Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bactericidal and Bacteriostatic Effects of Four Different Parts of 2 Plants Moringa Extracts against the Bacteria Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi, and some Phytochemical Properties

Background and Objectives: Typhoid fever and cholera are two major health challenges in many developing countries. The use of extracts of the plants Moringa for their treatment is often done without perfect knowledge of the antimicrobial properties of each part of plant. This study aims to evaluate the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of extracts of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala against the bacteria S. typhi and V. cholerae which cause typhoid fever and cholera respectively. Materials and Methods: Four different parts (leaves, seeds, stem, and roots) of each plant species were dried and then ground. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extracts of each part of the plants against the considered bacteria were determined by dilution method. Their phytochemical profiles were determined by chromatographic and mass spectral analyses. Results: It has been noted that MICs and MBCs varied from one part to another of the same Moringa species, and from one bacterium to another for the same extract. With M. oleifera, the lowest MBC (0.078 mg/mL) against S. typhi and V. cholerae came from seeds and roots extracts, respectively. With M. stenopetala, the lowest MBCs against S. typhi (0.156 mg/mL) and V. cholerae (0.312 mg/mL) were from seeds extracts. Extracts of different parts of M. oleifera have bactericidal effects against S. typhi, and bacteriostatic effects against V. cholerae. Extracts from all considered parts of M. stenopetala have bacteriostatic effects against both bacteria. Although some phytochemicals were found in both Moringa, others were specific to one species or to a given part. Conclusion: In case of co-infection by both bacteria, M. oleifera roots extracts could be the most recommended in the treatment because of their lowest MIC and MBC. With M. stenopetala, roots and seeds extracts could be the most recommended because of their relatively lower MIC and MBC, respectively. The next studies will determine for each microorganism, the activity of each identified and purified chemical compound. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Social Presence, Negative Emotions, and Self-Protective Behavioral Intentions of Nonsmokers in Response to Secondhand Smoking in Virtual Reality: Quasi-Experimental Design

Background The application of virtual reality (VR) in health care has grown rapidly in China, where approximately half of the population is directly exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). As VR headsets have become increasingly popular and short video platforms have incorporated 360° videos in China, new formats and opportunities for health campaigns about SHS have emerged. Objective In a simulated environment of exposure to SHS, this study aims to explore the emotional and behavioral responses to enhanced social presence brought about by VR in contrast to flat-screen videos. It also aims to examine whether and to what extent video modality (360° video vs flat-screen video) and contextual cues (high threat vs low threat) influence psychometric and intentional variables among viewers. Methods A total of 245 undergraduate and graduate students who were nonsmokers and from a large university in China participated in this study between October 2020 and January 2021. This study created 4 different versions of a SHS experience in a café with a 2 (360° video on a head-mounted display vs flat-screen display) × 2 (high threat vs low threat) experimental design. It developed and tested a path model examining the effects of experience modality and threat levels on social presence, emotions (anger and disgust), and eventually behavioral intentions (staying away and asking for help). Results We found that both video modality (P<.001) and threat level (P=.005) significantly influenced social presence, whereas the interaction of video modality and threat level did not have a statistically significant effect on social presence (P=.55). Negative emotions mediated the relationships between social presence and SHS-related self-protective behaviors. Specifically, anger positively predicted the intention to ask smokers to stop smoking through the waitress (P<.001). Disgust and fear both positively predicted the intention to stay away from the SHS environment (P<.001 for disgust; P=.002 for fear). Conclusions This study explored the potential mediating mechanisms that influence individuals’ responses to the risks of SHS in public areas. The results demonstrated that social presence and negative emotions are 2 important mediators that underlie the relationship between video modality and behavioral intention regarding SHS in a VR setting. These findings suggest that an immersive environment could be a better stimulator of anti-SHS emotions and behaviors than flat-screen videos.
Detección de genes shv y tem en cepas de Escherichia coli productoras de B-lactamasas de espectro extendido procedentes de dos centros hospitalarios de Chiclayo- Perú: enero- agosto 2011

espanolDescribir la frecuencia de distribucion de los genes blaTEM y blaSHV en cepas de Escherichia coli productoras de �A- lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) procedentes de dos centros hospitalarios de Chiclayo. Material y Metodos: Estudio de tipo descriptivo, trasversal. Las cepas de Escherichia coli productoras de BLEE fueron seleccionadas de pacientes con infeccion urinaria internados en los servicios de Cuidados Intensivos, Ginecologia, Medicina Interna y Cirugia de los hospitales Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo y Las Mercedes. Las cepas fueron confirmadas previamente en los laboratorios de los dos hospitales usando las prueba fenotipica de Jarlier (Hospital Las Mercedes) y el sistema automatizado Vitek 2 (Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo); el analisis de deteccion de los genes blaTEM y blaSHV se hizo por PCR en el Laboratorio de Genetica de la Universidad Catolica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo. Resultados: Un total de 66 cepas de Escherichia coli recolectadas desde Enero a Agosto del 2011 fueron confirmadas como BLEE; de estas se confirmo que 40 cepas (60,61%) presentaron el gen blaTEM, 8 cepas (12,12%) presentaron el gen blaSHV y 18 cepas (27,27%) no presentaron ninguno de los dos. Ninguna de las cepas presento ambos genes. Conclusion: los genes blaTEM y blaSHV fueron frecuentes en las cepas BLEE de ambos hospitales, siendo mas frecuente el gen blaTEM. EnglishObjective: To describe the distribution frequency of blaTEM and blaSHV genes in extended spectrum �A-lactamase producing Escherichia coli strains of two hospitals of Chiclayo. Material and Methods: Transversal, descriptive study. Extended spectrum �A- lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli strains were initially obtained from urine cultures of patients with urinary tract infection from the services of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Intensive care unit and Urology from two hospitals of Chiclayo. The strains were previously confirmed in the laboratories using Jarlier's phenotypic method (Hospital las Mercedes) and the Vitek 2 automated system (Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo); the genetic detection analysis of blaTEM and blaSHV genes was done by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) in the Genetics Laboratory of Universidad Catolica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo. Results: A total of 66 strains of Escherichia coli isolated since January to August 2011 were classified as ESBL; by PCR, the blaTEM gen was found in 40 strains (60.61%), the blaSHV gen in 8 strains (12.12%), and both genes were absent in 18 strains (27.27%). Conclusion: blaTEM and blaSHV genes were frequently detected in ESBL strains from both hospitals; being the blaTEM the most frequent.
Dynamic Testing of a Full-Scale Pile Cap with Dense Silty Sand Backfill

DYNAMIC TESTING OF A FULL-SCALE PILE CAP WITH DENSE SILTY SAND BACKFILL Todd J. Valentine Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Master of Science Full-scale dynamic lateral load tests were performed on a pile cap with a dense silty sand backfill condition. Two hydraulic load actuators connected a test pile cap with a reaction cap. The load actuators incrementally loaded the test cap up to 50 mm of displacement. After each load increment, the displacement was held constant while an eccentric mass shaker induced dynamic loads under a ramping sequence from 1 Hz to 10 Hz. A baseline response was developed under a no backfill condition. Passive soil pressure was measured using pressure cells and tactile sensors. It was concluded that the presence of the backfill significantly increased the lateral load resistance of the pile-cap system, with the resistance nearly doubling at a 50 mm deflection level. After initial loading, the pile cap system experienced a loss in load resistance. In the case with backfill present, this relaxation generally represented a 10 to 15% loss in resistance. Additionally, after undergoing dynamic, cyclic loading, the resistance was approximately 40 to 80% of its initial value. Dynamic displacement amplitudes were on the order of 0 to 2 mm. Passive pressure from the backfill was observed to be non-linear with a concentration of pressure near the bottom of the pile cap. Rankine, Coulomb, and log-spiral earth pressure theories underestimated the passive earth pressure from the backfill by at least 30%. The natural frequency of the pile cap increased with increasing with static displacement level while placement of the backfill further increased the frequency of the pile cap. On average, the presence of the backfill increased the reloading stiffness of the pile cap by a factor of three to four, whereas the damping ratio increased by a factor of two. The dense silty sand backfill acting by itself on the face of the 1.12 m tall and 5.18 m wide pile cap face exhibited a reloading stiffness on the order of 120 to 250 kN/mm and a damping ratio of 30 to 70%. These damping ratios are significantly higher than that typical expected for structural materials but appear to be consistent with values for soils.
Assessing drivers of estuarine pH: A comparative analysis of the continental U.S.A.'s two largest estuaries

In estuaries, local processes such as changing material loads from the watershed and complex circulation create dynamic environments with respect to ecosystem metabolism and carbonate chemistry that can strongly modulate impacts of global atmospheric CO2 increases on estuarine pH. Long‐term (> 20 yr) surface water pH records from the USA's two largest estuaries, Chesapeake Bay (CB) and Neuse River Estuary‐Pamlico Sound (NRE‐PS) were examined to understand the relative importance of atmospheric forcing vs. local processes in controlling pH. At the estuaries’ heads, pH increases in CB and decreases in NRE‐PS were driven primarily by changing ratios of river alkalinity to dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. In upper reaches of CB and middle reaches of the NRE‐PS, pH increases were associated with increases in phytoplankton biomass. There was no significant pH change in the lower NRE‐PS and only the polyhaline CB showed a pH decline consistent with ocean acidification. In both estuaries, interannual pH variability showed robust, positive correlations with chlorophyll a (Chl a) during the spring in mid to lower estuarine regions indicative of strong control by net phytoplankton production. During summer and fall, Chl a and pH negatively correlated in lower regions of both estuaries, given a shift toward heterotrophy driven by changes in phytoplankton community structure and increases in the load ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to organic carbon. Tropical cyclones episodically depressed pH due to vertical mixing of CO2 rich bottom waters and post‐storm terrestrial organic matter loading. Local processes we highlight represent a significant challenge for predicting future estuarine pH.
Case series of Anaerococcus prevotii infection in road traffic accidents in New Delhi, India

Anaerobic bacteria are part of the normal human skin flora. However, anaerobic infections could have different clinical courses with outcomes ranging from local abscesses to life-threatening conditions. Any long-term wound infection or a wound discharging pus with a foul smell is an indication of anaerobic infections. We present here a series of three cases of infection in patients injured in road traffic accidents (RTA) in which Anaerococcus prevotii was identified as the pathogen. Samples isolated from tissues of patients from three different RTAs were received in anaerobic conditions in Robertson Cooked Meat medium (RCM) within 2-4 h of collection. RCM was incubated for 24 h and then inoculated on three blood agars (BA) plates cultured anaerobically in a Gas Pack Jar, in a CO2 incubator, or aerobically. No growth was noted on the aerobically incubated plate. After 48 h, anaerobic plates were examined for growth and a Gram stain was performed. The identity of isolated colonies was confirmed by VITEK-2, and sensitivity testing was done by the pour plate method using Epsilon meter strips. All three tissue samples isolated from (1) the right leg, (2) the right inguinal region, and (3) the left thigh of patients revealed Anaerococcus prevotii, and two isolates showed resistance to the antibiotic metronidazole. Any injury with long-term infection, especially in patients suffered from RTAs, needs to be scrutinized for anaerobic infections since they are common in RTA related injuries. No random medication should be administered without prior culture sensitivity testing, because it might contribute to metronidazole or other antibiotics resistance.
Probiotic therapy: A survey of Middle Eastern healthcare providers’ attitudes, beliefs, and practice patterns

This study compares Jordanian healthcare professionals to those in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, the Gulf, and Morocco to assess their probiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to August 2020 involving 269 healthcare providers (HCPs) from medical, dentistry, pharmacy, and nutrition majors. An online survey was used to collect data via email and social media. The analysis of variance test was used to examine if the variants reject the Null hypothesis. Multilingual linear test correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between probiotic knowledge, attitude, and practice variables. Of all respondents, 13.3% of healthcare medical providers had good knowledge. The majority of HCPs that used probiotics were dietitians (69.4%). However, the multilingual linear test for probiotic knowledge, attitude, and practice correlated significantly with gender and specialty are 0.005 and 0.009, respectively. Most respondents had a limited level of knowledge of probiotics, despite the positive attitudes and positive practices toward probiotics, which could be improved by the implementation of targeted learning programs and workshops.
The Role of Point of Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Different Neonatal Lung Diseases in NICU: A Prospective Study

Background : Due to its radiation-free feature, comfort, high accuracy, and cheap cost, lung ultrasonography (LUS) has been used in clinical practice to diagnose and discriminate infant lung disorders; nevertheless, its usage in neonatal care is still restricted. Objective : To assess the role of point of care LUS in diagnosis of different neonatal lung diseases compared to chest X-ray (CXR). Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study on 115 neonates (preterm and full-term) with newborn lung disorders of various etiologies; those with substantial congenital abnormalities, such as chest deformities, complicated congenital heart diseases, and central respiratory failure were excluded. On admission, CXR and LUS were performed for diagnosis. They were then repeated after 3 days and after 7 days, or sooner or later, if necessary, based on the clinical status. Results : LUS diagnosis sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), pneumonia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumothorax (PTX), pulmonary atelectasis and pulmonary edema were 95.7/98.5%, 100/100% 97.1/98.8, 100/100%, 94.1%/98.9%, 100/100%, 100/100%, respectively. With a 95% CI of 0.91 to 1, the overall agreement between LUS and CXR was 98.3%. The diagnosis of NLDS was mostly in accord with LUS and CXR. Conclusion : LUS may be used as a substitute for other methods of diagnosing newborn lung illnesses since it is an imaging modality that is accurate, dependable, rapid, simple to use, real-time, and radiation-free.
Influence of Library Marketing Strategies on the Utilization of Library Virtual Reference Service

Virtual reference services in the library needs to be more utilized during the pandemic era as library users had to go online. This research study determined the influence of library marketing strategies to the library users’ utilization of virtual reference service. The concurrent nested mixed method of research was used. Participants of the study were the 206 students at a state university in the province of Bukidnon during the school year, 2021-2022. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to organize the data of the study. Findings reveal that the participants assessed as high all the library marketing strategies high, and it was also found out the utilization of library virtual reference services was rated to a high extent. Moreover, the combination of library marketing strategies significantly influenced the variability in the utilization of library virtual reference service. The study concludes that through social media, the library can encourage library users to avail of its varied information sources. Marketing strategies significantly influence the library users’ utilization. This confirms the theory of confirmation expectancy which suggests that perceptions are influenced by pre-use expectations (marketing strategies) and consequently directly impact confirmation (utilization of the library virtual services). Based from the findings, the university library may consider other forms of social media such as Google hangouts, Twitter, and YouTube to enhance its virtual services and to attract more patrons to use its services.
Observations on cooperative fishing, use of bait for hunting, propensity for marigold flowers and sentient behaviour in Mugger Crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831) of river Savitri at Mahad, Maharashtra, India

As far as animal cognition is concerned, in comparison with mammals and birds, reptiles have been underestimated and research in reptilian cognition hasn’t progressed much due to this bias. Though crocodiles are generally stereotyped as lethargic and lacking social interactions except for territoriality, parental care and prey ambush, they demonstrate discrete behavioural repertoire in a variety of situations suggestive of refined cognition. The observations presented here were recorded during a long-term study on Muggers Crocodylus palustris of Savitri River in Maharashtra, and indicate social behaviour of remarkable acuity among Muggers to optimize foraging, which clearly hints at cooperative fishing. Also, on many occasions here, the Muggers were seen to have sticks on their snouts or lay still in the vicinity of floating twigs presumably to lure birds that desperately scouted for nesting material; though only on one occasion the unsuspecting bird was ambushed successfully. Flight initiation distances (FID) of birds that forage and nest in crocodilian habitat have been measured to assess their wariness towards crocodile’s presence. We report the attraction of free ranging Muggers here to the yellow Marigold Tagetes erecta flowers. We also remark on apparent sentience involving a dog that was chased into the river by a pack of feral dogs, the ‘aquatic refugee’ having been seemingly nudged and escorted to safety of the bank by crocodiles. All these behaviours are discussed in the light of previous reports involving other crocodilian species elsewhere, to assess the cognitive faculty of this species.
Exploring perceptions of alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places among individuals aged 40 and over: A qualitative study across socioeconomically diverse neighbourhoods in Madrid, Spain

Abstract Alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places has become a topic of intense debate in Spain due to its negative impact on health and social outcomes, and the inefficiency of current alcohol policies. This research aimed to explore the perceptions of individuals aged 40 and over regarding alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places in socioeconomically diverse neighbourhoods in Madrid. 37 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus groups were conducted in three neighbourhoods with different socioeconomic statuses. The analysis drew on Corbin and Strauss’s grounded theory coding strategies. The findings of the study showed that people aged 40 and over problematised alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places, such as parks and squares. The problematisation followed a two-step process. Initially, non-compliance with current restrictions on alcohol sales during the night-time in convenience stores, including the sale of alcohol to minors, was identified as an issue. This, in turn, led to alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places, which was associated with negative outcomes such as alcohol-related litter, noise nuisance, and violence. These consequences were disproportionally perceived in the least affluent neighbourhood. To address the disproportionate impact of alcohol-related behaviours in the least affluent neighbourhoods, reinforcing existing alcohol sales policies is warranted. This may reduce alcohol consumption in unlicensed public places and its related negative outcomes.
Reply to "Comment on 'Operational Earthquake Forecasting: Status of Knowledge and Guidelines for Implementation by Jordan et al. [2011]' by Stuart Crampin"

In his commentary on the International Commission on Earthquake Forecasting (ICEF) report [Jordan et al. 2011], Crampin [2012] claims that observable changes in shear-wave splitting can predict large earthquakes on short time scales with high reliability and skill, and he challenges a central ICEF finding—that no method has yet demonstrated such a predictive capability. In particular, Crampin asserts that "observations of seismic shear-wave splitting monitored at a three-borehole Stress-Monitoring Site (SMS) in central Italy could monitor stress-accumulation and stress-relaxation (crack-coalescence) before all damaging (M ≥ 5) earthquakes within 1000 km of the SMS […] This means that installation of one expensive SMS (preferably two throughout the length of Italy) would stress-forecast the time, magnitude, and in some circumstances fault-break of all potentially damaging on the mainland of Italy". Crampin's assertions are based on prediction methods he has advocated for several decades [e.g., Crampin et al. 1984; Crampin et al. 1990]. As part of the ICEF study, we reviewed the literature on these methods. Nothing contained in the present commentary compels us to alter our previous findings. [. ]