Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial dry surface biofilm (DSB) models for testing the efficacy of cleaning and 1 disinfection

29 Dry surface biofilms (DSB) harbouring pathogens are widespread in healthcare settings, 30 difficult to detect and resistant to cleaning and disinfection interventions. Here, we describe a 31 practical test protocol to palliate the lack of standard efficacy test methods for DSB. 32 Staphylococcus aureus DSB were produced over a 12-day period, grown with or without the 33 presence of organic matter, and their composition and viability were evaluated. Disinfectant 34 treatment was conducted with a modified ASTM2967-15 test and reduction in viability, 35 transferability, and biofilm regrowth post treatment were measured. Dry surface biofilms 36 produced over a 12-day period had a similar carbohydrates, proteins and DNA content, 37 regardless the presence or absence of organic matter. The combination of sodium 38 hypochlorite (1,000 ppm) and a microfiber cloth was only effective against DSB in the absence 39 of organic load. With the increasing concerns of the uncontrolled presence of DSB in 40 healthcare settings, the development of effective interventions is paramount. We propose that 41 our DSB model in the presence of organic load is appropriate for the testing of biocidal 42 products, while the use of three parameters, log 10 reduction, transferability and regrowth, 43 provides an accurate and practical measurement of product efficacy. 44
Effects of iron supplementation twice a week on attention score and haematologic measures in female high school students.

INTRODUCTION Iron deficiency, associated with a decline in cognitive function, is the most common nutritional deficiency globally. The present study aimed to identify the impact of weekly iron supplements on the attention function of female students from a high school in North Khorasan Province, Iran. METHODS This was a blind, controlled, clinical trial study, involving 200 female students who were chosen using the stratified randomised sampling method. First, laboratory studies were performed to detect iron consumption limitations. Next, the 200 students were divided randomly and equally into case and control groups. The case group was treated with 50 mg of ferrous sulfate twice a week for 16 weeks. We compared both groups' data on attention, iron status and erythrocyte indices. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic data, while clinical data was collected using complete blood count and Toulouse-Piéron tests. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, as well as paired and independent t-tests. RESULTS The mean attention scores of the case and control groups were 104.8 ± 7.0 and 52.7 ± 9.6, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean haemoglobin levels of the two groups were 12.5 ± 0.9 and 11.2 ± 1.0, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the attention scores and haemoglobin concentrations of the case group were found to be improved by approximately 90% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION Oral iron supplements (50 mg twice a week for 16 weeks) were able to improve the attention span and haematologic indices of female high school students.
Development of E-Modules Based on Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills and Student Self-Efficacy

This study aimed to develop and assess the validity, feasibility, and effectiveness of a problem-based learning e-module for plant development. The research was conducted at Universitas Negeri Malang and involved 63 third-semester biology students. The research followed the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The validity test and expert assessment were conducted by three faculty members (one content expert, one media expert, and one practitioner expert). The effectiveness was evaluated based on pretests and posttests on problem-solving skills and self-efficacy and analyzed using ANCOVA for each indicator. The results of the media validity test showed a score of 89.33% in the valid category, the content experts obtained a score of 100% in the very valid category, and the practitioner experts obtained a score of 96.19% in the very practical category. The test results for problem-solving skills and self-efficacy showed significant values (0.002) and (0.023), respectively, both below 0.05. This indicates a significant difference in the mean scores between classes that used the problem-based e-module and classes that used problem-based learning without e-modules. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the developed e-module is highly suitable as a learning resource for students.
From ductile to brittle: Evolution and localization of deformation below a crustal detachment (Tinos, Cyclades, Greece)

The Cycladic Oligo‐Miocene detachment of Tinos island is an example of a flat‐lying extensional shear zone evolving into a low‐angle brittle detachment. A clear continuum of extensional strain from ductile to brittle regime is observed in the footwall. The main brittle structures marking extension are shallow‐ and steeply dipping normal faults associated with subvertical extensional joints and veins. The earliest brittle structures are low‐angle normal faults which commonly superimpose on, and reactivate, earlier (precursory) ductile shear bands, but newly formed low‐angle normal faults could also be observed. Low‐angle normal faults are cut by late steeply dipping normal faults. The inversion of fault slip data collected within, and away from, the main detachment zone shows that the direction of the minimum stress axis is strictly parallel to the NE‐SW stretching lineation and that the maximum principal stress axis remained subvertical during the whole brittle evolution, in agreement with the subvertical attitude of veins throughout the island. The high angle of σ1 to the main detachment suggests that the detachment was weak. This observation, together with the presence of a thick layer of cataclasites below the main detachment and the kinematic continuum from ductile to brittle, leads us to propose a kinematic model for the formation of the detachment. Boudinage at the crustal scale induces formation, near the brittle‐ductile transition, of ductile shear zones near the edges of boudins. Shear zones are progressively exhumed and replaced by shallow‐dipping cataclastic shear zones when they reached the brittle field. Most of the displacement is achieved through cataclastic flow in the upper crust and only the last increment of strain gives rise to the formation of brittle faults. The formation of the low‐angle brittle detachment is thus “prepared” by the ductile shear zone and the cataclasites and favored by the circulation of surface‐derived fluids in the shear zone.
Heavy Metals Contamination and their Potential Toxicity in Petroleum Sludge Impacted Soils from Itsekiri Communities, Delta State, Nigeria

The concentrations of some heavy metals (Chromium, Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Manganese, Iron and Zinc) in petroleum sludge impacted soils were determined to evaluate their contamination levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The petroleum sludge samples were collected from the discharge pit of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) while the soil samples were collected from five selected oil-impacted communities (Ubeji – 500 m, Ekpan – 1.5 km, Aja-Etan – 2.5 km, Ifie-Kporo – 3.0 km, Ijala-Ikenren – 3.8 km from Warri refinery and were coded A, B, C, D and E respectively). A control sample was also collected 8.5 km away from the refinery. The results obtained revealed that with the exception of Fe, the sludge samples contained the highest concentrations (in mg/kg dry weight) of Chromium (2462.6±0.5), Lead (406.7±0.2), Copper (201.3±0.0), Manganese (8335.1±0.9) and Zinc (1009.2±0.3) while Iron was highest (10313.5±2.3) in site A. All the metals were higher in the studied sites than the control sites and a stepwise decrease in metal contents were observed from A to E. Some geochemical Original Research Article Useh and Dauda; CSIJ, 24(1): 1-15, 2018; Article no.CSIJ. 42973 2 assessment techniques, including enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), were used to determine the levels of metal toxicity in the sediments. Computed enrichment factors showed that the soil samples have suffered significant systematic heavy metals enrichment following proximity to the refinery. Values of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated different contamination and toxicity levels of Chromium, Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Manganese, and Zinc while Nickel was not detected.
The River is the Solution: Infrastructure of Dwelling in Calgary’s Urban Landscape

iii Acknowledgements . iv Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Chapter 2: The Nature of Cities . 3 Defi ning Ecology . 3 Ecology in Three Dimensions . 6 Urban Landscapes . 9 Chapter 3: The Infrastructure of Dwelling . 11 Defi ning Infrastructure . 11 Infrastructure in the Expanded Field . 12 Urban Dwelling . 13 Chapter 4: The River is Not the Problem . 17 Data-Driven Mapping . 23 Typological Analysis . 34 Systematic Site Selection . 37 Chapter 5: The River is the Solution . 44 Accommodating . 46 Absorbing . 49 Accepting . 62 Chapter 6: Conclusion . 66 Appendix: Case Studies . 69 Bibliography . 71
Correlation between the EGF gene intronic polymorphism, rs2298979, and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important disorder that results from genetic and epigenetic alterations in one colonic epithelial cell. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is critical in the development of tumors in epithelial tissues. Variations in the DNA sequence of the EGF gene may be particularly significant with regard to susceptibility to CRC. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the EGF gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs2298979, on CRC. In this prospective study, 220 samples were collected from patients with CRC and compared with 220 matched healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and the result was validated by direct sequencing. A significant correlation was observed between the rs2298979 variant in the EGF gene and CRC. The frequency of the A/G genotype in the control group was higher than in the patients with sporadic CRC [odds ratio (OR), 0.488; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.307–0.774; P=0.002]. In this study there were no individuals with a G/G genotype. Although the frequency of the G and A alleles was similar in the healthy control and CRC patient groups, individuals with the A/G genotype were less susceptible to CRC compared with those with the A/A genotype.
Effect of Magnesium Lactate Dihydrate and Calcium Lactate Monohydrate on 20-km Cycling Time Trial Performance

Abstract Peveler, WW and Palmer, TG. Effect of magnesium lactate dihydrate and calcium lactate monohydrate on 20-km cycling time trial performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 1149–1153, 2012—Manufacturers of supplements containing magnesium lactate dihydrate and calcium lactate monohydrate claim improved athletic performance. Although energy can be produced through the lactate shuttle system, there is limited evidence to suggest that substantial quantities are available for human movement during exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lactate as a performance-enhancing substance. Nine recreational to competitive cyclists (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max = 52.46 ± 11.8) completed 3 simulated 20-km time trials conducted on a Velotron. The first trial was used as a familiarization trial, and the last 2 trials were counterbalanced ergogenic aid/placebo trials. To eliminate the possibility of bias, the study was conducted double blind. Dependent measures (time, mean power, heart rate [HR], and ratings of perceived exertion) for the 3 trials were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences between placebo and ergogenic aid in measures of time (38.78 ± 5.87 minutes vs. 39.07 ± 6.00 minutes; p = 0.212), mean power (236.40 ± 74.8 W vs. 232.81 ± 76.12 W; p = 0.342), and HR (167.36 ± 10.11 minutes vs. 163.70 ± 13.07 minutes; p = 0.092). Ratings of perceived exertion for the placebo trial were significantly higher in relation to the ergogenic aid trial (15.97 ± 0.72 vs. 15.70 ± 0.85; p = 0.039). Although not significant, times during the placebo trials were faster in relation to the ergogenic aid trials. Ratings of perceived exertion were significantly higher in the placebo trials, which could reflect the trend toward faster times. Supplementation of magnesium lactate dihydrate and calcium lactate monohydrate does not appear to significantly improve times during a simulated 20-km time trial and therefore should not be recommended for use as an ergogenic aid.
DETECTION IN IMAGES AND VIDEO SEQUENCES

Caption text or superimposed text provides valuable information about contents in images and video sequences. In this paper, on one hand we present a general overview about text features and a classification of its extraction methods, and on the other hand we introduce our tree structure-based bottom-up approach to text extraction showing some promising results. The purpose of this work is to develop a framework aiming to detect text as independently as possible from the content, quality or font present in the image or video sequence.
Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes Are a New Class of Ion Channel Blockers*

Here we identify a novel class of biological membrane ion channel blockers called single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). SWNTs with diameter distributions peaked at ∼0.9 and 1.3 nm, C60 fullerenes, multi wall nanotubes (MWNTs), and hyperfullerenes (nano-“onions”) were synthesized by several techniques and applied to diverse channel types heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. External as-fabricated and purified SWNTs blocked K+ channel subunits in a dose-dependent manner. Blockage was dependent on the shape and dimensions of the nanoparticles used and did not require any electrochemical interaction. SWNTs were more effective than the spherical fullerenes and, for both, diameter was the determining factor. These findings postulate new uses for SWNTs in biological applications and provide unexpected insights into the current view of mechanisms governing the interaction of ion channels with blocking molecules.
Association of increased fibrinogen concentration with impaired activation of anticoagulant protein C

Summary. Background: Low levels of activated protein C (APC) are a risk factor for venous thrombosis. The mechanisms leading to interindividual differences in APC are not totally elucidated. Protein C is activated by the thrombin–thrombomodulin complex. As thrombin binds to fibrinogen and thrombomodulin through a common region, it is conceivable that fibrinogen influences the activation of protein C. This would help to explain the association between high levels of fibrinogen and an increased thrombotic risk. Methods: We analyzed the association between circulating APC levels and fibrinogen concentration in 382 healthy subjects. Subsequently, we studied the effect of increasing fibrinogen concentrations on the APC generation on cultured endothelial cells. Results: An independent inverse association between circulating APC levels and fibrinogen was found [βcoefficient, −0.16; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.26, −0.06; P = 0.001]. For each 100 mg dL−1 increase in fibrinogen, the independent risk of having low APC levels (<0.7 ng mL−1) was almost three times higher (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1, 7.2; P = 0.04). Accordingly, a notable association between increasing fibrinogen concentrations and the reduction in the thrombin–thrombomodulin dependent activation of protein C on endothelial cells was found (r = −0.57; P = 0.002). Conclusions: We present evidence of an inverse association between circulating APC and fibrinogen levels. According to this finding together with the results of our in vitro experiments, we propose that the impairment in the generation of APC on endothelial cells constitutes a new prothrombotic mechanism of fibrinogen.
Bovine and Human Serum Albumin Interactions with 3-Carboxyphenoxathiin Studied by Fluorescence and Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

The interactions of 3-carboxyphenoxathiin with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Human Serum Albumin (HSA) have been studied by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The binding of 3-carboxyphenoxathiin quenches the BSA and HSA fluorescence, revealing a 1:1 interaction with a binding constant of about 105 M-1. In addition, according to the synchronous fluorescence spectra of BSA and HSA in presence of 3-carboxyphenoxathiin, the tryptophan residues of the proteins are most perturbed by the binding process. Finally, the distance between the acceptor, 3-carboxyphenoxathiin, and the donor, BSA or HSA, was estimated on the basis of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The fluorescence results are correlated with those obtained from the circular dichroism spectra, which reveal the change of the albumin conformation during the interaction process.
DDBJ in preparation for overview of research activities behind data submissions

In the past year, DDBJ () collected and released 1 956 826 entries or 1 741 313 111 bases. The released data include ∼90 000 ESTs and cDNAs of Macaca fascicularis, and 280 million bases of mouse GSS. In addition to the data collection, we have indexed the submitted data to the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC, ) to classify the entries into research projects behind data submissions. They are expected to be useful to the data submitters and users for enhancing the data submission, retrieval and systematic data analyses at INSDC. The results of indexing also allow one to grasp research projects in life sciences that promoted and produced the DNA sequences submitted to INSDC.
A systematic review and meta-analysis: tailoring asthma treatment on eosinophilic markers (exhaled nitric oxide or sputum eosinophils)

Asthma severity and control can be measured both subjectively and objectively. Traditionally asthma treatments have been individualised using symptoms and spirometry/peak flow. Increasingly treatment tailored in accordance with inflammatory markers (sputum eosinophil counts or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) data) is advocated as an alternative strategy. The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of tailoring asthma interventions based on inflammatory markers (sputum analysis and FeNO) in comparison with clinical symptoms (with or without spirometry/peak flow) for asthma-related outcomes in children and adults. Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of Trials, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and reference lists of articles were searched. The last searches were in February 2009. All randomised controlled comparisons of adjustment of asthma treatment based on sputum analysis or FeNO compared with traditional methods (primarily clinical symptoms and spirometry/peak flow) were selected. Results of searches were reviewed against predetermined criteria for inclusion. Relevant studies were selected, assessed and data extracted independently by at least two people. The trial authors were contacted for further information. Data were analysed as ‘intervention received’ and sensitivity analyses performed. Six (2 adults and 4 children/adolescent) studies utilising FeNO and three adult studies utilising sputum eosinophils were included. These studies had a degree of clinical heterogeneity including definition of asthma exacerbations, duration of study and variations in cut-off levels for percentage of sputum eosinophils and FeNO to alter management in each study. Adults who had treatment adjusted according to sputum eosinophils had a reduced number of exacerbations compared with the control group (52 vs 77 patients with ≥1 exacerbation in the study period; p=0.0006). There was no significant difference in exacerbations between groups for FeNO compared with controls. The daily dose of inhaled corticosteroids at the end of the study was decreased in adults whose treatment was based on FeNO in comparison with the control group (mean difference −450.03 μg, 95% CI −676.73 to −223.34; p<0.0001). However, children who had treatment adjusted according to FeNO had an increase in their mean daily dose of inhaled corticosteroids (mean difference 140.18 μg, 95% CI 28.94 to 251.42; p=0.014). It was concluded that tailoring of asthma treatment based on sputum eosinophils is effective in decreasing asthma exacerbations. However, tailoring of asthma treatment based on FeNO levels has not been shown to be effective in improving asthma outcomes in children and adults. At present, there is insufficient justification to advocate the routine use of either sputum analysis (due to technical expertise required) or FeNO in everyday clinical practice.
Fe3O4@SiO2 Magnetic Nanoparticles Modified with Cysteine: a New Adsorbent for Environmentally Friendly Adsorption/Desorption of Pb(II) ions

In recent years, nanoparticles have become the focus of scientific research because of their wide potential application value. Iron oxides show incredible magnetic saturation, stability, and intuitive properties on the surface, making them ideal for a variety of uses. In this paper, nanometer iron oxide particles are synthesized by co-deposition method, and silica is further used to avoid agglomeration. Functional synthesis of cysteine nanoparticles (FNMs-Cys). The optimum synthesis conditions and adsorption conditions were determined by orthogonal experiments. In addition, the anti-interference and regeneration cycle performance of FNMs-Cys are discussed. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), N2 adsorption and desorption automatic specific surface and porosity analyzer (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and hysteresis loop test (VSM). The adsorption process of Pb2+ by FNMs-Cys accords with quasi-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model, which shows that the adsorption is mainly through chemical adsorption of monolayer, In the Langmuir model, the maximum single-layer adsorption capacity of FNMs-Cys for Pb2+ reached 174.85 mg/g. After five cycles of adsorption-desorption regeneration, FNMs-Cys still showed good stability and recyclability. At present, it is of forward-looking significance to study the removal effect of Pb2+ in water by using amino acid modified mesoporous magnetic silica materials in laboratory.
Security improvement in embedded systems via an efficient hardware bound checking architecture

Purpose – Embedded technologies are one of the fastest growing sectors in information technology today and they are still open fields with many business opportunities. Hardly any new product reaches the market without embedded systems components any more. However, the main technical challenges include the design and integration, as well as providing the necessary degree of security in an embedded system. This paper aims to focus on a new processor architecture introduced to face security issues.Design/methodology/approach – In the short term, the main idea of this paper focuses on the implementation of a method for the improvement of code security through measurements in hardware that can be transparent to software developers. It was decided to develop a processor core extension that provides an improved capability against software vulnerabilities and improves the security of target systems passively. The architecture directly executes bound checking in hardware without performance loss, whereas checking .