Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health implications of stream water contamination by industrial effluents in the Onitsha urban area of Southeastern Nigeria

Nigeria has abundant surface and ground water resources many of which are polluted and can be detrimental to human health when consumed. This study investigated the effects of effluents discharged by industries into streams on the health of people who depend on stream water for domestic purposes in the Onitsha urban area of eastern Nigeria. Water samples collected from eleven discharge locations underwent physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. Data on the effects of industrial effluents on health were obtained from records in the public hospitals located in Onitsha as well as through questionnaire surveys and field observations. The results of the analyses revealed that the effluents grossly degrade surface water bodies; several parameters (temperature, iron, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, lead, magnesium, total heterotrophic counts, total coliform group, pH) had values which were higher than the WHO (2011) safety limits for drinking water. The contamination of investigated streams by effluents had negative impact on the health of stream users. The discussion included health effects of polluted water and the prevalence of water borne or related diseases in the area. Implications of these findings were also discussed. Management measures capable of minimizing contamination of surface water in the study area were suggested.
Global Scientific Assessments and Governance: Towards a Science-Policy Interface Ladder

While in the past, global governance and especially international legal agreements attempted to harmonize existing state practice, in the latter half of the 20 century, science began to play an increasingly more important role in influencing governance processes. However, the routes by which epistemic communities communicate with governance processes differ from regime to regime. Using a methodological framework covering the nature of the problem, governance, scientific assessments and the science-policy interface, this chapter analyses the patterns of science-policy interface in (a) climate change governance and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (b) forest governance and forest related research work, (c) environmental governance and the Global Environmental Outlook, and (d) water governance and the World Water Development Report. The institutionalization of science is different in each of these arenas, ranging from very institutionalized and bureaucratized to informal and ad hoc. Based on an assessment of these arenas, the paper tries to discern patterns of relationships and presents a ‘science-policy interface ladder’. It then assesses the analytical implications of this ladder.
Impacts of Environmental Colloids on the Transport of 17 β-estradiol in Intact Soil Cores

ABSTRACT Estrogens such as 17-β estradiol (E2) are endocrine-disrupting compounds and can affect the reproductive systems of aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of their transport in the environment. E2 and its daughter product estrone (E1) are both strongly adsorbed by soil organic matter and have relatively short half-lives. Reduced contact time with soil makes transport of E2 and E1 in soil more likely. In this study, intact soil cores from three soils representing a range of particle size distribution, structure, and organic matter content were used to compare the transport of E2 with and without the presence of colloidal material fractionated from soil or swine manure. In chemical transport experiments conducted with undisturbed soil columns, E2 and E1 were measured both in solution and attached to suspended solids in column effluent. During the transport experiments, colloids carrying E2 passed through all soils, with the exception of the sandy soil. The presence of colloids decreased the first detection time of E2 in the aqueous phase, was correlated with greater peak E2 concentrations in the effluent of both loamy and clayey soils, but not through the sandy soil, and increased mass fractions of the E2 that was transported.
Species Assemblages and Distribution of Dinoflagellate Cysts from three Estuaries Sediment’s of Makassar Strait, Eastern Indonesia

Corresponding Author: Nita Rukminasari Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia Email: nita.r@unhas.ac. id Abstract: Makassar Strait encompasses high fisheries resources and high biodiversity and primary productivity. Algae blooms often occur in these areas, but there is a lack of studies that have been carried out on HABs in these locations specifically determining the collection and abundance of dinocyst. The study aimed to determine species assemblages of dinoflagellate cysts from three estuaries of Makassar Strait. Sampling was conducted at three locations, i.e., Jeneberang, Maros and Pangkep Estuaries during July 2020. Each location of sampling consisted of 4 stations and 3 substations as a sampling replication. Variables that were measured in this study were dinoflagellate cysts abundance species assemblages and distribution. Results showed that there was no clear group of dinoflagellate cysts assemblages between locations, however dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from Jeneberang Estuary was significantly grouped. We recorded 48 dinoflagellate cysts species that belonged to 5 families, namely Goniodomaceae, Gonyaulacaceae, Gymnodiniacea, Peridiniaceae and Protoperidiniaceae. The dominant species of dinoflagellate cysts from Jeneberang Estuary was Scrippsiella crystallina, meanwhile the dominant dinoflagellate cyst from Maros and Pangkep Estuary was Gonyaulax verior and Pentapharsodinium tyrrhenicum, respectively. Scrippsiella trifida was a dinoflagellate cysts species was contributed to the dissimilarity of cyst assemblages between locations. We also found potential five toxic dinoflagellate cyst species. In conclusion, the dinoflagellate cysts species composition, diversity, species richness and cyst abundance was not significant difference between stations of all locations. The abundance of dinoflagellate cysts was significantly correlated by sediment grain size. All sampling sites has a potentially occurred of HABs due to the five potential cysts toxic and harmful species discovered.
COCONUT: IN SUPPORT OF GOOD HEALTH

Coconuts play a unique role in the diets of mankind because they are the source of important physiologically functional components. These physiologically functional components are found in the fat part of whole coconut, in the fat part of desiccated coconut, and in the extracted coconut oil. Lauric acid, the major fatty acid from the fat of the coconut, has long been recognized for the unique properties that it lends to nonfood uses in the soaps and cosmetics industry. More recently, lauric acid has been recognized for its unique properties in food use, which are related to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal functions. Now, capric acid, another of coconut’s fatty acids has been added to the list of coconut’s antimicrobial components. These fatty acids are found in the largest amounts only in traditional lauric fats, especially from coconut. Also, recently published research has shown that natural coconut fat in the diet leads to a normalization of body lipids, protects against alcohol damage to the liver, and improves the immune system’s anti-inflammatory response. Clearly, there has been increasing recognition of healthsupporting functions of the fatty acids found in coconut. Recent reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about required labeling of the trans fatty acids will put coconut oil in a more competitive position and may help return to its use by the baking and snack food industry where it has continued to be recognized for its functionality. Now it can be recognized for another kind of functionality: the improvement of the health of mankind. Director, Nutritional Sciences Division, Enig Associates, Inc.12501 Prosperity Drive, Suite 340, Silver Spring, MD, 20904-1689 USA Tel: (301) 680-8600 Fax: (301) 680-8100 COCONUT: IN SUPPORT OF GOOD HEALTH Mary G. Enig IN THE 21 CENTURY -2
The Effectiveness of Dry Cupping and Hot Pack in Pain Relief and Reduce Functional Disability on Non-specific Low Back Pain

The objective of this study was to identify the effectiveness of dry cupping and hot pack on pain relief and reduce functional disability for patients with non-specific low back pain. A total of 39 patients with non-specific low back pain from Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were chosen as participants using purposive sampling methods. The participants were randomly assigned equally (N=13) into dry cupping group, hot pack group and control group. Dry cupping group received a session of treatment in a week, hot pack group received twice a week of treatment session and control group had no treatment, but the participants were allowed to continue their previous treatment. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to measure pain intensity and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure functional disability before and after the intervention for all three groups. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA with significant level was predetermined at p<0.025 prior to study. The study findings indicated that both dry cupping group and hot pack group showed significant improvement on pain relief (p=0.001) and functional disability (p=0.001) after completing the interventions when compared to control group. Therefore, both dry cupping and hot pack were found to be effective interventions for pain relief and reduce functional disability among patients with non-specific low back pain. Health professional practice are suggested to include dry cupping therapy as another choice of treatment in treating patients with non-specific low back pain.
Comparison of Respiratory and Hemodynamic Parameters of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 ARDS Patients

Abstract Background COVID-19 can cause a clinical spectrum from asymptomatic disease to life-threatening respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There is an ongoing discussion whether the clinical presentation and ventilatory parameters are the same as typical ARDS or not. There is no clear understanding of how the hemodynamic parameters have been affected in COVID-19 ARDS patients. We aimed to compare hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of moderate and severe COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS patients. These patients were monitored with an advanced hemodynamic measurement system by the transpulmonary thermodilution method in prone and supine positions. Patients and methods Data of 17 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and 16 patients diagnosed with other types of diseases with moderate and severe ARDS, mechanically ventilated, placed in a prone position, had advanced hemodynamic measurements with PiCCO, and stayed in the intensive care unit for more than a week were analyzed retrospectively. Patient characteristics and arterial blood gases analysis recorded at admission and respiratory and advanced hemodynamic parameters during the first week were compared in prone and supine positions. Results No difference was observed in the respiratory parameters including respiratory system compliance between COVID-19 and non-COVD-19 patients in prone and supine positions. In comparison of advanced hemodynamic parameters in the first week of intensive care, the extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability indexes measured in supine position of COVID-19 ARDS patients were found to be significantly higher than non-COVID-19 patients. Duration of prone position was significantly longer in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 ARDS. Conclusions The results of this study suggested that COVID-19 ARDS is a variant of typical ARDS with a different pathophysiology. How to cite this article Asar S, Acicbe Ö, Sabaz MS, Tontu F, Canan E, Cukurova Z, et al. Comparison of Respiratory and Hemodynamic Parameters of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 ARDS Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(6):704–708.
Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Coupling and Coordination Relationship of Tourism–Urbanization–Ecological Environment System in China’s Major Tourist Cities

Determining the coupling development mode and evolution process of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system is of great significance in promoting high-quality and sustainable development of tourism and the urban economy. In this study, an evaluation index system of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system was established, and the spatiotemporal differentiation of the coupling and coordination relationship of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system was analyzed for 35 major tourist cities in China from 2009 to 2018. The results show that the comprehensive development indices of the tourism industry subsystem and urbanization subsystem of China’s major tourist cities have steadily increased. The comprehensive development indices of large-sized and medium-sized cities in the east are relatively high. From 2009 to 2018, the coordination degree and coupling degree of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment’ system of 35 tourist cities showed an upward trend. The growth rate of the coupling coordination degree lags behind the growth rate of the coupling degree, and the overall system coordination level is still low. There are significant differences in the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree among the eastern, central, and western cities. This study offers both theoretical and practical implications for further equalizing the development level between the cities, as well as improving the overall coordination between the tourism industry, urbanization, and the ecological environment in China.
Optimising CT guided radiotherapy for breast cancer

Purpose: To determine the current technological clinical practise of radiation therapy of the breast in Europe. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted between August 2008 and January 2009 on behalf of the Breast Working Party within the EORTC Radiation Oncology Group. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions on 4 main topics: fractionation schedules, treatment planning methods, volume definitions and position verification procedures. Results: Sixty-eight institutions out of 16 countries responded (a response rate of 47%). The standard fraction dose was generally 2 Gy for both whole breast and lumpectomy cavity (boost) treatment, although a 2.67 Gy boost fraction dose is routinely given in the United Kingdom. A simultaneously integrated boost fractionation is implemented in 23% of the institutions and is the standard choice of fractionation in a third of these institutions. The main boost modality was electrons in 55%, photons in 47% and brachytherapy in 3% of the institutions (equal use of photon and electron irradiation in 5% of the institutions). All institutions used computed tomography guided treatment planning. Wide variations are seen in the definition of the breast and boost target volumes, with margins around the lumpectomy cavity ranging from 0-30 mm. Inverse planned intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is available in 27% and breath-hold techniques in 19% of the institutions. The number of patients treated with IMRT and breath-hold varied per institution. Electronic portal imaging for patient set-up is used by 92% of the institutions. Conclusion: This survey has established precise details of radiotherapy techniques currently implemented for breast irradiation in Europe.
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ English Vocabulary Learning and Use

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of using Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and speaking skill and also to investigate the feelings and notions of learners and their teacher with regard to the application of PBL approach in English classes. 26 EFL learners which formed two intact classes in a language institute participated in this study. The placement test which was administered in both groups indicated that the students of both groups were homogeneous and that they were in intermediate level. Experimental group was comprised of 14 female learners while the control group included 12 male learners. At the beginning of the study a vocabulary and a speaking test was administered in both classes as the pre-test. Learners in the control group were taught with the prevalent traditional lecture-based, teacher-centered teaching approach while students in the experimental group enjoyed being taught with PBL approach according to which learners were given problems which required learners to think, search about the problem and debate with their classmates. After a semester, learners in both groups were asked to take the vocabulary and speaking tests as the post-test. Result of the data analysis disclosed that learners in the experimental group outperformed their counterparts in the control group, both in vocabulary and speaking tests, which indicated that PBL approach can improve learners’ vocabulary learning and speaking ability compared to traditional methods. Moreover, the data gathered through learners’ self-report and interview with the teacher represented the general positive view of learners and teacher toward PBL approach. More elaborate description and report of the issue in this respect is provided in
The Eff ects of MBL1 Gene Polymorphism on Subclinical Mastitis in Holstein Cows

This study aims to investigate the eff ects of three single nucleotide (SNPs) polymorphisms of the MBL1 gene on subclinical mastitis for Holstein cows. For this study, a total of 151 Holstein cows were selected in their third lactation. The subclinical mastitis conditions were determined using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Genotyping was carried out with the PCR-RFLP method. The results revealed that the wild-type allele frequencies were 0.72 (G allele), 0.40 (G allele), and 0.37 (T allele) for 1252 G>A, 2534 G>A, and 2569 T>C SNPs, respectively. Among the investigated SNPs, only the 1252 G>A SNP was not found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The eff ects of SNPs on subclinical mastitis were modeled using multiple logistic regression analysis. The established model can identify cows with subclinical mastitis with a separation efficiency of 62.3%. It was thought that 1252 G>A and 2534 G>A SNPs may aff ect subclinical mastitis rates.
Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine on Inflammatory and Apoptotic Response of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Pigs Undergoing Lung Resection Surgery

Background Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the most critical phenomena in lung transplantation and causes primary graft failure. Its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, although the inflammatory response and apoptosis play key roles. Lidocaine has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on the inflammatory and apoptotic responses in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods We studied the histological and immunohistochemical changes in an experimental model of lung transplantation in pigs. Twelve pigs underwent left pneumonectomy, cranial lobectomy, caudal lobe reimplantation, and 60 minutes of graft reperfusion. Six of the pigs made up the control group, while six other pigs received 1.5 mg/kg of intravenous lidocaine after induction and a 1.5 mg/kg/h intravenous lidocaine infusion during surgery. In addition, six more pigs underwent simulated surgery. Lung biopsies were collected from the left caudal lobe 60 minutes after reperfusion. We conducted a double study on these biopsies and assessed the degree of inflammation, predominant cell type (monocyte-macrophage, lymphocytes, or polymorphous), the degree of congestion, and tissue edema by hematoxylin and eosin stain. We also conducted an immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against CD68 antigens, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Bcl-2, and caspase-9. Results The lungs subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury exhibited a higher degree of inflammatory infiltration. The predominant cell type was monocyte-macrophage cells. Both findings were mitigated by intravenous lidocaine administration. Immunohistochemical detection of anti-CD68 and anti-MCP-1 showed higher infiltration in the lungs subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, while intravenous lidocaine decreased the expression. Ischemia-reperfusion induced apoptotic changes and decreased Bcl-2 expression. The group treated with lidocaine showed an increased number of Bcl-2-positive cells. No differences were observed in caspase-9 expression. Conclusions In our animal model, intravenous lidocaine was associated with an attenuation of the histological markers of lung damage in the early stages of reperfusion.
Aspects on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2020 Guidelines on Radiofrequency Radiation

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) published 2020 updated guidelines on radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range 100 kHz to 300 GHz. Harmful effects on human health and the environment at levels below the guidelines are downplayed although evidence is steadily increasing. Only thermal (heating) effects are acknowledged and therefore form the basis for the guidelines. Despite the increasing scientific evidence of non-thermal effects, the new ICNIRP guidelines are not lower compared with the previous levels. Expert groups from the WHO, the EU Commission and Sweden are to a large extent made up of members from ICNIRP, with no representative from the many scientists who are critical of the ICNIRP standpoint.
Mapping the maximum extents of urban green spaces in 1039 cities using dense satellite images

Spatial data of urban green spaces (UGS) are critical for cities worldwide to evaluate their progress towards achieving the urban sustainable development goals on UGS. However, UGS maps at the global scale with acceptable accuracies are not readily available. In this study, we mapped UGS of all 1039 mid- and large-sized cities across the globe in 2015 with dense remote sensing data (i.e. 51 494 Landsat images) and Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Also, we quantified the spatial distribution and accessibility of UGS within the cities. By combining the greenest pixel compositing method and the percentile-based image compositing method, we were able to obtain the maximum extent of UGS in cities while better differentiating UGS from other vegetation such as croplands. The mean overall classification accuracy reached 89.26% (SD = 3.26%), which was higher than existing global land cover products. Our maps showed that the mean UGS coverage in 1039 cities was 38.46% (SD = 20.27%), while the mean UGS accessibility was 82.67% (SD = 22.89%). However, there was a distinctive spatial equity issue as cities in high-income countries had higher coverage and better accessibility than cities in low-income countries. Besides developing a protocol for large-scale UGS mapping, our study results provide key baseline information to support international endeavors to fulfill the relevant urban sustainable development goals.
An Approximation Solution to Estimate the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Smooth Strip Footings on Ponderable Soil

The procedure for calculating the bearing capacity of smooth footings is employed to calculate the bearing capacity of strip foundations on general c-φ-γ soil by the method of characteristics. The numerical results are in good agreement with other known computations. The surcharge ratio, λ, is found to be another good parameter for evaluation of the bearing capacity without superposition. The approximate formula for estimating the bearing capacity factor Nγ is then proposed considering the influence of λ in addition to φ with an error of no more than ±3 % compared to the numerical results. The error caused by the superposition method is systematically analyzed and the influences of λ and φ on the superposition error are discussed.