Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological response, molecular analysis and water use efficiency of maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under various irrigation regimes

With a view to study the effects of irrigation scheduling on the water use efficiency and physiological response and molecular basis of maize hybrids of different maturity groups, a field experiment was conducted at Water Management Research Center (WMRC), Belvatagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India during 2010-2011 rabi season in Malaprabha Command Area’. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main plot comprised four irrigation levels (0.4. 0.6, and 0.8 irrigation water/cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio and irrigation at critical growth stages of maize) and subplots were three maize hybrids [PEEHM-5 (extra early), PEHM-2 (early) and 900 M gold (full season)] were tested. The results reveal that significantly higher grain yield (P<0.05) was at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio followed by irrigation at critical growth sages of maize. Among the maize genotypes tested, full season 900 M Gold recorded significantly greater grain yield (84.61 q ha -1 ) over PEHM-2 (early) and PEEHM-5 (extra-early). The moisture stress due to 0.4 IW/CPE ratio prolonged the days which reached 50% anthesis and 50% silking thus widening the anthesis-silking interval. Significant positive correlations (P<0.05) of maize grain yield with 100 seed weight (r=0.81), cob length (r=0.83), harvest index (r=0.82) and water-use efficiency (WUE; r=0.61) were found. The RWC decreased significantly (P<0.05) from 82.53 to 75.24% with increasing moisture stress on account of variations in the availability of soil moisture in the crop root zone. WUE was significantly low (P<0.05) in 0.8 IW/CPE ratio, despite providing more amount of water which could be attributed to a greater use of water with relatively lesser increase in yield. The present investigation showed that providing four irrigations at critical growth stages of maize hybrids followed by either three or five irrigations seem to have higher WUE. This approach could save water up to 29% with slight reduction of grain yield by 12% over providing full irrigation. Molecular analysis of three hybrids revealed the possibility of introgressing the yield enhancing traits from full season hybrid into early and extra-early hybrids, the latter clustered distinctly with each other. This strategy besides saving water helps tail-end farmers in choosing additional crop for double cropping in the command areas. Keywords: Maize hybrids, IW/CPE ratio, water use efficiency, grain yield. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(29) 2966-2976
Explicit modeling of volatile organic compounds partitioning in the atmospheric aqueous phase

Abstract. The gas phase oxidation of organic species is a multigenerational process involving a large number of secondary compounds. Most secondary organic species are water-soluble multifunctional oxygenated molecules. The fully explicit chemical mechanism GECKO-A (Generator of Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere) is used to describe the oxidation of organics in the gas phase and their mass transfer to the aqueous phase. The oxidation of three hydrocarbons of atmospheric interest (isoprene, octane and α-pinene) is investigated for various NO x conditions. The simulated oxidative trajectories are examined in a new two dimensional space defined by the mean oxidation state and the solubility. The amount of dissolved organic matter was found to be very low (yield less than 2% on carbon atom basis) under a water content typical of deliquescent aerosols. For cloud water content, 50% (isoprene oxidation) to 70% (octane oxidation) of the carbon atoms are found in the aqueous phase after the removal of the parent hydrocarbons for low NO x conditions. For high NO x conditions, this ratio is only 5% in the isoprene oxidation case, but remains large for α-pinene and octane oxidation cases (40% and 60%, respectively). Although the model does not yet include chemical reactions in the aqueous phase, much of this dissolved organic matter should be processed in cloud drops and modify both oxidation rates and the speciation of organic species.
Chapter 3 Light Trapping in Coaxial Nanowires of cSi Cores and a-Si Shells

Light absorption is investigated in coaxial nanowires (NWs) of crystalline silicon (c-Si) cores and amorphous silicon (a-Si) shells, including both cases of single coaxial NWs and coaxial NW arrays, for an incident light spectrum of 1.0–4.0eV covering the major solar band for photovoltaic cells. Based on the Lorenz-Mie light scattering theory for the single coaxial NWs and the rigorous coupled-wave analysis method for the coaxial NW arrays, it is found that the incident light is effectively trapped in the coaxial NWs through absorption resonances so that the light absorption of the coaxial NWs can be significantly enhanced compared to that of c-Si NWs. In the coaxial NWs, the absorption resonances occur due to their subwavelength dimensions, as in the c-Si NWs, whereas the absorption enhancement originates from the a-Si shells. By tuning their structural parameters, the light absorption in the coaxial NWs can be readily optimized for photovoltaic applications. At the optimal absorption conditions, the photocurrent in the coaxial NWs can be enhanced up to 560% (single case) and 14% (array case) compared to that in the c-Si NWs. The underlying physics of the light absorption in the coaxial NWs is discussed in terms of the excitation of leaky-mode resonances. The practical use of the coaxial NWs for photovoltaic cells is also addressed.
PROPERTIES OF DUST GRAINS PROBED WITH EXTINCTION CURVES

Modern data of the extinction curve from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared are revisited to study properties of dust grains in the Milky Way (MW) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We confirm that the graphite–silicate mixture of grains yields the observed extinction curve with the simple power-law distribution of the grain size but with a cutoff at some maximal size: the parameters are tightly constrained to be q = 3.5 ± 0.2 for the size distribution a−q and the maximum radius amax = 0.24 ± 0.05 μm, for both MW and SMC. The abundance of grains, and hence the elemental abundance, is constrained from the reddening versus hydrogen column density, E(B − V)/NH. If we take the solar elemental abundance as the standard for the MW, >56% of carbon should be in graphite dust, while it is <40% in the SMC using its available abundance estimate. This disparity and the relative abundance of C to Si explain the difference of the two curves. We find that 50%–60% of carbon may not necessarily be in graphite but in the amorphous or glassy phase. Iron may also be in the metallic phase or up to ∼80% in magnetite rather than in silicates, so that the Mg/Fe ratio in astronomical olivine is arbitrary. With these substitutions, the parameters of the grain size remain unchanged. The mass density of dust grains relative to hydrogen is for the MW and for the SMC under the elemental abundance constraints. We underline the importance of the wavelength dependence of the extinction curve in the near-infrared in constructing the dust model: if Aλ∝λ−γ with γ ≃ 1.6, the power-law grain-size model fails, whereas it works if γ ≃ 1.8–2.0.
Margin determination of two-view specimen radiography in breast cancer

Background: Specimen radiography (SR) is most useful for confirming complete excision of a lesion in the breast conservation therapy. The radiologist is expected to evaluate the margin status for possible additional tissue removal by the surgeon. Objective: To develop the technique of specimen radiography to obtain the accurate marginal assessment in breast cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed on 12 patients who underwent wire-localized partial mastectomy for malignant breast lesions at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston between May and September 2007. The specimen was oriented to obtain the correct margin using different color stitches. Based on two-view specimen radiography on anteroposterior and lateral planes, the margin status was assessed and compared with final histopathology. Results: Eighty-three percent cases had discordance by the one-view SR, and 67.0% by the two-view SR with pathological findings. One-view SR has a sensitivity of 25.0%, specificity of 25.0%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 40.0%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 14.3%. Two-view SR has a sensitivity of 37.5%, specificity of 25.0%, PPV of 50.0%, and NPV of 16.7%. The false negative rate is 50.0% for one-view specimen and 42.0% for two-view. The false positive rate is 25.0% for one-view specimen and 25.0% for two-view. The concordance rate between SR and HP in two-view SR was higher compared with one view SR. Conclusion: Specimen radiography could aid in the intraoperative assessment of margin status in patients undergoing excision of a breast mass.
Level of Parent Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues and Associated Factors among Debre Markos Preparatory School Students, in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam, Zone, Ethiopia

Background: World Health Organization defines adolescents as those in the age group of 10-19. While parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication is one potential source of sexual and reproductive health information for adolescents. But, it appears to be inadequately practiced in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess level of parent adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among Debre Markos preparatory school students in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among preparatory school students from 22 sections in Debre Markos Town from December 15/2016-March to 15/2017. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 394 participants from 1653 total students. Self-administered questionnaire was employed. Results: A total of 394 students were participated in our study from Debre Markos preparatory school. Of these, 232 (58.9%) were males and 162 (41.1%) were females. The study showed that communication between adolescence and parent was 114 (28.9%), from this majority of students preferred to discuss with their mothers (42.1%) than others. Knowledge about reproductive health issues [AOR= 4.106 95% CI: 2.328, 7.243)] and knowledge about contraceptive [AOR=2.119 95% CI: (1.107, 4.054)] had significant association . Conclusion: This study revealed that parent adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues is inadequate. Therefore, there is a need to equip and educate parents and students on different sexual and reproductive health issues to prevent adolescences from risk sexual behaviors.
Clinical valve thrombosis and subclinical leaflet thrombosis in transcatheter aortic heart valves: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract During the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has rapidly expanded as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) and increased surgical risk. In TAVR, a bioprosthetic valve is positioned within the stenotic native aortic valve. Although favorable short- and medium-term outcomes have been reported, thrombosis of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) has occurred, with two different entities being described: clinical valve thrombosis and subclinical leaflet thrombosis. In clinical valve thrombosis, an increase in transvalvular gradient appears as a result of obstructive thrombus formation, which eventually leads to symptoms of heart failure. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is an incidental finding, characterized by a thin layer of thrombus covering the aortic site of the leaflet—called hypo-attenuating leaflet thickening (HALT)—as described on and defined by 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) imaging. This phenomenon may affect motion of the leaflets and is then classified as hypo-attenuation affecting motion (HAM). Even in the case of HAM, the transvalvular pressure gradient remains within the normal range. Clinical valve thrombosis requires treatment, whereas the clinical impact and need for intervention in subclinical leaflet thrombosis is uncertain. Anticoagulant therapy protects against and resolves both clinical valve thrombosis and subclinical leaflet thrombosis, but studies exploring different antithrombotic strategies after TAVR are ongoing. This review summarizes currently available literature within the field of THV thrombosis and provides recommendations for a patient-tailored approach in TAVR patients, although guidelines are still lacking.
Hysterosalpingogram findings among women with infertility in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Infertility is a relatively common health challenge in the society with social and psychological consequences. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is traditionally used to ascertain some of the causes of infertility. The use of ionizing radiation and contrast media injection with the possibility of complications, make new imaging modalities preferable, especially when in-vitro fertilization is being considered as a management option. Objective: To describe the pattern of the cervical, uterine, tubal and adnexial abnormalities causing infertility as detected by HSG in a tertiary health care institution, and demonstrate the prospects of retaining Hysterosalpingography in the investigation of female infertility. Methods: The HSG and reports of 124 patients referred to the Radiology Department of a tertiary health facility between January, 2013 and June, 2014, at a tertiary healthcare institution, were reviewed for abnormalities in the cervix, uterus, the fallopian tubes and adnexial structures. Results: Secondary infertility was the commonest indication for the procedure among in 66 of the 124 HSG reviewed. Pathologies in the cervix were found in 66 (51.6%) cases, of which the most frequent abnormality was cervical fibrosis in 59.4% (36/66) cases. Uterine abnormalities were found in 71.7% (89/124) cases, with uterine fibroid occurring in 82% (73/89) of these cases. Pathologies in the Fallopian tube occurred in 68 (54.8%) cases, with bilaterally blocked tubes occurring most frequently in 32.4% (22/68). Twenty-seven of the 68 cases (39.7%) with tubal abnormalities were aged 20-29 years. Conclusion: Secondary infertility was the commonest indication for HSG in the study, while uterine fibroid, cervical fibrosis and bilaterally blocked tubes were the most prominent findings in descending order of frequency. Therefore, caution should be exercised in managing pelvic infections, inflammations, diagnostic dilation and curettage and post-abortal and post-surgical periods in order to reduce the risk of fibrosis.
Ulcerative Colitis in the Chinese Population of Vancouver, British Columbia

The clinical records of 22 Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) seen in Vancouver, British Columbia from 1975 to 1989 were reviewed. There was a predominance of males, with a male to female ratio of 1.75:1. The age range at diagnosis was 14 to 67 years (mean 38.9). Eighteen of the 22 patients were immigrants, and one was a visitor from Hong Kong. The age at diagnosis of the three Canadian-born patients (14, 26 and 26 years old) was less than the mean age at diagnosis of the immigrant group. The immigrants had resided in Canada for a mean of 9.3 years before developing symptoms of UC. Despite the rarity of UC in Hong Kong, 59% of the Chinese patients in this series were Hong Kong immigrants. This study demonstrates that UC is not as uncommon a disease in Chinese as had been previously perceived. Adequate time is apparently necessary for exposure to environmental factors in the pathogenesis of UC. The opportunity for continued study of defined ethnic immigrant populations in North America may yield useful information related to environmental factors that may be important in the etiology and pathogenesis of UC.
Randomised controlled trial of two brief interventions against long-term benzodiazepine use: outcome of intervention

Previous studies have reported that a letter from the patient's General Practitioner (GP) and a short GP consultation led to reduced intake among long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) users, with no evidence of a deterioration in general or mental health. We aimed to replicate these earlier findings in a single, prospective RCT and compare the effectiveness of the two brief interventions. 273 long-term BZD users (≥6 mos) identified from repeat prescription computer records of 7 general practices were randomised to: (i) usual GP care + assessment only; (ii) the offer of a short consultation with the patient's GP (or practice nurse/practice pharmacist); (iii) a letter signed by the GP advising gradual reduction in BZD intake. The typical patient entering the study was an elderly woman taking BZDs primarily for sleeping problems. Results showed significantly larger reductions in BZD consumption in the letter (24% overall) and consultation (22%) groups than the control group (16%) but no significant difference between the two interventions. There was no evidence that brief interventions increased psychological distress or had an adverse effect on general health. We conclude that, among long-term BZD users considered by GPs to be suitable to receive advice encouraging them to cut down BZD intake, brief intervention, either in the form of the offer of a short consultation or a letter from the patient's GP, is effective in leading to reduced BZD intake without adverse consequences.
Novel Geometric Tools for Human Behavior Understanding

Developing intelligent systems dedicated to human behavior understanding has been a very hot research topic in the few recent decades. Indeed, it is crucial to understand the human behavior in order to make machines able to interact with, assist, and help humans in their daily life. Recent breakthroughs in computer vision and machine learning have made this possible. For instance, human-related computer vision problems can be approached by first detecting and tracking 2D or 3D landmark points from visual data. Two relevant examples of this are given by the facial landmarks detected on the human face and the skeletons tracked along videos of human bodies. These techniques generate temporal sequences of landmark configurations, which exhibit several distortions in their analysis, especially in uncontrolled environments, due to view variations, inaccurate detection and tracking, missing data, etc. In this thesis, we propose two novel space-time representations of human landmark sequences along with suitable computational tools for human behavior understanding. Firstly, we propose a representation based on trajectories of Gram matrices of human landmarks. Gram matrices are positive semi-definite matrices of fixed rank and lie on a nonlinear manifold where standard computational and machine learning techniques could not be applied in a straightforward way. To overcome this issue, we make use of some notions of the Riemannian geometry and derive suitable computational tools for analyzing Gram trajectories. We evaluate the proposed approach in several human related applications involving 2D and 3D landmarks of human faces and bodies such us emotion recognition from facial expression and body movements and also action recognition from skeletons. Secondly, we propose another representation based on the barycentric coordinates of 2D facial landmarks. While being related to the Gram trajectory representation and robust to view variations, the barycentric representation allows to directly work with standard computational tools. The evaluation of this second approach is conducted on two face analysis tasks namely, facial expression recognition and depression severity level assessment. The obtained results with the two proposed approaches on real benchmarks are competitive with respect to recent state-of-the-art methods.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Properties of Conventional Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Denture Base Resin Materials Containing Hydrothermally Synthesised Anatase TiO2 Nanotubes against Cariogenic Bacteria and Candida albicans

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of a conventional poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) modified with hydrothermally synthesised titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) for planktonic cells of the TiO2 nanotubes solution against Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans were determined. The powder of conventional acrylic resin was modified using 2.5% and 5% by weight synthesised titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, and rectangular-shaped specimens (10 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated. The antimicrobial properties of ultraviolet (UV) and non-UV irradiated modified, and non-modified acrylic resins were evaluated using the estimation of planktonic cell count and biofilm formation of the three microorganisms mentioned above. The data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a post-hoc Tukey’s test at a significance level of 5%. MIC, for Streptococcus. mutans, Lactobacillus. acidophilus, and Candida. albicans, MBC for S. mutans and L. acidophilus and MFC for Candida. albicans were obtained more than 2100 µg/mL. The results of this study indicated a significant reduction in both planktonic cell count and biofilm formation of modified UV-activated acrylic specimens compared with the control group (p = 0.00). According to the results of the current study, it can be concluded that PMMA/TiO2 nanotube composite can be considered as a promising new material for antimicrobial approaches.
The Impact of Mnemosyne Computer Software on Iranian EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning

The Mnemosyne computer software is a flash-card aid, which optimizes learners’ learning process. The current study was conducted to evaluate the extent to which Mnemosyne can assist college-level Iranian EFL learners to improve their vocabulary learning by utilizing spaced repetition. For this purpose, 60 intermediate-level EFL learners were chosen based on their performance on a proficiency test. Then, they were divided into two equal-sized experimental and control groups, each consisting of 30 participants. The participants of the experimental group were asked to use Mnemosyne on their own computers, their cell phones or other devices. They had opportunity to use numerous numbers of free flashcards on various subjects and users could build their own on different topics. The control group received instructions through conventional teaching methodology. The posttest was given to the participants of both groups in order to check the students’ vocabulary learning. The results of independent sample t-test between the posttest scores of the two groups showed a significant difference between the scores of the experimental group and those of the control group. The results demonstrated that Mnemosyne significantly improved students’ performance in vocabulary learning.