Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil pH Responses to Simulated Acid Rain Leaching in Three Agricultural Soils

Soil has the nature of acidity and alkalinity, mostly indicated by soil pH that could greatly affect soil ecological processes and functions. With exogenous inputs of acidic materials (such as acid rain), soils may more or less resist to maintain their pH levels within specific thresholds by various buffering processes. It has been well established that soil properties such as cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (SOM), and clay content play important roles in mitigating the effects of acid inputs, but the factors varied across soils. This microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate changes in the soil pH and quantitatively estimate the critical pH threshold of simulated acid rain for three highly weathered soils (red soil, lateritic red soil, and latosol) that are typical soil types widely distributed across the world’s subtropical and tropical climatic zones, as well as important influential factors, after continuously adding different levels of simulated acid rain on the surface of soil cores. The results showed that the change in the soil pH was not significantly different among the three soils, although it was exponentially related to soil CEC and clay content. Resultantly, the latosol that had high soil CEC and clay content was more resistant to simulated acid rain, especially when relatively weak simulated acid rain treatments were applied. The lateritic red soil that contained the lowest soil CEC and clay content showed the greatest decline in the soil pH under the strongest simulated acid rain treatment of pH being 2.5. Furthermore, we estimated the critical pH threshold of simulated acid rain for the three soils and observed that it was considerably different among the soils. Surprisingly, the pH threshold of simulated acid rain was also positively related to the soil CEC and clay content, therefore making the highest pH threshold in the latosol. Our results imply that soil CEC and clay content may play critical roles in the soil acid-buffering processes from two aspects; it could not only contribute to the soil acid-buffering capacity, but also affect the threshold of acidity of acid rain below which abrupt soil acidification may occur.
Molecular mechanism for direct actin force-sensing by α-catenin

The actin cytoskeleton mediates mechanical coupling between cells and their tissue microenvironments. The architecture and composition of actin networks are modulated by force, but it is unclear how interactions between actin filaments (F-actin) and associated proteins are mechanically regulated. Here, we employ both optical trapping and biochemical reconstitution with myosin motor proteins to show force greater than one piconewton applied solely to F-actin enhances binding by the essential cell-cell adhesion protein αE-catenin, but not its homolog vinculin. Near atomic-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of both proteins bound to F-actin reveal unique rearrangements that facilitate their flexible C-termini refolding to engage distinct interfaces. Truncating α-catenin’s C-terminus eliminates force-activated F-actin binding, and addition of this motif to vinculin confers force-activated binding, demonstrating that α-catenin’s C-terminus is a modular detector of F-actin tension. Our studies establish that piconewton force on F-actin can enhance partner binding, which we propose mechanically regulates cellular adhesion through α-catenin.
The Contribution of SARM1 to axonal degeneration in CNS inflammatory disorders

THE CONTRIBUTION OF SARM1 TO AXONAL DEGENERATION IN CNS INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS By: Daniel C. Njoku, B.A. A thesis submitted for partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Science in the department of Physiology and Biophysics at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018 Major director: Unsong Oh, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Neurology BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in demyelination and axonal loss. Efficiently targeting mechanisms of axonal degeneration in MS has the potential to reduce disability but remains an unmet need. Prior research has identified the protein sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1) as a critical factor that promotes axonal destruction in the program of axonal degeneration known as Wallerian degeneration. SARM1 inactivation reduces axonal degeneration in a variety of contexts including traumatic and toxic injury, but it remains unknown to what extent SARM1 is involved in axonal degeneration triggered by CNS inflammation. METHODS: To test the hypothesis that SARM1 inactivation will reduce the burden of axonal degeneration associated with CNS inflammatory disorders, we first induced mice to have EAE and compared inflammation (CD3) and axonal damage (SMI-31/32, Beta APP) as compared to healthy control mice. We then studied experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Sarm1 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. We used mice hemizygous for the Thy1-YFP transgene to study axonal damage. Degenerating axons were identified by focal swelling or fragmentation. Beta-
Empirical Analysis of Reinsurance Dependence on the Profitability of General Insurance Business in Nigeria

Reinsurance arrangement serves as a capital management tool often used by an insurer to mitigate against catastrophic loss. Despite its importance among insurance companies, scholars from recent schools of thought have queried its use. They argue that reinsurance may be costly, and on the long run affect insurers’ financial performance. Hence, this study investigated the influence of reinsurance dependence on the profitability of general insurance companies in Nigeria. The study employed descriptive research design. A census of forty one (41) general insurance operating in Nigeria from 2006 to 2015 we used for the study. The study used Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Assets (ROE) as proxies of profitability while Ratio of Ceded Reinsurance (RCR) and Reinsurance Dependence Ceded Premium (RDCP) were used as indicators of reinsurance dependence. The study adopted regression analysis using logarithmic transformation of model. The finding established that reinsurance dependence variables jointly influence the profitability of general insurance companies in Nigeria, though; RCR had no significant influence on profitability. Therefore, purchase reinsurance does not affect profitability but over reliance (dependence) over a period of time may be deduced to low profitability. This study recommended that general insurance companies in Nigeria should continually increase their capital base. This may translate to increase in financial capacity and on the long run depend less of reinsurance protection.
Intravitreal aflibercept: its role in treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

ABSTRACT Introduction: Age related macular degeneration (AMD) affects over 14 million people worldwide and is the commonest cause of visual loss in the over 65’s age group in the industrialised world. The neovascular form of AMD (nAMD) is responsible for the majority of severe visual loss. The introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in the mid 2000’s revolutionised the treatment of nAMD. Of the current three anti-VEGF agents widely used, Aflibercept (EYLEA®; Regeneron Pharmaceutical Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA/Bayer Healthcare, Berlin, Germany) was the latest to be introduced. Areas covered: The different forms of AMD and previous treatments for nAMD are described. Current treatment regimens using anti-VEGFs are reviewed with particular emphasis on aflibercept, its specific properties and dosing strategies. Expert commentary: Clinical trials demonstrated that aflibercept achieved the same results using an 8 weekly dosing regimen, compared to a 4 weekly ranibizumab regimen. This reduction in injection frequency reduces hospital visits, thus benefiting patients and hospital eye services. Different treatment regimens including ‘as required’, and ‘treat and extend’ protocols have enabled further reductions in injection frequency, but with careful monitoring to avoid visual loss. Further developments are required to identify those who need fewer injections. The introduction of longer lasting, or topical agents, or strategies for primary prevention represent potential future developments.
Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Hospitals in Onitsha, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: The increasing trend of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa implicated in most nosocomial infections in Nigeria has necessitated this present study; which investigated the resistance and susceptibility patterns of P. aeruginosa isolated from hospitals in Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A total of 22 clinical and environmental isolates of P. aeruginosa were recovered from 10 hospitals in Onitsha, Southeastern Nigeria and they comprised 3 (13.6%) isolates from hospital sinks, 2 (9.1%) from hospital mops, patients’ table, trolleys, sphygmomanometer, laboratory work bench and cleaning buckets respectively and 1 (4.5%) from theatre bed, wound swab, nasal swab, nurses’ tray, floor, disinfectant and ear swab respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 11 antibiotics was performed by agar disk diffusion on Muller-Hinton agar plates and multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) was also determined. Results: Antibiogram categorized the 22 P. aeruginosa isolates into 5 different antibiotypes. Results showed that each isolate was resistant to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics; 3 (13.6%) were resistant to 7 antibiotics; 11 (50%) were resistant to 8 antibiotics; 5 (22.7%) were resistant to 9 antibiotics and 3 (13.6%) were resistant to 10 antibiotics. Susceptibility testing showed that all the 22 isolates were multi-drug resistant being resistant to at least 3 classes of anti-pseudomonal drugs. P. aeruginosa had highest resistance rates to the cephalosporins (ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefepime) at 100%, followed by piperacillin (100%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100%) and tetracycline (100%). The multi-drug resistance (MDR) rate was determined at 100%. Highest number of susceptible isolates was recorded for imipenem (100%) and amikacin (86.4%) respectively. Conclusion: The high resistance profiles observed in this study could limit available therapeutic options for infections caused by these multidrug resistant strains if they are not properly detected and reported by hospital laboratories.
Prediction of Step Length Using Neuro-Fuzzy Approach Suitable for Prosthesis Control

Improper knee and ankle impedance during walking with the long steps may cause a loss of balance. In the case of powered prosthetic and assistive devices, a step length (SL) adaptive algorithm can help to maintain the required joint torques while walking with the long SLs. Moreover, it can reduce power consumption during walking with the short SLs. In this article, we propose a novel strategy for the prediction of SL that can help to achieve direct modulation of joint torques to walk comfortably at desired SL. For this purpose, the intent of the user toward walking with the desired SL is recognized with the help of an inertial sensor attached to the thigh of the subject and a neuro-fuzzy algorithm. The proposed method can be implemented in real-time. Along with an accurate prediction of SL, it helps to predict the SL before starting of the stance phase, which makes it suitable for the purpose of lower limb prosthesis control.
Candidiasis sistémica en pacientes críticos, factores predictores de riesgo

Candida sp. constituye el microorganismo mas frecuentemente implicado en las infecciones por hongos en pacientes criticamente enfermos. La candidemia es la forma mas comun de candidiasis invasiva, ingresando al torrente sanguineo por el tracto gastrointestinal y la piel. A nivel mundial la candidemia se destaca como una de las principales causas de morbilidad con aumentos significativos en la incidencia y prevalencia en los ultimos anos. Ademas, eleva los costos de la atencion hospitalaria. Aunque diversos estudios demuestran que el inicio temprano del tratamiento antifungico mejora el pronostico de los pacientes, se tienen dificultades con las pruebas diagnosticas existentes, debido a que no tienen un nivel adecuado de sensibilidad y un optimo rendimiento. Por tal razon, en la actualidad se vienen utilizando diversos indices clinicos predictores de candidiasis invasiva como Ostrosky, Candida Score, Escala de Pittet, entre otros, los cuales tienen un alto valor predictivo negativo que permite reconocer los pacientes que no se benefician de un inicio temprano de un tratamiento antifungico mientras se confirma el diagnostico por laboratorio. La terapia antifungica disponible para el tratamiento de las candidemias en UCI esta compuesta basicamente por tres grupos de medicamentos, los azoles, los polienos y las equinocandinas. A pesar de la validacion de los indices predictores de candidiasis invasiva en otros paises, se desconoce cual de estos seria el mas efectivo para predecir esta patologia en la region.
Examining Chilean novice principals’ work through the lenses of emotional meaning making

ABSTRACT As policymakers worldwide have intensified regulations and expectations to enhance school principals’ work as leverage for school improvement, their jobs have become increasingly stressful. The emotional dimension of leaders’ influence has been acknowledged as important yet scantly researched in the Latin American context. In the current article we examine emotional meaning making among 12 novice principals engaged with practical tasks involved in school leadership and management. Data were produced through in-depth interviews conducted at the beginning and at the end of their first year in the position. Findings show that negative emotions predominated and that these were mainly elicited in situations involving conflicts with staff. Just half of these participants used emotions as a resource to build community and relational trust with staff, reporting more positive emotions. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications of how emotions impact principals’ practices and interactions with staff.
Genetic diversity evaluation among fifty sugarcane accessions from the Zimbabwe Sugar Industry using DNA-SSR markers and qualitative traits

Due to the increasingly diverse needs of the Zimbabwe Sugar Industry, the need for developing improved varieties of sugarcane cannot be overemphasized. Since the establishment of experiment station in 1966, the Zimbabwe Sugar Industry (ZSI) has always been dependent on importation of crosses from other countries for development and release. However, the ZSI is now planning on developing its own crossing facilities. The ZSI’s gene bank has up to 746 imported varieties which can be used as potential parents in a breeding program. With the impending establishment of Zimbabwe’s own crossing facilities, morphological and molecular characterization of the available germplasm is essential to identify parental lines which can be used during crossing. The main objective of this study was to determine the genetic and phenotypic diversity of fifty ZSAES gene bank sugarcane varieties (accessions) and assess how the existing diversity can be utilized in a breeding program in parental selection and variety identification. Fifty sugarcane accessions were chosen based on country of origin and availability of seed and evaluated for qualitative morphological traits followed by molecular evaluation using DNA-SSR markers in a PCR based protocol. Fifty ‘one eyed’ setts were planted in the greenhouse and transplanted into labeled asbestos pots with ZSAES media. Fresh leaf samples were collected from the plants for DNA extraction using a modified CTAB method. Field trials for morphological assessment were laid out in a completely randomized design in a 1.5 × 4m plot. Agglomerative, hierarchical UPGMA clustering based on morphological traits with SAS® (9.3) categorized the fifty accessions into two main groups. The morphological traits managed to classify the accessions according to pedigree data, source of origin and similarities in traits like internode waxiness and adherence of leaf sheath. Contrastingly, molecular UPGMA cluster analysis by DarWin® (6.0) grouped the accessions into three main clusters. The three clusters were aligned according to time of release of varieties with the latter varieties in cluster III and the older ones in cluster I. The groups also showed clustering according to similarities in pedigree and source of origin. The molecular and morphological phylogenetic clusters suggest horizontal gene transfer through parallel and convergent evolution. Similarity trends observed also highlight similarities in breeding goals in different parts of the world. The information obtained from the study justifies the need for more importation of varieties from across the world to broaden the genetic base of the germplasm pool in the ZSI’s breeding program. Information from morphological data can be used for identification of released varieties in the ZSI using unique descriptors. More varieties should be analyzed and agronomic characterization should also be done to complement the results of this study and be incorporated into a database.
Dealing With Questions of Responsiveness in a Low-Discretion Context: Offers of Assistance in Standardized Public Service Encounters

A key theme in the research on bureaucratic encounters pertains to street-level bureaucrats’ opportunities for responsiveness when discretion is constrained by the introduction of standardized service delivery regulations, such as information communication technology (ICT). This article contributes to existing scholarship by exploring how low-discretion officials at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency Customer Center manage competing demands of making decisions that are built on regulations and simultaneously responding to the situation at hand and individuals’ needs. Analyzing real-time interactions using the conversation analytical concept of “offers of assistance” enables us to discover new aspects of interactional practices of responsiveness in standardized service encounters.
Antioxidants from Crustaceans: A Panacea for Lipid Oxidation in Marine-Based Foods

ABSTRACT Lipid oxidation is an important cause of quality deterioration in marine-based foods (MBFs) because of their high contents of poly- and mono- unsaturated fatty acids. Synthetic antioxidants (SAs) have been used for retarding lipid oxidation. However, SAs have been associated with health risks. Therefore, natural antioxidants from animal origin, particularly marine animal processing by-products have become a promising alternative. Crustaceans can serve as an excellent source of valuable bioactive compounds. Information on antioxidants from crustaceans, such as bioactive peptides, chitin derivatives, and carotenoids is revisited. The applications of these antioxidants in impeding lipid oxidation in MBFs are also discussed.
PRÁTICAS DE GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN NA INDÚSTRIA AUTOMOBILÍSTICA: ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA MONTADORA BRASILEIRA

Alem de produtos inovadores e tecnologicos, as praticas atuais de consumo tem reconhecido e valorizado outro aspecto nas organizacoes: o impacto social e ambiental dos seus produtos, emergindo novas agendas de pesquisa sobre o gerenciamento de cadeias de suprimentos sustentaveis. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste artigo e identificar, a partir da visao de membros de uma montadora e de seu relatorio de sustentabilidade, quais as praticas direcionadas a criacao de inovacoes sustentaveis na organizacao da cadeia de suprimentos ( green supply chain ). Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com membros da empresa e investigados os dados publicados no relatorio anual de sustentabilidade da empresa. Os relatos dos entrevistados, bem como o relatorio de sustentabilidade da organizacao, denotam a existencia de politicas de sustentabilidade difundidas e presentes no cotidiano da empresa. No entanto, percebe-se uma incongruencia existente entre as cobrancas da sociedade por organizacoes sustentaveis em oposicao a falta de percepcao dos consumidores acerca dos esforcos da organizacao em manter suas praticas de sustentabilidade. Assim, o estudo contribui para adensar as discussoes acerca de uma tematica bastante relevante na atualidade no sentido de provocar novas pesquisas capazes de culminar em resultados de melhorias.
Survival of the fittest: evidence-based interventions for physical inactivity amongst student populations

Lack of physical activity is a problem amongst student populations given their large proportion of desk-bound activity. Attrition from physical activity programs is widespread. Attrition is influenced by proximal and distal factors of health behaviour. This literature review provides an overview of the theoretical basis of the need for physical activity. Theories on health behaviour are compared, the most useful behaviour change models for deriving theory-based interventions are determined, and an overview of the most successful intervention techniques according to taxonomy-based meta-studies is provided. The literature indicates that integrated interventions that include multiple evidence-based, theory-driven intervention techniques can be effective for increasing physical activity behaviour in individuals and, consequently, improve health outcomes. Professional delivery and individual tailoring further increase the efficacy of interventions. Opportunities for future research are recommended in the areas of converging behaviour change theories, measurement devices for physical activity, and broadening the evidence base for the maintenance phase of health behaviour change.
Opinions of pharmacists and herbalists on herbal medicine use and receiving herbal medicine education in Jordan

Purpose : To explore the beliefs of herbalists and community pharmacists on receiving educational courses in herbal medicine (HM) use by patients at pharmacy schools. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Herbalists (n = 48) and pharmacists (n = 163) were randomly recruited into the study. Demographic data, beliefs on HM use by patients, and willingness to attend educational courses were collected using a validated questionnaire and one-onone interviews. Results : The majority of the herbalists (n = 37, 77.1 %) believed that HMs are highly used in Jordan as alternative or add-on therapy to conventional medications, and the majority (n = 39, 81.3 %) reported that they need to be educated on HM use by a professional organization. More than 80 % of the pharmacists believed that they need to be experts on HM use and should apply pharmaceutical care for patients buying registered HMs at their pharmacies; a significantly higher proportion of female pharmacists (p = 0.04) agreed with this concept compared to male pharmacists. Conclusion : Both herbalists and pharmacists showed interest in attending educational courses on HM use at pharmacy schools to improve their ability to serve their patients. Keywords : Herbalists, Community pharmacists, Herbal medicine, Pharmaceutical care