Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioburdens of Selected Ready-to-Eat Fruits and Vegetables Consumed in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Ready-to-eat vegetables and fruits have intrinsic properties predisposing them to microbial contamination especially in the absence of quality control. Recently, the increase in consumables’ bio-burden, manifested as the accumulation of potential pathogenic microbes therein, trigger occurrence of food related ailments, associated with morbidity and mortality cases. Evaluating the microbial quality of such foods is therefore important. This study was aimed at evaluating the presence of pathogens (bacteria and fungi) associated with some select fruits and vegetables consumed within Katsina metropolis, and comparing their microbial counts against international standards, to ascertain whether they conform to or exceed safety thresholds. Six different fruits and vegetables: cabbage (Brassica oleracea), carrot (Daucus carota), orange (Citrus sinensis), pineapple (Ananas comosus), spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were sampled from vendors at different selling points. Analyses of the samples were conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria. Total Bacteria, Yeast and Mould counts were evaluated according to USDA protocols. The microorganisms were characterized using the colony morphology and biochemical analyses, and comparison with a fungal atlas. The results of the study showed that all the fruits and vegetables invariably contain concentrations of the bacteria exceeding safety thresholds set by the Committee on the Review of the Use of Scientific Criteria and Performance Standards for Safe Food, US Academy of Sciences (p = 0.382). Nonetheless, from the total yeast and mold counts results, watermelon and carrot have no fungal contaminants, while the rest have concentrations exceeding safety thresholds, with no significant differences (p = 0.459). The characterized bacteria include Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp. , Shigella sp. , Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis; whereas the characterized fungal isolates were: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is therefore concluded that potentially pathogenic microorganisms exist at high concentrations in the ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables sold in Katsina metropolis which is a reflection of poor hygienic practices. These pathogens may ultimately cause serious illnesses. Hence, we recommend the enshrinement of hygienic processing, educating the vendors and enforcing guidelines by statutory national bodies like Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others, so as to achieve food safety and maintain the health of the consuming populace.
Decentralised Learning in a Retail Network

This paper empirically studies retail network’s product assortment decisions in an environment where uncertainty concerning the underlying demand parameters can exist. Specifically, I quantify how quickly agents in a beverage vending machine network can adapt to local demand. I also study the source of friction preventing immediate adjustment. I develop and estimate an empirical model of decentralised learning in a retail network in which agents assigned to local markets learn the demand and decide part of product assortments. Using the estimated model, I find that agents increase the expected total revenue of the network by 19.6% than the baseline, where 12.3% is due to learning from the sales data, and 7.3% from their informative initial belief. However, it is far below the expected total revenue when the demand parameters are known, which is 45.5% higher than the baseline. Furthermore, if the principal company could precisely process the sales data, the expected total revenue could be 39.6% higher even if the initial beliefs are no more informative than the rational expectation. The last observation indicates that there are some costs for the principal to develop and utilize capabilities to process the sales data without relying on agents.
Development and characterisation of diagnostic AFLP markers in Prunus persica for its response to peach tree short life syndrome

Summary Peach tree short life (PTSL) is a complex disease syndrome caused by multiple factors, the genetics of which is unknown. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technology and bulked segregant analysis (BSA) were used to identify diagnostic markers for PTSL syndrome in peach rootstocks. Forty-four AFLPs were identified as potential PTSL-response associated markers based on the combined results of BSA and screening 11 PTSL tolerant, two intermediately-susceptible and two highly-susceptible genotypes with 60 polymorphic EcoRI/MseI primer combinations. The use of primer combination EcoRI+AC/MseI+CCC in conjunction with BSA, resulted in the identification of a single amplification product in the bulk DNA from ten susceptible trees that died from PTSL. This AFLP fragment was also detected in the intermediately-susceptible rootstock ‘Lovell’, the highly-susceptible rootstock ‘Nemared’, and in the highly-susceptible rootstock ‘Nemaguard’. This 96 bp AFLP fragment was absent in the DNA bulked from ten tolerant trees and in the PTSL-tolerant parents used in four controlled crosses that segregated for their response to PTSL. Testing this AFLP primer pair on an additional 111 trees that died or survived on a severe PTSL site, revealed the presence of the diagnostic fragment in 18 trees, of which 17 were ‘Lovell’. Death due to PTSL syndrome was observed in 61% of those trees with the AFLP fragment, which was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) compared to those that did not have the fragment (17%). Furthermore, the PTSL symptom ratings were significantly higher, and cumulative tree-life was significantly shorter, (P ≤ 0.05) for ‘Lovell’ when compared with 93 genotypes that lacked the AFLP fragment. These results suggest an association of this AFLP marker, called EAC/MCCC1-96, with PTSL-susceptibility. An additional 43 marker candidates, diagnostic for the PTSL-response were also selected.
A review of the first 25 years of mobile machine automation in underground hard rock mines

Recent advances in underground communications technology have demonstrated the feasibility of teleoperation and automation in underground metal mines. One major challenge lies in the automation of underground mobile machines from surface, with the potential to reduce significantly the need for human involvement in underground operations. This paper reviews the evolution of underground metal mining automation, principally related to the development of teleoperation and automation of mobile mining machines. Examples of prototype systems are given and the associated benefits that have been observed are reviewed.
ACCURACY DETERMINATION FOR THE AUSTRIAN DIGITAL CADASTRAL MAP (DKM)

The digital cadastral map (DKM) is the digital version of the Austrian cadastral map. The data comprise data collected during the initial data capture in the early 19th century to data from coordinatebased, legally binding boundary contracts since the new law on surveying in 1969. Whereas the quality for recently collected data is well documented, the situation is more complex in areas lacking modern cadastral surveys. Deviations of the DKM from the original surveys emerge from various re-projections necessary in the last century. The size of these deviations is the topic of the paper. Our approach was to compare the results of surveys with the DKM. We selected areas where the boundaries have been determined in the first half of the 20th century and have not been re-defined since then. In these areas we collected the cadastral surveys and compared the dimensions shown in the survey with those computed from the coordinates. A statistical analysis then gives an idea on the quality of these data.
Influence of Dietary Enzymes Prepared at Ensiling (ZADO®) from Hatch to 42 Days of Age on Productivity, Slaughter Traits and Blood Constituents in Broiler Chickens

Four hundred Cobb-500 broiler chicks at one-day old were used to study the effects of exogenous xylanases, cellulases, protease and alpha-amylase enzyme preparations at ensiling (ZADO ) on the ® productive performance, slaughter traits and blood metabolites. Chicks were divided randomly into 4 treatments (broiler basal diets supplemented with 0, 2, 4 and 6‰ with ZADO ) and housed on deep litter at ® an open house system under commercial conditions. Each treatment replicated 4 times (30 chicks per replicate). Basal diet contained 23.1% CP and 3,103 kcal AME/kg for the starter diet (0-21 d) and 20.0% CP and 3,207 kcal AME/kg for the finisher diet (21-42 d). Results indicated that broiler productivity improved in response to dietary 4 or 6‰ ZADO . Feed conversion ratio was 1.948, 1.903, 1.758 and 1.678 for birds fed ® diet supplemented with 0, 2, 4 and 6‰ ZADO (p = 0.0007), respectively. In addition, birds fed diet ® supplemented with 6‰ ZADO recorded higher dressing and immune organs relative weights at 42 days ® of age than other treatments (p<0.05). Moreover, enzyme supplementation increased significantly plasma total protein (p = 0.0040) and globulin (p = 0.0131) at 42 days of age. Also, dietary 6‰ ZADO decreased ® plasma cholesterol (p = 0.0466) and increased HDL-:Total-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.0040). It could be concluded that ZADO supplementation to broiler diets improved broiler productivity and might improve ® immunity. Moreover, dietary 6‰ ZADO has a favor effects on lipid metabolism. It could be recommended ® from this study to supplement 4‰ or more of ZADO to broiler diets up to 42 days of age. ®
Benchmarking 16-element quantum search algorithms on superconducting quantum processors

We present experimental results on running 4-qubit unstructured search on IBM quantum processors. Our best attempt attained probability of success around 24.5%. We try several algorithms and use the most recent developments in quantum search to reduce the number of entangling gates that are currently considered the main source of errors in quantum computations. Comparing theoretical expectations of an algorithm performance with the actual data, we explore the hardware limits, showing sharp, phase-transition-like degradation of performance on quantum processors. We conclude that it is extremely important to design hardware-aware algorithms and to include any other low level optimizations on NISQ devices.
Professional Development Schools and the Transformation of Teacher Leadership.

■ Professional development schools (PDSs) are Lee Teitel is an associate exciting, innovative types of restructuring schools professor and the program that are designed to be partnerships that bring about director of educational the "simultaneous renewal" of schools and teacher administration at the education programs (Goodlad 1988). Although defi University of nitions of PDSs vary, most can be characterized as Massachusetts, Boston. collaborations between schools and colleges or uni This article is an versities (and sometimes community agencies) that adaptation of a paper focus on: ( 1 ) the preparation of pre-service teachers; commissioned by the (2) the continued professional development of expe National Center for the rienced educators at school and college; (3) high Restructuring of quality education for diverse students; and (4) con Education, Schools, and tinuous inquiry into improving practice. Teaching at Teachers PDSs can only be effective in pursuing these College, Columbia goals when they successfully challenge the "institu (Jniversity, entitled "The tional regularities" (Sarason 1982) of schools. As Transformation of School they strive to achieve these objectives, PDSs inevita Leadership in bly transform the roles, the relationships, and the Professional Development responsibilities of teachers and administrators at the Schools. " school and at the university. As PDSs evolve, they
Effects of algal turfs and sediment accumulation on replenishment and primary productivity of fucoid assemblages

As a result of anthropogenic habitat degradation worldwide, coastal ecosystems are increasingly dominated by low-lying, turf-forming species, which proliferate at the expense of complex biogenic habitats such as kelp and fucoid canopies. This results in dramatic alterations to the structure of the associated communities and large reductions in primary productivity. The persistence of turf-dominated systems has been attributed to the impacts of the turfs on the recovery of algal canopies and also to the different susceptibility of canopyand turf-forming algae to altered physical conditions, in particular increased sedimentation. Here we tested the impacts of turfing geniculate coralline algae and sediment on fucoid recovery dynamics and their influence on assemblage net primary productivity (NPP). The recruitment of the habitat-forming fucoid Hormosira banksii on bare substrata was significantly higher than in treatments in which sediments, coralline turfs or turf mimics covered the substratum, indicating that sediment deposition and space pre-emption by algal turfs can synergistically affect the development of fucoid beds. NPP of coralline turfs was much lower than that of fucoid-coralline assemblages, which included a H. banksii canopy, and was reduced further by sediment accumulation. When devoid of sediment, however, coralline algae contributed to enhance fucoid-coralline assemblage NPP, because of synergistic interactions among the components of the multi-layered assemblage in optimizing light use. Our findings amplify extensive research addressing the global loss of macroalgal canopies and highlight key processes involving sediment accumulation in the benthic environment and effects on the replenishment and productivity of fucoid stands.
Clinical use of linezolid in periprosthetic joint infections – a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: The most common causative organism in periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is Gram-positive bacteria that are increasingly drug resistant. In these cases the use of linezolid may be warranted. However, there are conflicting reports regarding its role in antibiotic treatment of PJIs. The aim of this review is to gather and analyze clinical results and treatment details on linezolid in patients with PJIs. Methods: In August 2019, a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE (Pubmed and Ovid) and Cochrane Library was performed. A total of 504 records were screened, and a total of 16 studies including 372 patients treated with linezolid for a PJI were included in this review based on the PRISMA criteria and after quality analysis using the MINOR score and Newcastle–Ottawa scale, as well as assessing level of evidence. Pooling analysis as well as descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Based on the results from the studies included, infection control was achieved in 80 % (range 30 %–100 %) of patients after a mean follow-up period of 25 (range 2–66) months. The mean duration of treatment was 58 d intravenous and orally at a median dose of 600 mg bis in die (b.i.d.) (range 400–900 b.i.d.). A combination therapy with rifampicin was used in 53 % of patients. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections were present in 29 % and resistant CoNS (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) in 46 %. Adverse effects occurred in 33 % of cases, mostly anemia, thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal complaints leading to treatment discontinuation in 9 %. However, great heterogeneity was found with respect to surgical treatment, diagnosis of infection and indication for linezolid. Discussion: Linezolid is an appropriate option for treatment of resistant Gram-positive organisms in PJIs. Most commonly 600 mg b.i. d. is used, and a combination with rifampicin appears feasible although one must consider individual increases in doses in these cases. However, adverse effects are common and there are limited data for long-term use and optimal antibiotic combinations or individual doses.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Sceloporus undulatus Species Complex

Sexual Dimorphism in the Sceloporus undulatus Species Complex. (August 2012) Drew Edwin Dittmer, B.S., University of Missouri-Columbia Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Toby J. Hibbitts Dr. Lee A. Fitzgerald The Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus complex) is a wide ranging North American species complex occurring from the eastern seaboard westward through the great plains and central Rocky Mountains and into the American Southwest. A recent phylogeny suggests four species lineages occur within S. undulatus. Traits within an interbreeding species that are influenced by sexual selection are under different selection pressures and may evolve independently from the selective forces of habitat. Sceloporus lizards have several characters that are influenced by sexual selection. I investigated sexual size dimorphism and allometric relationships of body size (snout vent length), torso length, rear leg length and three measurements of head size in 12 populations from the four species in the S. undulatus complex (N=352) specifically looking for variation among the 4 species. Additionally I investigated the size of signal patches between males and females in three species (N=339 specimens of S. consobrinus, S. cowlesi, S. tristichus) of the S. undulatus complex. Sexual confusion, was recently described in a population of the Sceloporus undulatus complex occurring in White Sands, New Mexico and the behavior is correlated with variation in badge size
StudentKost: a cross-sectional study assessing college students’ diets: reason for concern?

College students constitute a significant proportion of the young adult population in Norway. They are in their reproductive years, which is of interest regarding diet and preconception health. Our objective was to assess young college students’ diet and nutrient intake in relation to national dietary recommendations and assess the probability of inadequate micronutrient intake for both genders using the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, and also to evaluate its consequences on preconception health and create a groundwork for future interventions on this group. At the University of Agder (UiA), we enrolled 622 students aged 18–40 years for a cross-sectional study of student's diet, StudentKost. The students completed a food frequency questionnaire, including questions of supplement use, over the past 4 weeks. Intake of fruits, vegetables, oily fish, and whole grain was lower than recommended, as were mean intake of folate, iron, and iodine. Our main findings are that students have a somewhat suboptimal diet compared to the Norwegian dietary guidelines. Male students had generally lower diet quality than females. Compared to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), we also saw a relatively high probability of inadequate intake of several micronutrients and a very high probability for some micronutrients in a significant portion of the sample. Public health effort should be directed towards improving students and young adults’ diet in general, and interventions towards improving preconception health should be explored. The low participation rate limits the generalizability of our findings. Our findings encourage further investigation into young adults’ diet.
Geochemical Methods to Investigate the Hydrocarbon Seepage Samples in Adiyaman a Southeastern Province of Turkey

The southeastern part of Turkey is quite rich, fertile and mature in terms of hydrocarbon seepages. While the use of the related sources meet the energy demand, it damages the environment and human health. In this study, several geochemical methods were applied to analyze the hydrocarbon sepage samples obtained from seven towns in the province of Adiyaman where is very close to the oil production areas and located in the Southeastern part of Turkey. First of all, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Rock Evil Paralysis, Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analyses (GC – MS) were performed for the samples in question. In the light of these results, oil/bitumen mechanisms, source rock correlations, formation and migration mechanisms of the related geological environments were found. Then, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis of Fe, Al, Mn, Mn, Zn, B, Pb, Ni, Cu metals were performed. Chemical and mineralogical features of the samples were investigated by IR and combined with ESR spectra. The samples display typical ESR spectra of Mn+2 ions hyperfine sextet whose last line was used to check the stones homogenity with respect to manganase content. In this study, heavy metal pollution and hydrocarbon compounds were determined to damage the environment and several suggestions were made to overcome the pollution and to enhance the productivity
The Carbohydrate Moiety of Mung Bean Vicilin

Mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) vicilin, purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, is a glycoprotein (0.2% glucosamine and 1% mannose) which contains four different polypeptides with molecular weights of 63 500, 50000, 29 500 and 24 000 in the molar ratios 1 : 5 : 1 : 1. Two of these polypeptides (50 000 and 29 500) stain positively for carbohydrate. When vicilin is digested with pronase, the carbohydrate can be recovered as a glycopeptide containing mannose and glucosamine in the carbohydrate moiety and alanine, threonine and aspartic acid (or asparagine) in the peptide moiety. The total amount of carbohydrate (1.2 %) and the size of the carbohydrate unit (12 residues) suggest that each vicilin molecule contains only one carbohydrate side chain. Data indicate that this chain is attached via a glucosamine-asparagine link. The results raise the possibility that the presence of the two small polypeptides in vicilin preparations is the result of the breakdown of the major larger one. Indirect evidence suggests that vicilin may be a tetramer of four subunits, each with a molecular weight of 50 000, and that only one subunit has a carbohydrate side chain.
Landscape and Individual Tree Predictors of Dark Heart Size in Sugar Maple

The high value of sugar maple logs and lumber depends on the wood being light-colored and clear of defects. Predicting the size of dark hearts in trees before they are harvested is very important to foresters, forest landowners, and sawmills. We investigated many possible predictors of the heart size of sugar maple in 10 sites in New York State. Heart size ratios by site ranged from 12 to 42%, averaging 23%. At the site level, trees with large hearts were more common on more acid soils (P 0.04). Flaky bark, poor crown ratios, and lower grade stems were correlated with large hearts across the sample of 265 trees. Visible tree injury, competition, and tree diameter were not consistently related to heart size ratios of trees. Steep slopes were associated with large hearts. Other physiographic factors (slope and landform) differed in their effect by site, possibly due to local histories of storm damage. In conclusion, predicting dark heart in sugar maple is likely to remain challenging.