Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Biofilm Forming Capacities of Bacterial Isolates Recovered in Raw and Treated Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Biofilm producing bacteria are associated with many recalcitrant infections and are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents, hence notoriously difficult to eradicate. This study aimed at determining the biofilm forming capacities of bacterial isolates recovered in the raw wastewater and treated effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria using Tube Method (TM) and Congo Red Agar (CRA) method; and from the results, among the isolates recovered from the raw wastewater, TM detected 62.5% isolates as positive and 37.5% as negative for biofilm production, CRA detected 37.5% isolates as positive and 62.5% as negative for biofilm production. TM also demonstrated to be more suitable in detecting biofilm producing bacterial isolates from the treated effluent were it detected 50% isolates as positive and 50% as negative. However, CRA detected only 12.5% isolates as positive and 87.5% as negative for biofilm production. We therefore, conclude that the TM is more efficient and reliable for detection of biofilm producing bacteria in the laboratory when compared to CRA method and can be recommended as one of the suitable standard screening method for the detection of biofilm producing bacteria in laboratories. Keywords: Biofilm; Bacteria; Congo red agar and Tube method
Thinking beyond the binary: Barriers to trans* participation in university sport

Sport is a significant part of university life in the UK, where students may try new sports for the first time. Research also demonstrates links between sport participation and mental health and employment prospects. Despite the positive aspects of university sports, by mimicking wider sport practices, they may also be environments that exclude non-normative bodies, including those who are trans*. The experiences of trans* people in sport is still a limited research area, with existing studies suggesting a range of exclusionary practices are evident. However, it is currently unclear to what extent these practices are replicated in the university sport environment across institutions in the UK. As part of a broader study on LGBT+ inclusion in UK university sport, focus groups with student union officers and LGBT+ students were conducted, with one student identifying as trans*. Data derived from the trans* student, alongside the viewpoints of officers, suggests further action can be taken to ensure university sport is inclusive to all, particularly in regard to the reliance on wider binary gender structures in sport, which are also evident in the British Universities and Colleges Sport transgender policy. This research may be useful for student unions, university sport clubs and other bodies in control of sport provision to increase inclusion for all.
Acute Systolic Heart Failure as the only Risk Factor for Cardioembolic Cerebrovascular Accident in the Setting of Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy and Normal Sinus Rhythm: A Case Report with Literature Review

The association between atrial fibrillation and stroke is well-known by use of the CHA2DS2VASc risk assessment. However, little is known about the thromboembolic risk in patients who have isolated systolic heart failure (HF) with sinus rhythm. Despite growing literature which shows how HF in the setting of normal sinus rhythm is a risk factor for thromboembolic disease, the recommendation for use of anticoagulation, whether warfarin or direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) in this setting, is not yet reflected in cardiology guidelines. To reduce the risk of thromboembolism, anticoagulation trials have been done but have not conclusively shown benefit over risk. We present a case of left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke after de novo HF in a patient with sinus rhythm, who was previously not on anticoagulation. Case: A 57-year-old male presented to our hospital with worsening shortness of breath for 3 days. He had signs of hypervolemia consistent with an acute heart failure exacerbation. Pertinent physical exam findings included lower extremity edema, rales, and jugular venous distension. He also had fatigue and exertional dyspnea. During his hospital course, he underwent imaging studies that revealed cardiomegaly, absence of pulmonary embolism, and a severely reduced ejection fraction. During his acute heart failure admission, he developed a left MCA stroke suspected to be of cardioembolic etiology and was successfully treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Conclusion: According to the most recent AHA/ACC cardiovascular disease guidelines, anticoagulation is not indicated in systolic heart failure patients with sinus rhythm. However, our case is rare because the patient had no underlying risk factors for thromboembolism and significant past medical history. He developed new-onset nonischemic cardiomyopathy complicated by a stroke. Therefore, we suggest the need for prophylactic anticoagulation should be assessed on an individual basis, with the assistance of shared decision making, especially when the ejection fraction is acutely and severely reduced.
Improvised Marketing Interventions in Social Media

Online virality has attracted the attention of academics and marketers who want to identify the characteristics of online content that promote sharing. This article adds to this body of research by examining the phenomenon of improvised marketing interventions (IMIs)—social media actions that are composed and executed in real time proximal to an external event. Using the concept of quick wit, and theorizing that the effect of IMIs is furthered by humor and timeliness or unanticipation, the authors find evidence of these effects on both virality and firm value across five multimethod studies, including quasiexperiments, experiments, and archival data analysis. These findings point to the potential of IMIs in social media and to the features that firms should proactively focus on managing in order to reap the observed online sharing and firm value benefits.
Evaluating the relationship between drought and vegetation greenness in Chyulu-Amboseli Rangeland, Kenya

Remote sensing techniques have been widely used to monitor moisture-related vegetation conditions. Vegetation vigour response to drought however is complex and has not been adequately studied using satellite sensor data. This paper investigated the time lag response of vegetation to drought in Kenya’s Chyulu-Amboseli ecosystem based on Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) derived from monthly precipitation data for the period January 2000-October 2016 downloaded from the Climate Hazards group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) computed from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) pre-processed images downloaded from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) database. Statistical analysis showed that drought severity increased over the study period while corresponding vegetation conditions degenerated. Results further revealed that the relationship between drought and vegetation greenness was significant (R 2 = 0.6) with 2 months optimal lag. This calls for policy makers and programme managers to integrate the lag effect in measures to cope with drought in the rangelands. Keywords: Drought, Vegetation greenness, Chyulu-Amboseli, Statistical Analysis, Rangeland
Microplastics and Other Anthropogenic Debris in Fish and Potential Implications for Human Exposures

Microplastics are an inconspicuous environmental threat that have received considerable attention due to global contamination and potential adverse ecological and human health impacts. Recent studies demonstrate that microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms and can cause physiological and toxicological damage. As a result, concerns have been raised by government agencies and the public regarding microplastics in seafood. First Nations communities around Lake Simcoe have also expressed concern regarding microplastic contamination in their fish. In response, I measured contamination levels in fish from Lake Simcoe and found 93.2% (N=44) contained anthropogenic debris, the majority (86.8%) being fibers. The size of the fish was positively correlated with the quantity of anthropogenic debris found. In addition, I tested the potential for microplastic translocation in laboratory fish to inform exposure routes to humans. No translocation of microplastics was observed, suggesting the consumption of fish fillets is likely not a significant exposure pathway to humans.
Bridge condition rating data modeling using deep learning algorithm

Abstract This paper presents a deep learning-based bridge condition rating data modeling approach using selected data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database. The objective of this research is to develop a data-driven approach that enables prediction of future conditions of highway bridge components from historical inspection data. The problem is solved by training a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model with online available NBI data. One prominent feature of the CNN model is that if well-trained it can represent the high dimensional data in the dataset abstractions for which conventional mathematical models may be difficult to describe. A case study of Maryland and Delaware highway bridges using historical data (1992–2017) sourced from the NBI database has been performed to demonstrate the proposed method. CNN models for three primary components of these highway bridges including the deck, superstructure, and substructure have been established. Optimization of model parameters is achieved through a parametric study. Research findings suggest that the deep learning model offers a promising tool as a data-driven condition forecasting approach for bridge components with a demonstrated prediction accuracy over 85%.
Well-Posedness of Boundary Controlled and Observed Stochastic Port-Hamiltonian Systems

In this article, Stochastic port-Hamiltonian systems (SPHS) on infinite-dimensional spaces governed by Itô stochastic differential equations (SDEs) are introduced, and some properties of this new class of systems are studied. They are an extension of SPHSs defined on a finite-dimensional state space. The concept of well-posedness in the sense of Weiss and Salamon is generalized to the stochastic context. Under this extended definition, SPHSs are shown to be well posed. The theory is illustrated on an example of a vibrating string subject to a Hilbert space-valued Gaussian white noise process.
A Pilot Intervention Study to Improve Sexuality Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of the Permission, Limited information, Specific Suggestion, and sexual therapy (PLISSIT) model directly with breast cancer survivor (BCS) on sexual function and quality of life (QOL) domains. Methods: A pilot control trial was conducted comparing the PLISSIT model intervention to usual care. The intervention was delivered by two health professionals (nurse and professional sexual therapist) consisted of five sessions on counseling, genitalia anatomy, human sexual response, and sexual function. Data were collected before and 3 months after the intervention using the Female Sexual Function Index and the World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The sample consisted of 19 BCS (11 intervention, 8 controls) with a mean age of 54.5 8 years (standard deviation = 7.14) and the majority were married, Black or mixed Brazilian, received chemotherapy, radiation and/or hormonal therapy, and education varied from high school to college. There was significant improvement in physical health (P = 0.031), social relationships (P = 0.046), orgasm (P = 0.055), and pain (P = 0.049) over time and the intervention resulted in improved arousal (P = 0.038). Conclusions: The results suggest that the PLISSIT model may be an effective intervention for BCS in coping with and managing changes in sexuality and sexual function after treatment. It is important that nurses are aware of sexual intimacy concerns for BCS and integrate assessment into their nursing care.
An analysis of recent stroke cases in South Africa: Trend, seasonality and predictors.

BACKGROUND South Africa (SA) is experiencing an epidemiological transition as a result of sociodemographic and lifestyle changes. This process is leading to an increase in non-communicable diseases, which in turn may result in an upswing of stroke cases. Stroke is among the top 10 leading causes of disability in SA, and accounts for ~25 000 deaths annually and 95 000 years lived with disability (YLD). This huge burden of stroke hampers socioeconomic development as a result of YLD. OBJECTIVES To investigate the seasonality and trend of stroke cases in SA, and determine the risk factors associated with stroke. METHODS Using recent hospital-based data (January 2014 - December 2017 inclusive) from SA private and public hospitals (33% private and 67% public), a sample of 14 645 suspected stroke cases was drawn. Associations between suspected stroke cases and potential predictors were assessed using χ2 tests and bivariate analysis. Time series analysis tools for trend and seasonality components included both time domain and frequency domain techniques. A Poisson generalised linear model was used, as there was no over-dispersion inherent in the data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of several predictors on stroke cases. RESULTS Of the 14 645 suspected cases of stroke, 51.5% were confirmed. Seasonality analysis gave an approximate seasonal change of 120 cases, the highest seasonal peak occurring in mid-winter and the lowest dip in mid-summer. Both upward trend and seasonality parameters were found to be statistically significant. Predictors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of stroke were heart problems (odds ratio (OR) 8.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.23 - 9.55; p<0.0001), diabetes (OR 14.53; 95% CI 13.36 - 15.79; p<0.0001), female sex (OR 18.23; 95% CI 16.75 - 19.85; p<0.0001), age 59 - 77 years (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.24 - 1.50; p<0.0001) and 78 - 98 years (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.16 - 1.35; p<0.0001) and white ethnic group (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.86 - 2.15; p<0.0001), compared with the respective reference groups. The prevalence ratios of stroke cases as measured by Poisson regression were in agreement with logistic regression results. CONCLUSIONS The increasing trend of stroke in SA should be arrested urgently, taking into account both the associated risk factors and seasonality.
Parental Mediation of Children’s Audiovisual Content Exposure in the Digital Age

This qualitative research investigates parental attitudes regarding their children’s media usage. Through semi-structured interviews, the aim of this research was to explore which tools and/or services are still lacking in the Netherlands that could help Dutch parents in educating and navigating their children in the new media landscape. Twelve interviews were conducted with Dutch parents who have children between nine and twelve years old. In recent years it has become increasingly difficult for parents to have sight on what their children are watching. This is mainly owing to the growth of the Internet, which caused that children are exposed to content on a variety of devices, on which any desired program, movie or video can be watched at any time of the day. A thematic analysis of interview data revealed that parents need more and specific help regarding new forms of media, of which YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp were the ones most frequently mentioned. This implies that the ongoing concern of exposure towards harmful content is still not resolved. Media education, nowadays, goes way further than just traditional media, such as the television, or online streaming services, such as Netflix. Platforms on where user-generated content can be watched, cause more concerns among parents and more problems between parents and their children. Parents state as well that more specific help should be provided, as well as for their children, in order to solve problems more effectively.
Consequences of Conspiracy Theories

This chapter outlines what is known to date, and reviews the psychological research on the positive and negative consequences of conspiracy theories. It argues that future research efforts should attempt to address the negative psychological and behavioural consequences of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories at first glance appear to satisfy important psychological needs. For example, conspiracy theories may allow people to gain an accurate and consistent understanding of the world; for example, people who need concrete answers and those showing a tendency to overestimate the likelihood of co-occurring events are more likely to be drawn to conspiracy theories. Although there is little empirical evidence, some research suggests that there may be positive consequences of endorsing conspiracy theories. In a similar vein, conspiracy theories may in certain contexts inspire collective action and social change attempts, especially in reaction to threatening events. Potentially, therefore, they have the capacity to satisfy existential needs.
If You Are Not Counted, You Don't Count: Estimating The Size of Hidden Populations

Author(s): Wesson, Paul Douglas | Advisor(s): Reingold, Arthur; McFarland, William | Abstract: Background: Despite advances in treatment and prevention services, HIV infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, identified by the 2010 Global Burden of Disease report as the fifth leading cause of global disability adjusted live years. While the epidemiologic features of HIV infection vary globally, marginalized populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and injection drug users (IDUs) are consistently at increased risk for HIV infection relative to the general population. Targeting such marginalized, or hidden, populations has become a global priority to maximize the effectiveness of the public health response to the HIV pandemic. Members of these populations are often difficult to find, and the size of these populations is largely unknown, making it difficult to calculate epidemiologic measures of disease and to evaluate the reach and coverage of public health programs.Methods: Through three separate analyses, this dissertation will investigate the reliability and the plausibility of population size estimation methods when applied to hidden populations. Chapter 1 systematically reviews the literature on population size estimation methods and assesses the degree to which different methods, applied to the same population, calculate similar estimates of the target population. Chapter 2 evaluates a novel size estimation method, the SS-PSE, by applying it to a Respondent-Driven Sampling study of African-American MSM in San Francisco, and comparing results to other methods. Chapter 3 applies capture-recapture models to evaluate the completeness of the Alameda County HIV surveillance system, and examines the role of sampling bias in this application. Discussion and Significance: The results of the analyses featured in this dissertation demonstrate that variability in population size estimates from different size estimation methods is common, though often unaddressed. Population size estimation is fundamental to public health surveillance, serving as the basis for policy decisions and quantifying the magnitude of disease. To produce reliable population size estimates, which have implications for the allocation of limited public health resources to marginalized populations, investigators should consistently apply multiple size estimation methods and carefully consider the influence of sampling bias.
Urban Inner-City Minority New Yorkers Hospitalized With Novel Swine-Origin Influenza A H1N1 Virus Illness During The Pandemic Of April – June 2009

Background: New York City (NYC) was an epicenter in 2009 of a novel SOIV illness outbreak in the US. Due to barriers to early care and prevalence of health risks, severity among urban inner-city minority patients is greater. Disparities of severity and outcomes have been described based on age and co-morbidity. We report the 2009 SOIV illness characteristics and comparison between young and older urban minority New Yorkers during the 2009 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective study of SOIV-illness among inner-city minority New Yorkers hospitalized in a city-hospital setting at South Bronx was conducted. Two hundred and ninety eight individuals had a positive screening rapid influenza antigen diagnostic (RIDT) test. Among them, 40 adults (> 18 years age) and 40 children were hospitalized with SOIV illness. Results: All study patients were urban New Yorkers of Hispanic (75%) or African American background (25%). Fourteen tested RIDT +, 5 had polymerase chain reaction (PCR) + and 61 had both positive. Adults SOIV illness were mostly young (median age 44.5 years), but among children there was no age predilection. Frequent co-morbidities (75% in adults & 47.5% in children) such as chronic airway disease, diabetes and obesity were noted. Adults requiring intensive care (37.5%) had higher prevalence of diabetes, were severely ill on admission ( median SOFA & APACHE-II scores 13 & 31 respectively), had greater length of stay (median 6 days) and significant mortality (26.6 %). Only adults had organ dysfunction (42.5%). About 10% of adults died who mostly were young and obese. Compared to adults, children had less severe SOIV illness not associated with death, intensive care admission or organ dysfunction. Conclusion: This is the first detailed study of hospitalized pediatric and adult New Yorkers highlighting age-related health disparities due to 2009 SOIV illness among urban inner-city ethnic minority. In order to provide early and effective care to SOIV-infected inner-city patients and optimize outcomes, health-care providers should be aware of clinical risks and differences in disease characteristics within this population.
Orienting to affect in services for people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A UK-based investigation.

BACKGROUND This study argues for displays of affect by people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities to be analysed in the course of everyday interactions with the people who support them. METHOD Conversation analysis is applied to the affective displays of residents of a social care service for people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities to identify how such displays are taken up and form the basis for further action. RESULTS Three types of orientations to affect are identified: where the cause of the affect is unknown; where there is a proximal cause; and where the proximal cause is a prior action by a member of staff. Staff orient to affect as expressions of both feelings and cognitions, thereby providing the basis for self-determination. CONCLUSIONS Displays of affect are a communicative resource for those with severe or profound impairments and must be studied in situ if they are to inform policy and everyday practice.