Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of role players in the implementation of school-based human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention programmes in local high school settings

Background Worldwide, a large proportion of all new HIV infections occur in people under the age of 25. HIV and AIDS remain the leading cause of deaths among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa and second leading cause of death globally. Preventing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are at the heart of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB 2017-2022. Aims Explore and describe the roles of the local role players in the implementation of the school-based HIV and AIDS prevention programmes in local high school settings. Settings The study was conducted in the Bushbuckridge local municipal area in Mpumalanga Province. Methods A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design and contextual study was used. Individual interviews and focus group interviews were conducted with the purposively selected participants from the clinic, health centre, high schools and community members. Data was analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Results Although all the local role players were found to have important roles to play in the implementation of the school-based HIV and AIDS prevention programme, gaps exist in the rendering of youth friendly services (YFS); accessible clinic times; HIV and AIDS education; life skills education; Life Orientation (LO) and health education; information sessions; counselling; school health programmes; campaigns as well as collaborative working strategy. Conclusion Successful development and collaborative implementation of the school-based HIV and AIDS prevention programme can result in significant changes in knowledge and attitudes that affect sexual behaviour of young people, leading to significant decrease in HIV infection among young people.
Relationship Between Types of Prey Captured and Growth Form in Drosera in Southwestern Australia

Abstract Sympatrically growing species of Drosera were examined, including rosette forms, climbers and upright, self-supporting species, in southwestern Australia, to see whether the height above ground of the capturing leaves influenced the kinds of prey caught. The leaves examined for invertebrate prey remains were all collected at the same time and the results thus represent a snapshot of the prey situation. Although the number of fully opened, active leaves and leaf size among species varied 40-fold and 22-fold, respectively, total catch per unit leaf area was relatively constant, regardless of growth form. Growth form was strongly correlated with the kinds of prey caught. Prostrate species caught mainly walking, non-aerial prey, while self-supporting and climbing species caught predominantly aerial prey.
Meliponini neotropicais: o gênero Partamona Schwarz, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Neotropical Meliponini: the genus Partamona Schwarz, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Apidae). The systematics and biogeography of Partamona Schwarz, a Neotropical genus of stingless bees (Meliponini, Apinae, Apidae), are revised. Seventeen new species are described: P. epiphytophila sp. nov., P. subtilis sp. nov., P. nhambiquara sp. nov., P. batesi sp. nov., P. yungarum sp. nov., P. vitae sp. nov., P. ferreirai sp. nov., P. gregaria sp. nov., P. auripennis sp. nov., P. nigrilabris sp. nov., P. combinata sp. nov., P. chapadicola sp. nov., P. seridoensis sp. nov., P. littoralis sp. nov., P. criptica sp. nov., P. rustica sp. nov. and P. sooretamae sp. nov. Partamona pseudomusarum Camargo, 1980, is considered as junior synonym of P. vicina Camargo, 1980. Types of P. grandipennis (Schwarz, 1951), P. xanthogastra Pedro & Camargo, 1996-1997, P. pearsoni (Schwarz, 1938), P. ailyae Camargo, 1980, P. pseudomusarum, P. vicina, P. mulata Moure in Camargo, 1980, P. aequatoriana Camargo, 1980, P. mourei Camargo, 1980, P. peckolti, (Friese, 1901), P. testacea (Klug, 1807), P. helleri (Friese, 1900) and P. musarum (Cockerell, 1917) were examined. Lectotypes of P. orizabaensis (Strand, 1919), and P. cupira (Smith, 1863) are designated. An identification key for the species and drawings of morphological characters are presented. A phylogenetic hypothesis, based mainly on morphological characters is proposed. Four groups are defined, considering the shape of mandible of workers and sternum VII of males: bilineata / epiphytophila group (western Amazon to Mexico), including P. bilineata (Say), P. grandipennis, P. xanthogastra P. orizabaensis P. peckolti P. epiphytophila sp. nov., P. subtilis sp. nov., P. nhambiquara sp. nov., P. batesi sp. nov., P. yungarum sp. nov. and P. vitae sp. nov.; musarum group (Central Brazil, north of South America to Central America), including P. musarum, P. aequatoriana, P. vicina, P. mourei, P. pearsoni, P. ferreirai sp. nov., P. gregaria sp. nov. and P. testacea; nigrior group (Central Brazil to northeast of South America) including P. nigrior (Cockerell, 1925), P. auripennis sp. nov., P. nigrilabris sp. nov., P. combinata sp. nov., P. chapadicola sp. nov., P. seridoensis sp. nov. and P. littoralis sp. nov., and cupira group (southeastern and Central Brazil), including P. cupira, P. mulata, P. ailyae, P. sooretamae sp. nov., P. criptica sp. nov., P. rustica sp. nov. and P. helleri. Some geographic distribution patterns, congruent with that of other Meliponini bees, are commented.
Genetic variability in the mitochondrial DNA of the Danish Pine marten

Here we study genetic differentiation and changes over time in genetic variability in the rare pine marten Martes martes. Samples from three isolated geographic regions: Jutland and Sealand (Denmark) and southern Scania (southernmost Sweden), were genotyped by sequencing the hypervariable domain of the mitochondria control region. Both recent and museum samples were analysed in order to evaluate any temporal loss of genetic variability. Eight haplotypes were found. Two were main haplotypes shared by individuals from all three regions, and in all localities unique haplotypes were found. When comparing the data with previous haplotype analysis, our results suggest that at least three different haplotype groups exist in central and Northern Europe, with the samples from southern Scania being differentiated from samples previously analysed from central Sweden, and the genotypic data for Jutland and Sealand suggest a recent independent evolutionary history for the Danish pine marten.
The ecological significance of canopy seed storage in fire‐prone environments: a model for resprouting shrubs

1 Based on a parameter set describing mean life‐history attributes for the resprouting shrub Banksia attenuata in south‐western Australia, the relationship between fire interval and extent of canopy seed storage (serotiny) was analysed. Deterministic and stochastic computer models were used to try to identify the circumstances under which serotiny is favoured, and what degree of serotiny maximizes the estimated finite rate of natural increase (λ) for species which, in addition to serotiny, have the capacity to resprout vegetatively.
Risk evaluation with rectangular random walk

In this paper, we develop a rigorous and efficient method for risk evaluation. Our risk evaluation method is an adaptive Monte Carlo estimation method implemented as a rectangular random walk, which is derived from a mixed error criterion and the concept of relative entropy from information theory. Our proposed method of risk evaluation can be orders of magnitude more efficient as compared to existing methods in literatures and widely used softwares. This new method makes it possible to evaluate risk of systems so that in a strict statistical sense, either the absolute error can be controlled below 10−6 or the relative error can be controlled below 0.01, that is, the error of risk evaluation can be rigorously certified at extremely low level, which is impossible by using existing methods.
Changes in Ventilation and Locomotion of Gammarus pulex (Crustacea, Amphipoda) in Response to Low Concentrations of Pharmaceuticals

ABSTRACT Exposure to contaminants below lethal concentrations may affect the performance of organisms, resulting in measurable differences in behavior. We measured the response of the benthic invertebrate Gammarus pulex (Crustacea, Amphipoda) to sublethal concentrations of three pharmaceuticals, fluoxetine, ibuprofen and carbamazepine, and the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Responses in behavior during exposure were analyzed using the multivariate method of Principal Response Curves (PRC). The PRC results show that exposure to low pharmaceutical concentrations (range 1–100 ng/l) resulted in increased ventilation, whereas exposure to control or to high concentrations (1 μ g/l–1 mg/L) resulted in increased locomotion. Exposure to CTAB resulted in decreased locomotion and increased ventilation at increasing concentrations. The results of our experiments indicate that increased ventilation can be used as a general sign of stress, but not necessarily an early warning signal for mortality.
The hyporheic zone as an invertebrate refuge: a review of variability in space, time, taxa and behaviour

The hyporheic zone is a potential refuge that can promote persistence of benthic invertebrates during adverse conditions in surface streams. For decades, changes in invertebrate depth distribution have been investigated in relation to flood, low flow and drying events, but evidence for use of the hyporheic refuge remains equivocal. This review examines the evidence for the hyporheic zone’s refugial role during adverse hydrological conditions. Refuge potential is influenced by determinants in four categories. First, refuge use varies spatially in relation to physical habitat parameters, including sediment porosity and hydrologic exchange. Second, refuge use is temporally variable and reflects disturbance characteristics including rate of onset. Third, refuge use is taxon-specific, depending on a range of morphological, behavioural and physiological traits. Fourth, the behaviours governing refuge use vary, with both active migrations and passive habitat use playing important roles in community persistence. These four determinants interact to influence refuge use; for example, the physical habitat providing an adequate refuge will vary between taxa. Despite this variability, the hyporheic zone is an important component in the suite of refuges that facilitate community resilience to disturbance events. As such, its ecological integrity should be safeguarded through sensitive management and effective rehabilitation schemes.
[NiFe], [FeFe], and [Fe] hydrogenase models from isomers

Three isomers of the same NiFe complex can mimic the catalytic properties of [NiFe], [FeFe], and [Fe] hydrogenase enzymes. The study of hydrogenase enzymes (H2ases) is necessary because of their importance to a future hydrogen energy economy. These enzymes come in three distinct classes: [NiFe] H2ases, which have a propensity toward H2 oxidation; [FeFe] H2ases, which have a propensity toward H2 evolution; and [Fe] H2ases, which catalyze H− transfer. Modeling these enzymes has so far treated them as different species, which is understandable given the different cores and ligand sets of the natural molecules. Here, we demonstrate, using x-ray analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, Mössbauer spectroscopies, and electrochemical measurement, that the catalytic properties of all three enzymes can be mimicked with only three isomers of the same NiFe complex.
An ancient push-pull pollination mechanism in cycads

Thermogenic push-pull mechanisms are ancestral features of the specialized brood parasite pollination system of cycads. Most cycads engage in brood-site pollination mutualisms, yet the mechanism by which the Cycadales entice pollination services from diverse insect mutualists remains unknown. Here, we characterize a push-pull pollination mechanism between a New World cycad and its weevil pollinators that mirrors the mechanism between a distantly related Old World cycad and its thrips pollinators. The behavioral convergence between weevils and thrips, combined with molecular phylogenetic dating and a meta-analysis of thermogenesis and coordinated patterns of volatile attraction and repulsion suggest that a push-pull pollination mutualism strategy is ancestral in this ancient, dioecious plant group. Hence, it may represent one of the earliest insect/plant pollination mechanisms, arising long before the evolution of visual floral signaling commonly used by flowering plants.
CLINICAL CHALLENGE: DIAGNOSIS OF COENUROSIS (TAENIA SERIALIS) IN A MALAGASY GIANT JUMPING RAT (HYPOGEOMYS ANTIMENA)

A 5-yr-old female captive-bred Malagasy giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena) was evaluated for a soft tissue swelling over the left hip. The animal was chamber-induced with isoflurane gas (Piramal Enterprises Limited, Andhra Pradesh 502321, India) and maintained by facemask. The physical exam was unremarkable beyond a fluctuant ;4-cm-diameter mass over the left hip that adhered to underlying muscle. Ultrasonographically, the mass appeared cavitated with multiple fluid-filled areas (Fig. 1A). Aspirated fluid was a pale pink, turbid, modified transudate (specific gravity 1.009, total protein , 2.5 g/dl) with 11,220 total cells/ll (2,860 white blood cells/ll, 8,360 red blood cells/ll). Fluid cytology showed an admixture of blood and leukocytes. No infectious agents were noted, and an aerobic culture was negative. Radiographs revealed a tubular mineralized opacity in the right midabdominal cavity (Fig. 1B). Complete blood count, chemistry profile, urinalysis, and previous fecal parasitology history were unremarkable. Seventeen days after the initial exam, the mass was surgically excised. No significant changes were noted on physical exam. The animal was anesthetized as above. The mass was undermined and debulked, because complete excision was not possible because of adhesion to the underlying tissue, and was submitted for histopathology. Twelve days after surgery the animal was reevaluated under anesthesia for acute lethargy and hyporexia. Bloodwork revealed increasing serum blood urea nitrogen (107 mg/dl, previously 17 mg/dl, reference interval: 4–25 mg/dl) and creatinine (4.8 mg/dl, previously 0.9 mg/dl, reference interval: 0.5–1.5 mg/dl). Euthanasia was performed the following day. Review Figures 1 and 2 to determine a diagnosis.
Polylactic Acid-Based Patterned Matrixes for Site-Specific Delivery of Neuropeptides On-Demand: Functional NGF Effects on Human Neuronal Cells

The patterned microchamber arrays based on biocompatible polymers are a versatile cargo delivery system for drug storage and site-/time-specific drug release on demand. However, functional evidence of their action on nerve cells, in particular their potential for enabling patterned neuronal morphogenesis, remains unclear. Recently, we have established that the polylactic acid (PLA)-based microchamber arrays are biocompatible with human cells of neuronal phenotype and provide safe loading for hydrophilic substances of low molecular weight, with successive site-specific cargo release on-demand to trigger local cell responses. Here, we load the nerve growth factor (NGF) inside microchambers and grow N2A cells on the surface of patterned microchamber arrays. We find that the neurite outgrowth in local N2A cells can be preferentially directed towards opened microchambers (upon-specific NGF release). These observations suggest the PLA-microchambers can be an efficient drug delivery system for the site-specific delivery of neuropeptides on-demand, potentially suitable for the migratory or axonal guidance of human nerve cells.
Evaluation of Nisin and LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptides as Tool to Preserve Articular Cartilage Healing in a Septic Environment

Cartilage repair still represents a challenge for clinicians and only few effective therapies are nowadays available. In fact, surgery is limited by the tissue poor self-healing capacity while the autologous transplantation is often forsaken due to the poor in vitro expansion capacity of chondrocytes. Biomaterials science offers a unique alternative based on the replacement of the injured tissue with an artificial tissue-mimicking scaffold. However, the implantation surgical practices and the scaffold itself can be a source of bacterial infection that currently represents the first reason of implants failure due to the increasing antibiotics resistance of pathogens. So, alternative antibacterial tools to prevent infections and consequent device removal are urgently required. In this work, the role of Nisin and LL-37 peptides has been investigated as alternative to antibiotics to their antimicrobial performances for direct application at the surgical site or as doping chemicals for devices aimed at articular cartilage repair. First, peptides cytocompatibility was investigated toward human mesenchymal stem cells to determine safe concentrations; then, the broad-range antibacterial activity was verified toward the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans pathogens. The peptides selective antibacterial activity was verified by a cells-bacteria co-culture assay, while chondrogenesis was assayed to exclude any interference within the differentiation route to simulate the tissue repair. In the next phase, the experiments were repeated by moving from the cell monolayer model to 3D cartilage-like spheroids to revisit the peptides activity in a more physiologically relevant environment model. Finally, the spheroid model was applied in a perfusion bioreactor to simulate an infection in the presence of circulating peptides within a physiological environment. Results suggested that 75 μg/ml Nisin can be considered as a very promising candidate since it was shown to be more cytocompatible and potent against the investigated bacteria than LL-37 in all the tested models.
5-Hydroxytryptophan Suppresses the Abdominal Fat Deposit and Is Beneficial to the Intestinal Immune Function in Broilers

Background Serotonin (5-HT), a monoaminergic neurotransmitter, involves in the regulation of many physiological functions. In the present study, the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor of 5-HT, on lipid metabolism and intestinal immune function in broiler chickens were investigated in chickens. Methods Two hundred broilers were divided randomly into two groups and fed separately with a corn-soybean basal diet (CD) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% 5-HTP. Results The results showed that 5-HTP reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake and the abdominal fat pad weight. 5-HTP treatment tended to upregulate the mRNA level of adiponectin receptor 1 (ADP1R) and ADP2R in abdominal fat but had no significant influence on their protein levels (P > 0.05). In 5-HTP-chickens, lipopolysaccharide exposure decreased secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in serum and the duodenal contents. Expression of mRNA encoding interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) decreased after 5-HTP treatment; however, LPS increased expression significantly in 5-HTP-treated chickens compared with CD chickens. In 5-HTP-chickens, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were reduced, but the phosphorylation of ribosomal p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) was increased in the duodenum. Conclusion In summary, the result suggests that dietary 5-HTP supplementation reduces accumulation of abdominal fat and is beneficial to intestinal immune function.
Advanced Routes of Biological and Bio-electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Mitigation Toward Carbon Neutrality

Changes in the environment due to multiple factors, such as combustion of fossil fuels, heating, transportation, deforestation, etc., have led to more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which eventually led to a rise in global temperatures. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major factor for the rapid rise in global temperature. One of the most encouraging technological advances to address global warming is to transform CO2 into value-added commodities that offer a win–win strategy. In this regard, intensive research has been pursued around the world for development of feasible systems in product recovery or product synthesis from CO2-rich industrial emissions. We envision that the biological CO2 reduction or conversion process can be beneficial for developing carbon-neutral technologies. The integration of CO2-emitting industrial technologies with CO2-converting biological systems can be helpful in achieving sustainable value-added products with no or minimal loss of energy and materials that are assuring for improved economics. The CO2-converting bioprocesses can be directly integrated with the processes emitting a high amount of CO2. This symbiotic integration can make the whole process carbon neutral. Herein, this review highlights an insight on research activities of biological CO2 mitigation using photo catalysts (algae and photo bacteria), an anaerobic biocatalyst (bacteria), gas fermentation, and an enzymatic catalyst. Perspectives and challenges of these technologies are discussed.
Scheduling of Synchronous Dataflow Graphs with Partially Periodic Real-Time Constraints

Modern Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are composed of numerous components, some of which require real-time management: for example, management of sensors and actuators requires periodic deadlines while processing parts do not. We refer to these systems as partially periodic. In a partially periodic system, precedence constraints may exist between periodic and aperiodic components. It is notably the case in CPSs where sensors measuring physical variables at a fixed sampling rate are typically feeding data to one or more processing part. A critical challenge for any real-time CPS software is its scheduling on an embedded computing platform. The increasing number of cores in such platforms (as Kalray MPPA Bostan having 288 cores) makes offline non-preemptive scheduling techniques efficient to respect real-time constraints, but requires new analysis and synthesis algorithms. In this paper, we study the schedulability of partially periodic systems modeled as Synchronous Data Flow (SDF) graphs. Our contributions are a few necessary conditions on any live SDF graph, and a linearithmic offline non-preemptive scheduling algorithm on vertices of any directed acyclic task graph. The presented algorithm has been evaluated on a set of randomly generated SDF graphs and on one real use-case. Experiments show that our proposed non-preemptive scheduling algorithm allocates thousands of tasks in less than a second. In the last experiment, the computed schedules achieve a throughput close to that one obtained with global Earliest Deadline First (EDF) scheduling.