Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Seasonal Distribution of Some Heavy Metals in Sediment of Lagos Lagoon Using Environmental Pollution Indices

Some heavy metals (Mn, Pb, Cr, As and Zn) analysis and their seasonal distribution between in the sediment samples of Lagos Lagoon were studied during the dry and wet seasons in November, 2012 to June, 2013 using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Contamination Factor (C f), Degree of Contamination (C d) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were the pollution indices employed to ascertain whether the contamination is anthropogenic or natural. Six sampling stations (Iddo, Ijora, Five cowries’ creek, Apapa port, Tincan creek, Commodore channel) were identified due to some anthropogenic activities observed in each station. Pb concentrations in all stations were within the permissible limits of 40 mg/kg of USEPA and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) of Nigeria except in stations 4 and 6 in wet season. Mn levels in all the analyzed sediments were also exceeded USEPA and DPR values of 46 mg/kg during the two seasons. Cr and Zn are within
Landscape of Innovative Methods for Early Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review

From a global perspective, gastric cancer (GC) persists as a significant healthcare issue. In the Western world, the majority of cases are discovered at late stages, when the treatment is generally unsuccessful. There are no organized screening programs outside of Asia (Japan and Republic of Korea). Traditional diagnosis techniques (such as upper endoscopy), conventional tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4), radiographic imaging, and CT scanning all have drawbacks. The gold standard for the earliest detection of cancer and related premalignant lesions is still endoscopy with a proper biopsy follow-up. Since there are currently no clinically approved biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GC, the identification of non-invasive biomarkers is expected to help improve the prognosis and survival rate of these patients. The search for new screening biomarkers is currently underway. These include genetic biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, and exosomes, as well as metabolic biomarkers obtained from biofluids. Meanwhile, cutting-edge high-resolution endoscopic technologies are demonstrating promising outcomes in the visual diagnosis of mucosal lesions with the aid of linked color imaging and machine learning models. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examined the articles in databases such as PubMed, resulting in 167 included articles. This review discusses the currently available and emerging methods for diagnosing GC early on, as well as new developments in the endoscopic detection of early lesions of the stomach.
The impact of climate change on river flow in arid and semi-arid rivers in Algeria

In Algeria, the problems of water resources have not been adequately treated till now, both in the analysis of climate change and in the formulation of climate policy. Similarly, in most cases, the historical evolution of climatic parameters and water resources has not been evaluated in different horizons and at different scales. In order to check this evolution, we selected the Algerian-Hodna-Soummam (AHS) basin that belongs to three different climate regions of Algeria, to evaluate the impact of future climate change on seasonal flows of 2050 and 2100. To better understand the importance of these impacts, we based our analysis on average flow of the reference period (1961-1990) and made comparisons to this. The methodology used is based on the GR2M model. The analysis of the results shows a marked decrease in average monthly flows compared to the reference period in the different horizons and the various studied scales.
Turbulent Spot Characteristics in Boundary Layers Subjected to Streamwise Pressure Gradient

The development of linear perturbations within laminar boundary layers subjected to a full range of adverse and favourable pressure gradients has been predicted numerically. Comparison of the predictions with published flow visualisation results enabled identification of the perturbation regions associated with the turbulent spot, trailing vortex streaks and oblique waves along the spot flanks. The effect of streamwise pressure gradient on spot characteristics (spot leading and trailing edge velocity, calming region trailing edge velocity and spot spreading half angle) was determined and was found to be consistent with published experimental data. The new data extends the range to severe adverse pressure gradient (separation) and to stronger favourable gradients. Correlations for the spot characteristics are provided.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Respiratory Infection by Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana in a Population of Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia)—A Potential Case of Zoo–Wildlife Cross-Transmission

A population of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) under professional care at Zoomarine Portugal presented with sudden respiratory clinical signs. Clinical management included a thorough diagnosis plan, including in-house fecal analysis that revealed the presence of ovoid unioperculate eggs. In the postmortem examination of one hyperacute dyspneic specimen, adult nematode parasites were collected and identified based on their morphology as Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana. Even after a broad-spectrum deworming protocol as part of the treatment and metaphylaxis approach, the incidence of parasitic reinfection was high. The complete clinical resolution was only accomplished after the identification and management of the possible focus of infection, a wild population of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) that frequently congregated above the owls’ habitat. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of infection by Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana in burrowing owls. Although nematodes of the family Syngamidae are not commonly included in the differential diagnosis of infectious respiratory agents of birds of the order Strigiformes, this report highlights the possibility of opportunistic parasitism in a zoological context, especially where there is a continued proximity to free-ranging avifauna.
ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplantation Without B-cell Depletion is Associated With Increased Early Acute Rejection: A Single-Center Australian Experience

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of 66 consecutive ABO incompatible kidney transplants (ABOiKT) performed without B-cell depleting therapy. Outcomes were compared to an earlier era performed with rituximab (n = 18) and a contemporaneous cohort of ABO compatible live donor transplants (ABOcKT). Acute rejection within 3 months of transplant was significantly more common after rituximab-free ABOiKT compared to ABOiKT with rituximab (OR 8.8, p = 0.04) and ABOcKT (OR 2.9, p = 0.005) in adjusted analyses. Six recipients of rituximab-free ABOiKT experienced refractory antibody mediated rejection requiring splenectomy, and a further two incurred early graft loss with no such episodes amongst ABOiKT with rituximab or ABOcKT cohorts. Patient and graft survival were similar between groups over a median follow-up of 3.1 years. This observational evidence lends strong support to the continued inclusion of rituximab in desensitization protocols for ABOiKT.
Reply to Khoury and Hakim

obesity is common and difficult to treat: evidence for a distinct pathophysiological phenotype. J Clin Sleep Med 2017;13: 81–88. 5. Husebø GR, Bakke PS, Aanerud M, Hardie JA, Ueland T, Grønseth R, et al. Predictors of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–results from the Bergen COPD cohort study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109721. 6. K€ ohnlein T, Windisch W, K€ ohler D, Drabik A, Geiseler J, Hartl S, et al. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for the treatment of severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective, multicentre, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Lancet Respir Med 2014;2:698–705.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: An Overview

: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common long-term respiratory morbidity of infants born prematurely. Historically thought to be a direct consequence of lung injury from mechanical ventilation and exposure to high concentrations of oxygen, recent evidence suggests that the BPD of today may be the result of altered lung development and altered alveolarization. In this paper, we will review historical and contemporary definitions of BPD as well as frequently used prevention and management strategies.
A CHECKLIST OF AVIFAUNA OF THE BHARATHAPUZHA RIVER BASIN, KERALA

The Bharathapuzha river basin of Kerala state was surveyed from Parali to Purathoor estuary region during January 1998 to December 2004 period. A total of 140 species of birds in 49 families were recorded. Sixty-five per cent of the bird species recorded was resident forms and 35% migrants. In Kerala the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and Brahminy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) were recorded only from the Bharathapuzha river basin. Among the bird species recorded from the Bharathapuzha basin, the Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), the Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and the Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) are Near Threatened. The river basin has been identified as a preferred breeding site of the Black-bellied Tern.
Charters Towers SHARP project – Assessment of Ground Penetrating Radar for the location and risk analysis of abandoned mines shafts

Summary Charters Towers was once one of Australia’s most productive gold fields peaking with an annual production of 319,572 ounces in 1899. The mining was predominantly underground, extending under much of the city to a depth of 2000ft. The main underground mining period ended in 1922 with many mine shafts capped with tree trunks and fill. The legacy of this period of activity is that as many as 1000 shafts exist within the Charters Towers region that have the capacity to collapse at short notice. The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy are currently responsible for the location and capping of the shafts in the Charters Towers Shaft Repair Program (CTSHARP). In 2006 the CTSHARP Project team decided to trial Ground Penetrating Radar as a method for locating mine shafts and categorizing the risk collapse within small targeted areas. Many of these sites were located in the yards and gardens of private dwellings, horse paddocks and even currently trafficked streets. This provided a wide variety of surface and subsurface materials and site conditions in which to trial the technique. Twenty sites were investigated and in the majority of the sites subsurface reflections were recorded that were indicative of either shaft locations or material collapsing into a shaft. The GPR data was used to both accurately plot the shaft location and give the anomaly a rating of 1 – 5 with 5 being the highest potential for collapse. The GPR investigation results have been verified by ground truthing and an actual collapse during the heavy rains early in 2007.
Conventional hydrogeological, hydrochemical and environmental isotope study of the Sandspruit River Catchment, Berg River Basin, South Africa.

The Sandspruit River catchment, found within the heart of the Swartland region is infamous for wheat and wine production. Variable groundwater quality and low productivity is encountered within the folded and fractured Malmesbury Group aquifer, whilst the most productive and better quality groundwater is found within the Table Mountain Group sandstone. The Sandspruit catchment (a tributary of the Berg River) represents a drainage system, whereby saline groundwater with TDS up to 10870 mg/l, and EC up to 2140 mS/m has been documented. The catchment belongs to the winter rainfall region with precipitation seldom exceeding 400mm/yr, as such, groundwater recharge occurs predominantly from May to August. Recharge estimation using the catchment water-balance method, chloride mass balance method, and qualified guesses produced recharge rates between 8-70 mm/yr. To understand the origin, occurrence and dynamics of the saline groundwater, a coupled analysis of major ion hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes (δO, δH and H) data supported by conventional hydrogeological information has been undertaken. Research data were collected in three seasonal field sampling campaigns within the study catchment. These spatial and multi-temporal hydrochemical and environmental isotope data provided insight into the origin, mechanisms and spatial evolution of the groundwater salinity. These data also illustrate that the saline groundwater within the catchment can be attributed to the combined effects of evaporation, salt dissolution, and groundwater mixing. The geology together with the local and regional faults control the chemistry of the groundwater, whereby relatively fresh groundwater can be observed in certain direct recharge areas. The salinity of the groundwater tends to vary seasonally and evolves in the direction of groundwater flow. The stable isotope signatures further indicate two possible mechanisms of recharge; namely, (1) a slow diffuse type modern recharge through a relatively low permeability material as explained by heavy isotope signal and (2) a relatively quick recharge prior to evaporation from a distant high altitude source as explained by the relatively depleted isotopic signal and sub-modern to old tritium values. A conceptual hydrogeological model based on the hydrogeological, hydrochemical, and environmental isotope data was developed for the Sandspruit catchment. This model, together with statistical and groundwater quality analysis has lead to the development of a proposed local optimized monitoring scheme for the catchment.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIGEYE TUNA (THUNNUS OBESUS) SAMPLED FROM CHINA TUNA LONGLINING FLEET IN CENTRAL ATLANTIC OCEAN

Based on the biological data of bigeye tuna sampled in random from three China larger scale tuna longliners operating in the Central Atlantic Ocean high sea area and targeting bigeye tuna form 16 Jun. 2001 to 27 th Oct. 2001, this paper analyzed the bigeye tuna’s gonad maturity stage , feeding intensity, species composition of the prey, sex ratio, fork length(FL) distribution by frequency statistic method. The results indicated (1) Gonad maturity stage at IV-VI were dominant with the highest percentage of V(30.11%). (2) The feeding intensity was mainly in the class 1, class 2 or class 3, totally 83.16%. (3) In the bigeye tuna’s species composition of prey, the percentage of miscellaneous fish or cephalopod was higher, 38.05% or 30.48% respectively. (4) The male-female ratio was about 2:1. (5) The dominant fork length was 1.13 1.49m, 64.16%, with the mean value of 1.32m.
Properties of the multiple measures in Arizona's teacher evaluation model

This study of Arizona’s pilot teacher evaluation model explored the relationships between component measures (teacher observations, student academic progress, and stakeholder surveys) and investigated how well the model differentiated between highand low-performing teachers. • Most teachers were rated “proficient” on most observation items. • Observation scores correlated with student academic progress primarily in domains outside the classroom (Planning and Preparation and Professional Responsibilities). • The strength of correlation between observation items and student academic progress differed for higher and lower scoring teachers. • Student academic progress correlated with observation or survey results only among teachers whose results derived from statewide math and reading tests their students took for other classes.
Temperature reconstruction from glacier length fluctuations in the Himalaya

Abstract A temperature reconstruction in the glacierized Himalaya over the past centuries using glacial length fluctuation records is challenging due to the abundance of debris-covered glaciers and a scarcity of glacial length fluctuation data. Using idealized flowline model simulations, we show that supraglacial debris cover significantly alters the length fluctuations only when the debris cover is very thick. An expanded database of length fluctuation records for 43 glaciers in the Himalaya and Karakoram is compiled and a standard linear inversion procedure is applied to a subset of 34 glaciers in this database. The reconstructed temperature anomaly during 1860-2010 indicates a continued warming of the region with a total temperature change of ~1.6 K. A close resemblance of the regional temperature anomaly to global trends is seen.
Retrofitting a saturated zone (RSAZ) in stormwater biofilters: Impact on pollutants removal

Elevated nitrogen levels are one of the main triggers for eutrophication of receiving water bodies. While efficient nitrification occurs in freely drained stormwater biofilters, denitrification is often lacking, which has been identified as the main reason for insufficient N removal or leaching. Furthermore, it has been previously shown that the choice of plant species may influence N removal, with some species potentially resulting in a net leaching, particularly when the filter media itself has relatively high levels of nitrogen. Thus, retrofitting of a submerged zone (SAZ) into poorly performing N removal biofilter might enhance anaerobic conditions for sufficient denitrification. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a retrofitted SAZ (RSAZ) on nitrogen removal by stormwater biofilters, whilst verifying that the SAZ did not diminish the removal of other pollutants. Fifteen mature biofilter columns planted with Dianella revoluta and Microleana stipoides were chosen since they showed the poorest nitrogen removal of a range of plant species (TN leaching of up 200% and up to 500% leaching of NOX for both plants), compared to the control group of Carex appressa (TN removal > 67% and NOx removal >94) biofilter columns. The biofilter columns were sampled over a year before and three months after retrofitting the SAZ. Samples were analysed for TSS, TN and the nitrogen species NH4 and NOx (nitrite and nitrate), TP and filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP), and Cu, Pb and Zn. The RSAZ columns showed a mean 370% increase in NOx removal capacity for Dianella (+180% for Microlaena), while the control Carex columns enhanced their NOx removal by 35%. Unsurprisingly, TP removal (FRP driven) was reduced in all treatments due to presence of organic matter in filter media within the RSAZ. Overall, retrofitting of SAZ seems to enhance N removal such that plant selection becomes less critical, allowing a range of plants to be used, considering other factors such as biodiversity.
Large Eddy Simulation of DARPA SUBOFF for Re = 2.65 × 107

ABSTRACT Feng, D. ; Wang, X. ; Jiang, F. , and Zhang, Z. , 2015. Large eddy simulation of DARPA SUBOFF for Re = 2.65 × 107. Accurate simulation of the flow field around the hull is of great significance to predict hydrodynamic performances of a submarine. Judging by the resistance of the hull, researchers will be able to know whether the flow field was finely simulated. In this paper, LES (Large-Eddy Simulation) is used to predict the resistance and wake of a standard submarine model DARPA SUBOFF at a high Reynolds number of 2.65 × 107. The results of the simulation were analyzed in detail and compared with the experimental data; they showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental data both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Income-Related Inequality in the Use of Medical Care in 21 OECD Countries

This study updates and extends a previous study on equity in physician utilisation for a subset of the countries analyzed here (Van Doorslaer, Koolman and Puffer, 2002). It updates results to 2000 for 13 countries and adds new results for eight countries: Australia, Finland, France, Hungary, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden. Both simple quintile distributions and concentration indices were used to assess horizontal equity, i.e. the extent to which adults in equal need for physician care appear to have equal rates of medical care utilisation. With respect to physician utilisation, need is more concentrated among the worse off, but after “standardizing out” these need differences, significant horizontal inequity favoring the better off is found in about half of the countries, both for the probability and the total number of visits. The degree of pro-rich inequity in doctor use is highest in the US, followed by Mexico, Finland, Portugal and Sweden. In the majority . Cette etude actualise et etend le champ d'investigation d'une etude anterieure sur l'equite de l'utilisation des services des medecins effectuee pour un sous-ensemble de pays analyses ici (Van Doorslaer, Koolman et Puffer, 2002). Elle actualise les resultats jusqu’a l’annee 2000 pour treize pays et incorpore de nouveaux resultats pour huit autres pays de l'OCDE : l’Australie, la Finlande, la France, la Hongrie, le Mexique, la Norvege, la Suisse et la Suede. Elle utilise a la fois les distributions par quintile et les indices de concentration pour evaluer l'equite horizontale, c’est-a-dire dans quelle mesure des adultes ayant un egal besoin de soins medicaux ont apparemment des taux identiques d'utilisation de soins medicaux. Pour ce qui est de l'utilisation des medecins, les besoins en services medicaux ont tendance a etre plus concentres parmi les categories defavorisees, mais apres avoir pris en compte ces differences de besoins, on observe une iniquite horizontale positive .
The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Proper Patients' Preparation on Selected Complications Post Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most important non-surgical procedures for treating urinary tract stones, so proper patient preparation for this procedure with applying progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) had a vital role in reducing pain and complications as well as improving the recovery rate. Aim: to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation and proper patients’ preparation on selected complications post extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Design: Quasi-experimental research design was used. The study was conducted in the urology outpatient clinic and shock wave lithotripsy unit at the University Hospital, Shebin El-kom district, Menouﬁa Governorate. A purposive sample of (232) patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy were included in the study. Three instruments were used for data collection. Instrument 1; Structured interview questionnaire: It composed off our parts; part one; patient’s demographic data, part two: patient's medical data, Part three: patients’ knowledge about urolithiasis and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, Part four: patient's urological assessment. Instrument 2: The visual analog pain scale. Instrument 3: Beck anxiety inventory scale. Results: There was statically significant increase regarding patients’ level of knowledge that related to ESWL treatment, decreasing of pain, anxiety level and urological symptoms among the study group than the control group. Conclusion: The present study established that progressive muscle relaxation and proper patient’s preparation had a positive effect in reducing pain, anxiety, and urological symptoms following post extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Recommendations: Appropriate patient preparation prior shock wave lithotripsy at the unit is necessary to reduce complications risk, also Plans should be made for ongoing education for nurses so they can give patients the essential oral and written information regarding urolithiasis.