Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Altitudinal Variation in Ethiopian Populations

A study has been made of three neighbouring populations living at 1500, 3000 and 3700 m in the northern Simien of Ethiopia. The environments of these populations not only differ in many climatic elements, but also probably in nutritional factors and exposure to infections. The growth and physique of the people vary with altitude and the lowlanders (at 1500 m) tend to have a more linear body build. Differences in chest dimensions can be related to functional differences in respiratory physiology, since the highland groups, both male and female, have larger forced expiratory volumes and forced vital capacities as compared with the lowlanders. The relationships between these measures of respiratory function and age, stature and weight also tend to be dependent on altitude, but in all the Ethiopian groups there is a closer relationship between body weight and respiratory capacity than in other populations. This distinctiveness is probably due to the characteristics of Ethiopian physique. A slight polycythaemia and elevated packed cell volume are evident in the highland groups but, unexpectedly, there is some evidence that at least at the time of the expedition the haemoglobin concentrations were lower. The highlanders also show a raised systolic blood pressure. Blood-group and demographic data suggest that the various populations are probably genetically very similar, and the findings are discussed in terms of physiological and developmental adaptability.
Conducting a Graduate Tracer Study at a University of Technology: a Quest to Enhance the Learning Experience

Abstract The university is a complex open system with a range of stakeholders each with a variety of (different) expectations. It is important for universities to be aware of these expectations and to ensure that they are achievable (Ulewicz 2017:93). Universities are key role players in improving employability and to enhance economic growth. They are preparing students with the knowledge and skills required for the contemporary labour market (Tran 2016, 58-59) and should respond to governments’ neoliberal pressures in finding ways to address the requirements of the labour market and to apply mechanisms to safeguard their graduates from unemployment. Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in South Africa, conducted a Tracer Study to gather information on graduate’s experience and to evaluate their abilities and skills as employees. This is important as knowledge of the outcomes of the educational experience forms the basis for quality enhancement. This presentation focuses on tracer studies as mechanisms to enhance programme quality and will reflect on the methodology that VUT followed, how the results inform the development of institutional remedial action plans and lessons learnt. This study may contribute to the dearth of research available on tracer studies in the sector.
Distribution and abundance of aphidophagous hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in wildflower patches and field margin habitats

1 The spatial and temporal variations in aphidophagous syrphid abundance were recorded over two seasons in wildflower resource patches sown in a winter barley crop and associated field margins. Standard census techniques and sticky board trapping were used to assess numbers of syrphids, whilst weekly flower head counts were used to quantify the floral resources available in each of the patches.
PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTION IN LANGEBAAN LAGOON AND SALDANHA BAY

Summary Between February 1971 and February 1972 monthly measurements of phytoplankton primary production were made at six stations in Langebaan Lagoon. The gross primary production rates obtained showed a marked seasonal variation. They increased from 261,6 mgC/m3/day in winter to 675,4 mgC/m3/day in spring and to a maximum of 885,3 mgC/m3/day in summer. Production rates ranged from 611,0 mgC/m3.day at the entrance of the lagoon to 162,6 mgC/m3/day at the station nearest to the head of the lagoon. A correlation between total chlorophyll and gross primary production was established for the lagoon, and was used in conjunction with chlorophyll concentrations and water transparency measurements from Saldanha Bay to estimate the gross primary production for the bay. The estimates ranged from 864,9 mgC/m2/day to 3 301,2 mgC/m2/day.
Factors associated with prevalence of pain and musculoskeletal injuries in Brazilian kickboxers: a cross-sectional study

Summary Study aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pain and musculoskeletal injuries in Brazilian kickboxers. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional study composed of a population of kickboxers from the academies affiliated to the Rio Grande do Norte State Federation of Kickboxing. The study was conducted by means of a questionnaire regarding their demographic data, graduation and level of participation in the modality, routines of procedures during training, and pain/ discomfort regions and respective intensities. In addition, the characteristics, types, and regions of the injuries were evaluated. Results: Of the 132 kickboxers included, a high prevalence of pain (84.09%) was observed and associated with the female gender (OR = 3.62; CI95% 1.29–10.13) and body mass index (OR = 0.80; CI95% 0.71–0.91). In addition, the kickboxers presented a moderate percentage of injuries (40.91%) that were associated with longer training time (OR = 5.82; CI95% 2.68–12.61) and contact level in the training sessions (OR = 3.53; CI95% 1.85–6.72). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in kickboxers, mainly associated with female gender and with lower body mass. Musculoskeletal injuries were moderately prevalent in kickboxers who trained more than one hour per session and with an intense contact level.
Oxygen isotopic fractionation in rat bones as a result of consuming thermally processed water – bioarchaeological applications

Abstract Stable isotope analyses of oxygen are used in anthropology for such purposes as determination of origin of individuals, tracking migration routes or dynamics of human community relocation. The methodology related to oxygen isotope analysis has been founded on the relationship between its isotopic composition within phosphate groups of bone tissue (δ18Op) in individuals being analysed and the water consumed by such individuals (δ18Ow). Such a relationship has been observed in many species of mammals, including humans. However, the influence of culinary practices on the isotopic delta values of apatite phosphates of individuals has not yet been researched. The present study, which was conducted using laboratory rats, is an investigation of the influence of the thermal processing of water drank by such rats on the isotopic composition (δ18Op) of bone apatite. Increasing the value of the isotopic composition of water by about 6.1 ‰ during boiling resulted in an increase in the oxygen isotopic value δ18Op of rats drinking the water by about 4 ‰ (29%). It can be expected that regular consumption of heavily isotopic drinks and foods by humans may cause the δ18Op of individuals to exceed the range of isotopic environmental variability, even by a few per mille.
EFEITO DA COBERTURA DE AMIDO DE FRUTA-DE-LOBO E SORBITOL E DO TEMPO DE ARMAZENAMENTO NA CONSERVAÇÃO PÓS-COLHEITA DE FRUTOS DE MORANGO

No presente trabalho estudou-se o efeito de diferentes formulacoes de coberturas comestiveis de amido de fruta-de-lobo ( Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill. ) e sorbitol e do tempo de armazenamento na qualidade pos-colheita de frutos de morango cultivar ‘Oso Grande’ sob refrigeracao. Os frutos foram submetidos a 4 tratamentos, sendo um de frutos sem cobertura e 3 de frutos imersos em solucoes filmogenicas com 2% de amido e variacoes na concentracao de sorbitol de 0,1; 0,2 e 0,3%. Os morangos foram acondicionados e armazenados a 10oC por 10 dias, sendo avaliados a cada 2 dias a perda de massa, a relacao entre os solidos soluveis totais e a acidez total titulavel e o pH dos frutos. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Para a descricao das variaveis em funcao do periodo de armazenamento foram efetuadas analises de regressao polinomial ate o segundo grau, sendo os modelos selecionados conforme a significância do teste F e o erro padrao da estimativa para cada modelo. As coberturas nao foram efetivas no controle das transformacoes fisico-quimicas da maturacao dos frutos de morango, nao sendo verificada diferenca significativa entre os frutos revestidos ou nao com as diferentes coberturas. Todas as caracteristicas estudadas variaram significativamente (p≤0,01) em funcao do tempo de armazenamento, sendo a perda de massa e a relacao entre os solidos soluveis totais e a acidez titulavel descritas por modelos de segundo grau e o pH por modelo de primeiro grau.
Effect of type and level of supplement on performance of dairy cows grazing on alpine pasture

Abstract An experiment was carried out on 32 dairy cows (average yield 21.9 ± 2.7 kg/d) grazing on summer alpine pasture, in order to examine the effect of two types of supplement - Starchy (42% of cereal) and Fibrous (41% of beet pulp) - both provided at two different levels - Low (1 kg of supplement per 5.0 kg of energy corrected milk (ECM)) and High (1 kg of supplement per 3.3 kg of ECM) - on herbage intake, milk yield and quality. The supplement was distributed twice a day, during milking, at a constant level throughout the experiment (July and August), as calculated according to the daily milk yield in a one-week preliminary period. Meteorological measurements, herbage quality and availability, herbage intake, animal body condition score (BCS), milk yield, chemical and rheological traits were determined. The herbage intake was higher (11.9 kg organic matter (OM)/d) with the Fibrous supplement at Low level. Even if the supplementation covered up to one third of the total intake of OM, none of the experimental groups increased BCS, and the Starchy-Low group showed a decrease in BCS significantly different from zero. The increase in the level of supplementation (from 3.5 to 5.0 kg OM/d in Low and High groups, respectively) improved the ECM yield by an average of 1.2 kg/d (P<0.05), without significant changes in the chemical composition of the milk, while the supplement type had no significant effects on either milk yield or composition. The mean coagulation properties were better with the Fibrous supplement as compared to the Starchy one – rennet clotting time (r): 16’24’’ vs 19’15’’ (P<0.05), time for aggregation (K20): 5’03’’ vs 6’45’’ (n.s.), gel firmness (a30): 26.1 mm vs 20.8 mm (P<0.05) - without significant differences derived from the level of supplementation.
Preference of adult Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Homoptera: Psyllidae) for Murraya paniculata and Citrus unshiu

Preference of Adult Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Homoptera: Psyllidae) for Murraya paniculata and Citrus unshiu. Kousuke IKEDA and Wataru ASHIHARA* National Institute of Fruit Tree Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization; 2–1 Fujimoto, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8605, Japan. Jpn. J. Appl. Entomol. Zool. 52: 27–30 (2008) Abstract: In the northern distribution areas of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri in Japan, psyllid population densities in citrus groves were much lower than on Murraya paniculata hedges. We investigated the preference of D. citri adults for M. paniculata and Citrus unshiu to interpret such different occurrences. When D. citri adults were released into a screen house containing potted M. paniculata and C. unshiu, the number of adults on both plants increased until the 4th day after release. Thereafter, the mean densities remained relatively constant for 18 days on each plant species before the start of new adult emergence. On most M. paniculata trees, new shoots were always produced by late December, and adult densities increased after the increase of new shoots and declined one or two months after the peak density. New shoots of C. unshiu available for D. citri reproduction were produced only once on two trees, on which adult densities become abundant after the growth of new shoots and decreased gradually until late December. On the other four C. unshiu trees, adults migrated from other trees and their densities remained relatively constant. When D. citri adults were introduced into a preference test chamber containing buds and leaves of C. unshiu and M. paniculata, the adults were significantly more aggregated on the buds than on the leaves of both plants. No preference between C. unshiu and M. paniculata for either buds or leaves was detected. The present experimental results suggested that the difference in the population levels of D. citri on C. unshiu and M. paniculata in their northern distribution areas was not caused by the preference of the insect, but may be due to continuous production of new shoots and dense planting of M. paniculata hedges favoring the reproduction and survival of D. citri during the typhoon season and winter.
Early results from a prospective, single-arm European trial on decellularized allografts for aortic valve replacement: the ARISE study and ARISE Registry data

Abstract OBJECTIVES Decellularized aortic homografts (DAH) may provide an additional aortic valve replacement option for young patients due to their potential to overcome the high early failure rate of conventional allogenic and xenogenic aortic valve prostheses. METHODS A prospective, European Union-funded, single-arm, multicentre, safety study was conducted in 8 centres evaluating non-cryopreserved DAH for aortic valve replacement. RESULTS One hundred and forty-four patients (99 male) were prospectively enrolled between October 2015 and October 2018, mean age 33.6 ± 20.8 years; 45% had undergone previous cardiac operations. Mean implanted DAH diameter 22.6 ± 2.4 mm and mean durations for the operation, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp were 341 ± 140, 174 ± 80 and 126 ± 43 min, respectively. There were 2 early deaths (1 LCA thrombus on day 3 and 1 ventricular arrhythmia 5 h postop) and 1 late death due to endocarditis 4 months postoperatively, resulting in a total mortality of 2.08%. One pacemaker implantation was necessary and 1 DAH was successfully repaired after 6 weeks for early regurgitation following subcoronary implantation. All other DAH were implanted as a free-standing root. After a mean follow-up of 1.54 ± 0.81 years, the primary efficacy end points peak gradient (mean 11.8 ± 7.5 mmHg) and regurgitation (mean 0.42 ± 0.49, grade 0–3) were excellent. At 2.5 years, freedom from explantation/endocarditis/bleeding/stroke was 98.4 ± 1.1%/99.4 ± 0.6%/99.1 ± 0.9%/99.2 ± 0.8%, respectively, with results almost identical to those in an age-matched Ross operation cohort of 212 patients (mean age 34 years) despite DAH patients having undergone >2× more previous procedures. CONCLUSIONS The initial results of the prospective multicentre ARISE trial show DAH to be safe for aortic valve replacement with excellent haemodynamics in the short follow-up period.
Dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and seed yield in determinate autumn-sown white lupins (Lupinus albus L)

Les lupins d'hiver a architecture determinee sont potentiellement interessants pour augmenter la stabilite du rendement et etendre la zone de culture du lupin d'hiver au nord de l'Europe. Deux genotypes determines ont ete etudies en 1990/1991 et 1991/1992 a Lusignan (France) dans 17 combinaisons de dates de semis, de densites et d'irrigation. La production de matiere seche moyenne est de 1 060 g/m 2 et la duree du cycle de vegetation de 2284 o C.J depuis le semis (base 3 o C). Des dates de semis tardives ou des densites faibles diminuent la production de biomasse [. ]
Anosmia as a presenting symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers - A systematic review of the literature, case series, and recommendations for clinical assessment and management.

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers are at the forefront of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are at high risk for both the contraction and subsequent spread of virus. Understanding the role of anosmia as an early symptom of infection may improve monitoring and management of SARS-CoV2 infection. METHODOLOGY We conducted a systematic review of the literature of SARS-CoV2 infection/COVID-19 and anosmia to help inform management of anosmia in healthcare works. We report a case series of healthcare workers, who presented with a loss of sense of smell secondary to COVID-19 infection to demonstrate management principles. RT-PCR was used to confirm COVID-19 positivity and psychophysical testing of olfaction was performed using the British version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, UPSIT. RESULTS The systematic literature search returned 31 articles eligible for inclusion in the study and informed our recommendations for clinical assessment and management. All three healthcare professionals who presented with loss of sense of smell subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Psychophysical testing of olfaction using the UPSIT confirmed mild and moderate microsmia in two, respectively, and normosmia at day 17 in one. CONCLUSIONS Olfactory (± gustatory) dysfunction is indicative of COVID-19 infection and thus has important implications in the context of healthcare workers, or key workers in general, who work in close contact with others if not recognised as suffering from COVID. This leads to a potentially higher likelihood of spreading the virus. In conjunction with our literature review these findings have helped with creating recommendations on the assessment and management of olfactory dysfunction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, both for healthcare workers and patients.
Killer whale abundance and predicted narwhal consumption in the Canadian Arctic

Range expansions and increases in the frequency of killer whale (Orcinus orca) sightings have been documented in the eastern Canadian Arctic, presumably the result of climate change‐related sea‐ice declines. However, the effects of increased predator occurrence on this marine ecosystem remain largely unknown. We explore the consequences of climate change‐related range expansions by a top predator by estimating killer whale abundance and their possible consumptive effects on narwhal (Monodon monoceros) in the Canadian Arctic. Individual killer whales can be identified using characteristics such as acquired scars and variation in the shape and size of their dorsal fins. Capture–mark–recapture analysis of 63 individually identifiable killer whales photographed between 2009 and 2018 suggests a population size of 163 ± 27. This number of killer whales could consume >1,000 narwhal during their seasonal residency in Arctic waters. The effects of such mortality at the ecosystem level are uncertain, but trophic cascades caused by top predators, including killer whales, have been documented elsewhere. These findings illustrate the magnitude of ecosystem‐level modifications that can occur with climate change‐related shifts in predator distributions.
Influence of magnesium on the state of the cardiovascular system in children with chronic tonsilitis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the condition of the cardiovascular system and the effect of the combined preparation of magnesium and vitamin B6 in children with secondary cardiomyopathy on the background of chronic tonsillitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: 100 children at the aged of 13-17 years were surveyed, including 60 patients with secondary cardiomyopathy with chronic tonsillitis. And the group I consisted of 45 children receiving standard treatment, group II - 15 patients who, along with standard treatment, received the drug magnesium. The control group consisted of 40 healthy children. To assess the condition of the cardiovascular system and vegetative regulation, we performed electrocardiographic examination (ECG), exercise test and ECG control, cardiointervalography with clinoortostatic test. The concentration of magnesium in the serum was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Also, we have provided the requirements of the principles of bioethics and drafted a protocol in accordance with the basic principles of the Helsinki Declaration. RESULTS Results: In addition to the standard treatment of children with magnesium drug, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of sinus arrhythmias, disorders of the intraventricular conduction, and the processes of repolarization, extrasystole, sinus suchchardia were not observed in any of the patients. The normalization of magnesium in the serum of patients was observed. CONCLUSION Conclusions: Supplementation of combination therapy with magnesium and B6 helped to improve myocardial electrophysiology and cardiac output, as well as to normalize the serum magnesium in children with secondary cardiomyopathy.
Lepidopteran insect species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, and systemic RNA interference by spraying dsRNA on larvae

To investigate whether the dsRNA of a gene has species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, or off‐target effects on lepidopteran insects, we identified a methionine‐rich storage protein gene (OfSP) from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), using high‐throughput sequence technology. The OfSP gene possesses three functional domains (N, M, and C), which are predominantly expressed in the last instars of Asian corn borer. This gene is also a key element for insect development and reproduction. The dsRNAs for the three functional domains of the OfSP gene were synthesized and sprayed on either Asian corn borer or on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), during the first instar. The dsRNA targeting the C‐terminal domain can cause high mortality rates in both insects, whereas those targeting the M‐ and N‐terminal domains only cause high mortality in the Asian corn borer. These results can be used to develop dsRNA with species‐specific or broad‐spectrum bio‐insecticidal properties. More importantly, after dsRNA spraying, we also found typical systemic RNAi in the phenotypes that resulted in abnormal ecdysis of the larvae and pupae. Moreover, sterile eggs were found in the next generation. To analyze the broad‐spectrum link to dsRNA off‐target effects, the whole transcriptome siRNA libraries for these two species were constructed. Results further confirmed that 21 nucleotide siRNAs are unlikely to produce the off‐target effect if conserved genes are not selected. These findings provide direct evidence confirming that dsRNA is a biologically safe insecticide in lepidopteran insect pest control.
Observations on the white-backed Vulture Gyps africanus in the Kruger National Park, with notes on other Avian Scavengers

Observations on the breeding biology of vultures in the central Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa, were made over two consecutive seasons. The breeding success of the White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus appeared to be lower than in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Its incubation period was about 8 weeks and its nestling period about 4,5 months. The relative abundance of vultures species recorded at food, is similar to results from other areas of Africa. Some resightings of marked birds indicate that vultures roam at least over the whole of the Kruger National Park.
Glucose oxidase production by Penicillium variabile P16: effect of medium composition

The effect of medium composition on glucose oxidase (GOD) production by the strain Penicillium variabile P16 was studied in shake culture. All the experiments were performed in a medium containing glucose and sodium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Addition of Fe 2+ to the medium was important to stimulate GOD production. Calcium carbonate was extremely important in maintaining the medium at a pH high enough so that the enzyme was not inactivated. The time course of growth and enzyme production by P. variabile P16 in the optimized medium is reported