Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelado hidrológico de un páramo andino venezolano con afloramientos rocosos usando TOPMODEL

The rocky outcrops in the Venezuelan Andean paramo constitute a geomorphological unit with a considerable area. The hydrologic processes of this source area are not represented by the TOPMODEL. This study aimed to improve the hydrological simulation of the TOPMODEL, specifically the description of overland flow, by incorporating flow of this type generated by the rocky source area. Based on the analysis of various researches a parameter a was introduced redirecting to overland flow a fraction of the precipitation falling on the rocky outcrops. This parameter was calibrated, what led to an improvement in Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency in the model calibration and validation phase. Assuming a runoff coefficient of 1 in the outcrops and according to the calibration, the rainfall that falls on 25% of the outcrop areas is redirected, possibly it is the set of outcrops located at most 44 m from the drainage network. However, other interpretations are possible, what requires further research.
The Role of Credit Guarantee Schemes in the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises with an Emphasis on Knowledge-Based Enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their growth stage reach the point where, on the one hand, personal resources do not meet their needs, and, on the other, they do not have enough collateral to attract external finance. Access to finance can be facilitated by obtaining loans from financial institutions backed by governmental credit guarantees. Therefore, the development of a sound credit guarantee scheme will be an important step in filling the financing gap of SMEs. We investigate the situation of the credit guarantee scheme for SMEs in Iran by using the available data and interviews with activists from this field with the grounded theory method. We show the weaknesses of the Iranian credit guarantee scheme, and based on the analysis, present solutions and policy recommendations in accordance with the social and economic environment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The most important problem is the lack of a credit database for comprehensive assessment of SMEs, especially knowledge-based enterprises. The lack of a robust database makes it impossible to carry out a comprehensive evaluation because these models require a large amount of data. The lack of accurate models makes it difficult to rate credit status and thus to issue credit guarantees. In addition, the current level of the capital of the credit guarantee funds in Iran is not sufficient given the large number of SMEs in the country.
Relational possibilities for women leaving prison: renewed hope for inclusion and belonging

ABSTRACT Women leaving prison are disadvantaged in many respects as they attempt to reintegrate into the community. In the absence of supportive relationships, women are more likely to experience exclusion and isolation which puts their chances of remaining in the community at risk. In this paper, we present findings of a phenomenological study that examined the nature of relationships within Stride Circles, social support networks for women returning to the community after incarceration. Findings capture the essences inherent in the journey of a Circle with respect to changes in Circle relationships when a woman enters community, the type of support provided during the transition phase, the ways in which Circle members learn to be a support network, and how Circles transform over time when women’s need for support diminishes. This study highlights the possibilities for inclusion and belonging that emerge when women leaving prison experience openness from members of the community and when women as well as community members are willing, and supported, to enter into mutual relationships.
Host and body site-specific adaptation of Lactobacillus crispatus genomes

Abstract Lactobacillus crispatus is a common inhabitant of both healthy poultry gut and human vaginal tract, and the absence of this species has been associated with a higher risk of developing infectious diseases. In this study, we analyzed 105 L. crispatus genomes isolated from a variety of ecological niches, including the human vaginal tract, human gut, chicken gut and turkey gut, to shed light on the genetic and functional features that drive evolution and adaptation of this important species. We performed in silico analyses to identify the pan and core genomes of L. crispatus, and to reveal the genomic differences and similarities associated with their origins of isolation. Our results demonstrated that, although a significant portion of the genomic content is conserved, human and poultry L. crispatus isolates evolved to encompass different genomic features (e.g. carbohydrate usage, CRISPR–Cas immune systems, prophage occurrence) in order to thrive in different environmental niches. We also observed that chicken and turkey L. crispatus isolates can be differentiated based on their genomic information, suggesting significant differences may exist between these two poultry gut niches. These results provide insights into host and niche-specific adaptation patterns in species of human and animal importance.
The Genes Associated with Drought Tolerance by Multi-Layer Approach in Potato

We have developed a multi-layer pipeline that uses transcriptomic data to identify candidate genes associated with complex pathways in plants. We used this multi-layer approach, incorporating microarray, RNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein-protein interaction analyses, to identify 14 genes associated with drought tolerance in potato. We generated transgenic potato lines that over-express bZIP28 , one of the genes selected by our pipeline, to confirm the involvement of that gene in drought tolerance. The protein interactions of the products of the screened genes were assessed using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses. Overall, this study demonstrated the utility of our multi-layer approach for deciphering complex biosynthetic pathways using transcriptomic data.
Alternative Reproductive Tactics in Lake Michigan Populations of Invasive Round Goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ): How Fish Increase Fitness by Doing Less

Understanding the reproductive biology of invasive species is an important step in managing populations. Yet, little is known about the reproductive strategies of invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in Lake Michigan. For round goby, fertilization occurs externally in nests guarded by large “paternal” males. However, some males pursue alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs), where males sneak into a larger male’s nest and fertilize a portion of the eggs, these males are called “sneakers”. We investigated if the proportion of ARTs varies between sites and how that affects population dynamics of round goby. We caught 264 fish from 4 lakes along Eastern Lake Michigan. We measured their color, morphology, and gonad traits to determine each male’s reproductive type. Our results suggest ARTs represent at least 20% of reproductive round goby males. As predicted, sneaker males had larger testes relative to their body mass, and paternal males had larger accessory glands relative to body mass. The next step in this work is to model how the presence of ARTs within these populations may be impacting population growth estimates of this invasive species around Lake Michigan.
Tracking and parameter identification for model reference adaptive control

We provide barrier Lyapunov functions for model reference adaptive control algorithms, allowing us to prove robustness in the input‐to‐state stability framework and to compute rates of exponential convergence of the tracking and parameter identification errors to zero. Our results ensure identification of all entries of the unknown weight and control effectiveness matrices. We provide easily checked sufficient conditions for our relaxed persistency of excitation conditions to hold. Our illustrative numerical example demonstrates the performance of the control methods.
Urodynamics parameters and Metabolic syndrome: prospective pilot study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide and complex disorder with a severe socioeconomics impact due to the high rate of morbidity and mortality [1]. Metabolic syndrome (METs) is defined by the International Diabetes Federation as a “cluster of the most dangerous heart attack” risk factors. MET’s would not only increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but represents a significative risk factor for cancers HPV infection, erectile dysfunction, and death [2]. Also in urology, a significant amount of epidemiological evidence indicates a possible association between MetS and several disorders like male hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction and infertility. Furthermore male patients with MetS seems to reveal a higher incident of low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to developement of benign prostate enlargement (BPE)[3]. Moreover, in literature have been underlined the correlation between METs and the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB). The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between METs and urodynamic parameters in a cohort of 81 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Imaging methods in primary Sjögren’s syndrome as potential tools of disease diagnostics and monitoring

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects exocrine glands, especially salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to their progressive destruction. With highly differentiated clinical course the approach to the definition of pSS is constantly evolving and the pSS classification criteria have been modified over the past years. In the past sialography and scintigraphy were frequently used in pSS diagnostics. Recently no imaging method has been included in the pSS classification criteria. That raises the question about the benefits of using novel imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, elastography and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose and monitor pSS patients. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the advantages and limitations of widely used imaging methods in pSS and their possible future development.
Niche Preference of Escherichia coli in a Peri-Urban Pond Ecosystem

Escherichia coli comprises of diverse strains with a large accessory genome, indicating functional diversity and the ability to adapt to a range of niches. Specific strains would display greatest fitness in niches matching their combination of phenotypic traits. Given this hypothesis, we sought to determine whether E. coli in a peri-urban pond and associated cattle pasture display niche preference. Samples were collected from water, sediment, aquatic plants, water snails associated with the pond as well as bovine feces from cattle in an adjacent pasture. Isolates (120) were obtained after plating on Membrane Lactose Glucuronide Agar (MLGA). We used the uidA and mutS sequences for all isolates to determine phylogeny by maximum likelihood, and population structure through gene flow analysis. PCR was used to allocate isolates to phylogroups and to determine the presence of pathogenicity / virulence genes (stxI, stxII, eaeA, hlyA, ST and LT). Antimicrobial resistance was determined using a disk diffusion assay for Tetracycline, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Meropenem, Ceftriaxone, and Azitrhomycin. Our results showed that isolates from water, sediment and water plants were similar by phylogroup distribution, virulence gene distribution and antibiotic resistance while both snail and feces populations were significantly different. Few of the feces isolates were significantly similar to aquatic ones, and most of the snail isolates were also different. Population structure analysis indicated three genetic backgrounds associated with bovine, snail and aquatic environments. Collectively these data support niche preference of E. coli isolates occurring in this ecosystem.
Variation in rapid sequence induction and intubation: a survey on current practice in the department of anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand

iii Acknowledgments . iv List of Tables . ix List of Figures . x List of Abbreviations . xi Chapter 1 . 1 1.0 Overview of the study . 1 1.
Praktyka kliniczna oceny minimalnej choroby resztkowej u chorych na szpiczaka plazmocytowego w Polsce: badanie ankietowe Polskiego Konsorcjum Szpiczakowego

Studies exploring the significance of minimal residual disease (MRD) in plasma cell myeloma (PCM) have proven its prognostic value, regardless of the type of administered treatment. In order to assess the current practice for evaluating MRD in Poland, we conducted a survey on the methods for assessing MRD and on the MRD testing time points at Polish hematological centres. Seven out of 15 institutions surveyed use of the flow cytometry (FC) method for MRD assessment. The FC-MRD assessment is performed uniformly only in those patients achieving complete remission (CR). However, the specific indications and assessment time points differed at the tested centres including: testing MRD only after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT), after auto-HSCT and consolidation, after completion of first line chemotherapy or after obtaining CR in any line of treatment. The study also showed considerable heterogeneity in the FC-MRD methodology, which affects test sensitivity (from 10–3 to 10–5). None of the surveyed centres uses molecular techniques for MRD assessment. In 8 of the 15 institutions, patients are monitored by imaging techniques. Our survey may thus be useful for developing guidelines and standardization of MRD assessment in PCM in Poland.
An examination of the influence of African-American extended family relationships on child weight status

In the U.S., African American children suffer from higher rates of obesity than their white peers. African American families are often multi-generational, with extended family members, especially women, caring for child relatives. Yet little is currently known about the influence of these female extended family members (EFMs) on African American children’s dietary and physical activity behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between the amount of time an African American child spent with an EFM, the frequency of child physical activity and eating around the EFM, and family members’ weight status. Data were collected and analyzed as part of a larger study examining relationships in African American families (n=47). Participating families consisted of the mother, her child aged 8-12 years, and an EFM. Participants were recruited from community organizations in Guilford County, North Carolina. Family Systems Theory guided the research in accordance with current literature which suggests that family-based lifestyle interventions achieve better outcomes than education or information only interventions. Eighty-eight percent of non-pregnant mothers (n=44) and 87% of non-pregnant EFMs (n=45) were classified as overweight or obese as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to 47% of the children in the study as defined by Body Mass Index For Age (BMI-For-Age). EFMs comprised 10 grandmothers, two great grandmothers, one great aunt, 19 aunts, and 15 cousins. No significant association was found between time spent with EFMs and frequency of child eating and physical activity behaviors. Children were less active around grandmothers and great grandmothers compared to aunts and cousins (p<0.05). Children were less active and ate less frequently around relatives 45 years and older (p<0.01). No significant relationship was found between child weight status and frequency of physical activity around EFMs. Children with higher weight status were more likely to be related to grandmothers, great grandmothers and great aunts than to aunts and cousins (r=-0.289, p<0.05); to spend 4 days or more with EFMs (r=0.311, p<0.05); and to have an EFM who was overweight or obese herself (r=0.314, p<0.05). EFM relationship type and time spent with the EFM were significantly predictive of child BMI status. EFM BMI was also predictive. EFM age and frequency of physical activity around the EFM were not (p<0.05). These findings call for future research to help understand how EFMs influence the dietary and physical activity behaviors of children in their care.
Current Trends for Treating Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as ‘tennis elbow’, is a degenerative rather than inflammatory tendinopathy, causing chronic recalcitrant pain in elbow joints. Although most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, few refractory lateral epicondylitis are candidates for alternative non-operative and operative modalities. Other than standard conservative treatments including rest, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, orthosis and physical therapies, nonoperative treatments encompass interventional therapies include different types of injections, such as corticosteroid, lidocaine, autologous blood, platelet-rich plasma, and botulinum toxin, which are available for both short-term and long-term outcomes in pain resolution and functional improvement. In addition, newly emerging biologic enhancement products such as bone marrow aspirate concentrate and autologous tenocyte injectates are also under clinical use and investigations. Despite all non-operative therapeutic trials, persistent debilitating pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis for more than 6 months are candidates for surgical treatment, which include open, percutaneous, and arthroscopic approaches. This review addresses the current updates on emerging non-operative injection therapies as well as arthroscopic intervention in lateral epicondylitis.
Effects of self-management action plans for COPD patients with comorbidities on health status and self-efficacy

This self-management (SM) trial evaluated tailored action plans for exacerbations of COPD and comorbid conditions in Australian and Dutch patients. Primary outcome analyses demonstrated a reduction in COPD exacerbation duration and respiratory-related hospitalisation rate. This abstract reports secondary study endpoints. COPD patients (≥ 40 years, GOLD II-IV) with ≥ 1 comorbidity (ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus, anxiety, depression) were randomised to a SM intervention including individualised exacerbation action plans for COPD and comorbidities (n=102) or usual care (n=99). Health status (Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), self-efficacy (COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES)), and fatigue were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Between-group differences were studied with repeated measurements analyses. Compared to usual care, SM showed a significantly reduced behavioural risk factors CSES domain (difference -0.26 (95% CI -0.52;-0.01), p=0.04) and a significantly worse emotional function CRQ domain (difference -0.41 (95% CI -0.70;-0.11), p SM including exacerbation action plans for COPD and comorbidities improved patients’ self-efficacy to prevent breathing difficulty. Lower emotional function scores in the SM group were not accompanied with HADS changes and may result from more symptom awareness due to training. Further tailoring of our individualised SM action plans and associated case-manager support may enhance self-efficacy and (mental) health status.
Loss of miR-494 by exosomes promotes melanoma proliferation and metastasis

Previous studies have established that exosomes involve material transport in melanoma. However, the detail molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we aimed to determine the functions of exosome-derived miR-494 in melanoma progress. In this study, we firstly found significantly higher levels of miR-494 in melanoma patients’ serum exosomes. miR-494 was upregulated in high-metastaic melanoma cell exosomes while downregulated in cell itself. Functional studies revealed that decrease exosome production and overexpression of miR-494 significantly inhibited cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Nude mice experiments confirmed that upregulation miR-494 suppressed tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting exosomes release in vivo. In conclusion, Exosomal transfer of miR-494 is an alternative modality in the treatment of melanoma. www.impactjournals. com/oncotarget/ Vol.9, (No.1), Supplement 1, pp: s702-s713
NOTE-TAKING OF ENGLISH LESSONS AT TERTIARY LEVEL : A CONTEXT OF BANGLADESH

Note-taking is a common and an important classroom activity. Notes that students create in class while listening to the lectures given by lecturers, or while they review course material, become an important means of learning. It is a general perception of many learners and many of their instructors as well that note-taking is a common manifestation and intuitive skill to have, yet a few considers differently and encourage best practices for better performance. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of its benefits and so fail to appreciate that effective note-taking contributes to a great extent to their learning, and so the importance of cultivating their note-taking skills in course of their education period. This paper based on qualitative analysis provides an overview of how Bangladeshi students follow different strategies to take down notes in lecture sessions at tertiary level. The primary data for this paper has been collected from 35 students’ paragraph writing on a topic ‘How to take notes in a lecture’ in which the students were asked to reflect on their own note-taking strategies, how they get benefit from their notes, and their subsequent retrieval of information from the notes later on. The participants were from a ‘Basic English’ course as well as from English core courses at a highly rated private university in a metropolitan city in Bangladesh. This case study evolves around four aspects of note taking: firstly, the principal functions of note-taking; secondly, the main strategies students used for note-taking; thirdly, the benefits that the students derive through various approaches to note-taking; and lastly, the initiatives to improve the art of note taking as a successful tool in learning target subject matter. While some of the findings are in line with earlier studies, a few of them have their own uniqueness.
Future developments in medical education – can Family Medicine make a global impact?

The Wor ld Organ i sa t i on o f Fami ly Doc to r s (WONCA) aims to improve the quality of life of the peoples of the world by fostering high standards of care in general practice/family medicine; promoting personal, comprehensive and continuing care; promoting equity of access, cost and quality of health services; and representing general practitioners/family physicians to other world organisations and forums concerned with health and medical care. However, many countries still do not fully understand what a family doctor does.