed height–age pairs by both algorithms. I fit height growth equations in a mixed‐effects model framework for each species, using the generated data with the respective algorithm. Comparisons considered confidence intervals of the estimated parameters, as well as regression‐based equivalence tests. Results showed that the fitted growth models obtained from both stem analysis algorithms were statistically equivalent. However, the proposed algorithm is simpler and thus provides a useful alternative to current methods. Based on the findings, I recommend using this new stem analysis algorithm to reconstruct tree height growth with stem analysis data.
The SmartPLS Analyzes Approach in Validity and Reliability of Graduate Marketability Instrument

Article History: Received: 10 November 2020; Revised: 12 January 2021; Accepted: 27 January 2021; Published online: 05 April 2021 Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Graduate Marketability Model (GMM) for Malaysian Vocational Colleges (KV) Business Management graduates. The approach used was quantitative with a survey design involving 243 Business Management graduates from KVs across Malaysia. The sample selection was based on simple random sampling techniques. Subsequent findings of the PLS-SEM analysis of the measurement model inidicated that the CR values obtained for each construct were in the range of 0.889 to 0.990 where the skills contributed the highest (CR) value (0.990) whilst the involvement in development scored the lowest CR value (0.800). Overall, this study shows that the three main constructs are important in contributing to the marketability of graduates, which are skills, Proactive Career Behavioursand Positivity Traits.Implications of the study prove that improvements to the tertiary education system are necessary so that graduates are always able to meet the needs and requirements of industry employers. The next development of GMM will be able to assist more relevant parties, especially the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and the Technical and Vocational Education Division (BPTV), to be a useful guide at producing marketable graduates.
Geometrical analysis of auxetic woven fabrics based on foldable geometry

This paper reports a geometrical analysis of auxetic woven fabrics based on foldable geometry. Two fabrics having different geometrical parameters were first designed and fabricated and then subjected to tensile tests in two principal directions. Based on the experimental observations of the geometry of one fabric structural unit cell at different tensile strains, a geometrical model was first proposed and a relationship between the Poisson’s ratio and tensile strain was then established for each principal direction. Two semi-empirical equations are subsequently obtained for both principal directions by fitting the established relationships with experimental results. After validation by the experimental results of the other fabric, the obtained semi-empirical equations were finally used to predict the auxetic behavior of the fabric with a given geometrical parameter. The calculated and experimental results are found to be in excellent agreement with each other. Therefore, the semi-empirical equations obtained in this study could be useful in the design and prediction of the auxetic behavior of auxetic woven fabrics made with the same type of materials and foldable geometry but with different values of geometrical parameters.
Repeated School Suspensions: Who Receives Them, What Reasons Are Given, and How Students Fare

Although out-of-school school suspensions have been correlated with negative school outcomes, they are still a common formal response given to students whose behavior is deemed problematic. Being suspended multiple times within an academic year results in students losing even more instructional time. In this study, we used longitudinal data for students from elementary to high school to examine: (a) demographic characteristics of students who received repeated out-of-school suspensions across six consecutive years, (b) common infractions that resulted in those school suspensions, and (c) the relationship between repeated suspensions and students’ later academic and behavior outcomes. We found that a high number of male and Black students, as well as students with disabilities, received repeated suspensions with minor infractions reported as the most common reasons. Regression analyses revealed a significant and negative relationship between repeated suspensions in the early grades and the number of suspensions students received in secondary school.
Preparation of CuYO2 Thin Films by Sol-Gel Method Using Copper Acetate and Yttrium Acetate as Metal Sources

Delafossite structured p-type wide bandgap semiconductor, CuYO2 thin films were prepared on SiO2 substrate by sol-gel method using copper (II) acetate and yttrium (III) acetate as source materials. The films preparation process was studied by varying annealing temperature after the preparation of gel films by spin coating, followed by thermal annealing at higher temperature. In the present work, one step annealing directly from Cu-Y-gel under nitrogen flow was used. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the film annealed at 800。 C is significantly c-axis oriented, shows only (002) and (004) peaks at 15.6。 and 31.5。 , respectively. The optical bandgap of 3.7 - 3.8 eV is estimated by (αhν)2 plot which is higher than previous works. In addition, the films with highly c-axis orientation showed photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature with very broad peak at 2.3 eV. The films annealed at different temperature showed different structural properties.
Investigating Enhanced Oil Recovery from Sandstone by Low-Salinity Water and Fluid/Rock Interaction

Extensive research on crude oil/brine/rock (COBR) systems has shown that the injected water composition and salinity can act as a tertiary recovery method by altering the properties of the reservoir. Because of the complexity of the COBR interactions, the mechanism(s) of low-salinity (LS) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is still being discussed and none of the suggested mechanisms has, thus far, been accepted as the main process. In this work, the intention is to contribute to the ongoing discussions. An increase of pH associated with flooding with low-salinity water (LSW) has been observed in this work and the literature. To test the hypothesis of the effect of pH, other simpler brines than synthetic seawater (SSW) and LSW (25 times diluted SSW), such as Na2SO4 (SO42–) or MgCl2 (Mg2+) brines, were used. Those single-salt brines (LS) were selected on the basis of previous work performed in our laboratories, which showed that they increase the pH. Ion tracking of the effluent solution has clearly demonstrated .
Evaluation of Chemical and Environmental Methods to Optimize Performance of Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactors to Remove Ozonation By-Products

The removal of biodegradable ozonation by-products was evaluated at pilot-scale using one conventional biofilter containing sand and anthracite and five fixed bed biofilm reactors (FBBRs) containing plastic media. Four of the FBBRs incorporated chemical or environmental optimization strategies (light restriction, chloramine, hydrogen peroxide, and nutrients) to either promote healthy biomass or minimize macrofauna proliferation. Conventional media biofiltration consistently removed assimilable organic carbon (AOC) by a maximum of 70% and was not susceptible to snail grazing. The control FBBR reduced AOC by a maximum of 60%, but dropped to zero following snail grazing on established biomass. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used to quantify viable biomass attached to plastic media (tATP) and aqueous biomass in the column effluent (cATP). The control FBBR averaged 61 ng tATP/cm3 of attached biomass compared to chloramine (7 ng tATP/cm3), hydrogen peroxide (21 ng tATP/cm3), dark conditions (45 ng tATP/cm3), and nutrients (61 ng tATP/cm3). Hydrogen peroxide (1.8 mg/L) and light restriction strategies precluded dark algae and chironomids, but allowed snail development. None of this biota was observed in the presence of chloramine (0.20 mg/L). While the conventional biofilter and control FBBR produced similar AOC removals, FBBRs were sensitive to hydraulic disruptions and susceptible to grazer organisms.