Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Daily evaluation of 26 precipitation datasets using Stage-IV gauge-radar data for the CONUS

Abstract. New precipitation (P) datasets are released regularly, following innovations in weather forecasting models, satellite retrieval methods, and multi-source merging techniques. Using the conterminous US as a case study, we evaluated the performance of 26 gridded (sub-)daily P datasets to obtain insight into the merit of these innovations. The evaluation was performed at a daily timescale for the period 2008–2017 using the Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE), a performance metric combining correlation, bias, and variability. As a reference, we used the high-resolution (4 km) Stage-IV gauge-radar P dataset. Among the three KGE components, the P datasets performed worst overall in terms of correlation (related to event identification). In terms of improving KGE scores for these datasets, improved P totals (affecting the bias score) and improved distribution of P intensity (affecting the variability score) are of secondary importance. Among the 11 gauge-corrected P datasets, the best overall performance was obtained by MSWEP V2.2, underscoring the importance of applying daily gauge corrections and accounting for gauge reporting times. Several uncorrected P datasets outperformed gauge-corrected ones. Among the 15 uncorrected P datasets, the best performance was obtained by the ERA5-HRES fourth-generation reanalysis, reflecting the significant advances in earth system modeling during the last decade. The (re)analyses generally performed better in winter than in summer, while the opposite was the case for the satellite-based datasets. IMERGHH V05 performed substantially better than TMPA-3B42RT V7, attributable to the many improvements implemented in the IMERG satellite P retrieval algorithm. IMERGHH V05 outperformed ERA5-HRES in regions dominated by convective storms, while the opposite was observed in regions of complex terrain. The ERA5-EDA ensemble average exhibited higher correlations than the ERA5-HRES deterministic run, highlighting the value of ensemble modeling. The WRF regional convection-permitting climate model showed considerably more accurate P totals over the mountainous west and performed best among the uncorrected datasets in terms of variability, suggesting there is merit in using high-resolution models to obtain climatological P statistics. Our findings provide some guidance to choose the most suitable P dataset for a particular application.
Management by Objectives (MBO) as an Instrument for Organizational Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

This study investigated Management by Objectives (MBO) as an instrument for organizational performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria, Yola metropolis in particular. Data for the study was sourced through the use of structured questionnaires distributed to the selected deposit money banks (Diamond, Fidelity and Access banks). The study employed descriptive statistics, multiple regression technique in estimating the relationship between MBO and organizational performance of deposit money banks in Yola metropolis, correlation coefficient was also used to test the extent to which MBO relate to organizational performance of deposit money banks. The study revealed that involvement of employees in Goal Settings (GS), Delegation of Authority to the employees (DA) and Motivation to the employees (M) were positively affecting organizational performance of the deposit money banks in Yola metropolis and their coefficients were rightly signed, implying that increase in the involvement of employees in Goal Settings (GS), Delegation of Authority to the employees (DA) and Motivation to the employees (M) will improve the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Keywords: Management, Organizational Performance, Deposit Money, Nigeria
Evaluation of clonal fidelity of in vitro raised plants of Guadua angustifolia Kunth using DNA-based markers

Guadua angustifolia Kunth a large and multipurpose bamboo has extensive utility in pharmaceutical, paper, charcoal, and construction industries. Therefore, it is pertinent to scale up their production through micropropagation technique. This would enable us to meet the growing demand for quality planting material. Although, the common practice to use axillary bud method allows large-scale production, there are always possibilities of somaclonal variations which appear in in vitro cultures due to its rapid multiplication. Therefore, we utilized random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers in in vitro raised Guadua clones to assure their genetic fidelity. We screened 30 RAPD and 27 ISSR primers, and found 15 RAPD and 17 ISSR markers to produce clear, reproducible and scorable bands. We found 15 RAPD primers which produced 84 distinct bands with an average of 5.6 bands per primer. In addition, we found 17 ISSR primers which produced 61 distinct bands in the size range of 300 to 2500 bp. All banding profiles from micropropagated plants were monomorphic and similar to those of the mother plant, thus ascertaining the true nature of the in vitro raised plants.
Effects of Pit and Mound Landscape on Soil Ecosystem Engineers at Local Scales - a Case Study in Hyrcanian Forest

Earthworms comprise a major proportion of the total invertebrate biomass in terrestrial ecosystems and they are often called "ecosystem engineers". Felling of trees by wind occurs continually in forest ecosystems. Many of trees are uprooted by windthrow, annually. The uprooting of old trees creates multiple microsites (e. g. pit and mound landscape) that are main source for soil heterogeneity. Efforts have been made in this study to determine the impact of pit and mound landscape on earthworm assemblages. Due to, the experimental forest station of Tarbiat Modares University studied that is located in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. For this purpose, twenty hectare areas considered and numbers of thirty four uprooted trees were found. Five microsites were distinguished including mound top, mound wall, pit bottom, pit wall and closed canopy. Soil samples were taken at 0~15 cm, 15~30 cm and 30~45 cm depths from all microsites using core soil sampler with 81 cm 2 cross section. Soil pH, water content, organic carbon, total nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio measured in the laboratory. The earthworms were collected simultaneously with the soil sampling by hand sorting method. As a result, in this study soil characters changes had significantly impact on earthworm abundance at local scales. Earthworm's (epigeic, anecic and endogeic) density and biomass had more amounts in pit bottom whereas, no earthworms found in mound top and wall microsites. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) performed on earthworm population and environmental variables showed that water content and C/N ratio are potential indicators of earthworm abundance change.
The Course of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Disability after Whiplash Trauma: A 2-year Prospective Study.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study OBJECTIVE. : To evaluate the course of orofacial pain and jaw disability in relation to neck pain, neck disability and psychosocial factors at the acute stage and the chronic stage after whiplash trauma.Summary of Background Data Many individuals report chronic pain in the orofacial region after whiplash trauma. The possible association between whiplash trauma and orofacial pain is debated. Prospective studies are therefore needed to evaluate the development of orofacial pain after whiplash trauma. METHODS Within one month following a whiplash trauma, 176 cases were examined and compared to 116 controls with questionnaires concerning neck and jaw pain and related disability, non-specific physical symptoms and depression. At the 2-year follow-up, 119 cases (68%) and 104 controls (90%) were re-examined. RESULTS Compared to controls, cases reported more jaw and neck pain, both at baseline and follow-up. A majority (68%) of cases with pain in the jaw region in the acute stage also reported jaw pain at the follow-up. The intensity of jaw and neck pain was correlated both at baseline and follow-up. Both neck pain and jaw pain was correlated to non-specific physical symptoms and to depression. CONCLUSION Orofacial pain and jaw disability related to neck pain is often present already at the acute stage after whiplash trauma and persist into the chronic stage for most individuals. Assessment following whiplash trauma should therefore include both the neck and the orofacial regions. More studies are needed to further evaluate risk factors for development of orofacial pain after whiplash trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
miR-124 participates in the proliferation and differentiation of brain glioma stem cells through regulating Nogo/NgR expression

The effect of miR-124 on the proliferation and differentiation of brain glioma stem cells and Nogo/NgR signaling pathway were investigated. miR-124 mimic, miR-124 inhibitor and miR-control expression vector were designed and produced to transfect U87 glioma stem cells. The results of transfection were tested via RT-qPCR and the expression of protein was detected by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT proliferation and the proportion of CD133+ cells was detected by immunomagnetic beads to determine cell differentiation. The correlation between miR-124 and Nogo-A, and NgR protein expression was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. The relative expression of miR-124 in cells of miR-124 mimic group was significantly higher than that of miR-124 inhibitor and miR-control groups (P<0.05). The relative expression of Nogo-A and NgR protein in cells of the miR-124 mimic group was significantly lower than that of miR-124 inhibitor and miR-control groups (P<0.05). Absorbance values of the cells in the miR-124 mimic and miR-control groups were significantly lower than those in the miR-124 inhibitor group at each time point (P<0.05), while the values of the cells in the miR-124 mimic group were significantly lower than that in miR-control group (P<0.05). The level of CD133+ cells in miR-124 mimic group was significantly lower than that in miR-124 inhibitor and miR-control groups (P<0.05), while the level of CD133+ cells in miR-124 inhibitor group was higher than that in miR-control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a negative correlation between miR-124 and the expression of Nogo-A and NgR protein (P<0.05). miR-124 may participate in the differentiation of brain glioma stem cells through the Nogo/NgR pathway, which may bring a new direction for the clinical treatment of brain glioma.
The possible feature of the energy spectrum of the primary cosmic rays at ultra-high energies

The energies of the most energetic extensive air showers observed at the Yakutsk array have been estimated with help of the all detectors readings instead of using of the standard procedure with a parameter s(600). These detector readings have been compared with the detector responses, calculated for all particles which hit the scintillation detectors in each individual shower with observed the zenith and azimuth angles with help of the GEANT4 code. In turn the code CORSICA-6.616 have been used to produce such particles in the atmosphere in these individual showers and propagate them to detectors at the level of observation. Calculations have been carried out in terms of the QGSJET-2 and Gheisha2002 models with the thinning parameter 10−8 for the primary protons and helium, oxygen and iron nuclei. The energy of the most energetic extensive air shower observed at the Yakutsk array happened to be 200, 200, 180 and 165 EeV with the values of the χ function per one degree of freedom 0.9, 1. , 0.9 and 1.1 for the primary protons and helium, oxygen and iron nuclei accordingly. Thus interpreting data in terms of the QGSJET-2 and Gheisha 2002 models we conclude that after the bump and decreasing of the flux of the primary particles due to the Greisen, Zatsepin and Kuzmin effect that has been observed at the HiRes array and at the Pierre Auger observatory there is a possible feature in the energy spectrum – some increase in the flux at energies 200 – 300 EeV observed both at the Yakutsk array and at the AGASA array. Such possible feature may be understood as the flux of heavy primary nuclei. It is also not excluded that some new component of the spectrum is observed or the Lorentz invariance may be violated at such huge energies. As an alternative conclusion the models QGSJET-2 and Gheisha 2002 should be changed so as to produce much more muons in a shower.
inventory Birds at Santa Bárbara Ecological Station , one of the last Cerrado remnants in the state of São Paulo , Brazil

In the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, the phytophysiognomy known as Cerrado takes less than 1% of its original cover. Thus, the establishment and management of protected areas are essential to save a significant sample of biodiversity of this environment in the region. The Santa Bárbara Ecological Station is one of the largest protected areas in São Paulo, and one of the few ones to cover a mosaic with most of the vegetation types of Cerrado. This article aims to increase the knowledge of avifauna in the reserve, showing new bird records and evaluating the association of species to their physiognomies. We carried out surveys from 2008 to 2013, which resulted in the record of 226 species, or 246 when in regard to Willis & Oniki’s works (1981, 2003). Twenty-two are regionally threatened, and five globally threatened. Despite showing lower species richness, grasslands stood out because of the number of species of conservation concern. Preventing the densification of woody vegetation and controlling the invasion of alien plants are important management actions for the conservation of the bird assemblages at Santa Bárbara reserve, one of the last open Cerrado remnants in São Paulo.
Evaluation of Efficiency of Endoscopic trans-thoracic Sympathectomy for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Backgound: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition of unknown etiology characterized by excessive sweating, typically on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, and in the arms. The sweating response is increased by emotional stimuli, temperature, or elevated anxiety level or even spontaneously with no apparent cause. Objictive: The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and early and late complications of bilateral simultaneous endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. Patients and methods: Thirty patients with palmar hyperhidrosis grade 3 and 4 HDSS amenable for thoracoscopic sympathectomy were primarily managed. The study compromise 12 males and 18 females; the mean age at intervention was 20 (range 12-30) years. All were evaluated preoperatively with detailed history, full physical examination and the required investigations to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the fitness for surgery. Consent was then taken after discussing everything with the parents. Results: Immediately after sympathectomy, all patients were completely free from palm sweating (100%), in relation to the side operated upon. Three patients out of the 27 patients (11%) with associated plantar hyperhidrosis showed improvement of their plantar sweating immediately after endoscopic trans-thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), but the sweating recurred during the follow up period. Conclusion: in view of the low morbidity and zero mortality rate of this surgical technique, we recommend it as a method of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Thoracic sympathectomy eliminates palmar hyperhidrosis with minimal recurrence
Hydrologic conditions and terrestrial laser scanning of post-fire debris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA, U.S.A.

To investigate rainfall-runoff conditions that generate post-wildfire debris flows, we instrumented and surveyed steep, small watersheds along the tec- tonically active front of the San Gabriel Mountains, California. Fortuitously, we recorded runoff-generat- ed debris-flows triggered by one spatially restricted convective event with 28 mm of rainfall falling over 62 minutes. Our rain gages, nested hillslope over- land-flow sensors and soil-moisture probes, as well as a time series of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) revealed the effects of the storm. Hillslope overland- flow response, along two ~10-m long flow lines per - pendicular to and originating from a drainage divide, displayed only a 10 to 20 minute delay from the on- set of rainfall with accumulated totals of merely 5-10 mm. Depth-stratified soil-moisture probes displayed a greater time delay, roughly 20- 30 minutes, indicating that initial overland flow was Hortonian. Furthermore, a downstream channel-monitoring array recorded a pronounced discharge peak generated by the passage of a debris flow after 18 minutes of rainfall. At this time, only four of the eleven hillslope overlandflow sensors confirmed the presence of surface-water flow. Repeat TLS and detailed field mapping using GPS document how patterns of rainsplash, overland-flow scour, and rilling contributed to the generation of me- ter-scale debris flows. In response to a single small storm, the debris flows deposited irregular levees and lobate terminal snouts on hillslopes and caused wide-
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and associated risk factors among medical students, Saudi Arabia

Background and aims Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disease worldwide that is associated with impaired quality of life and higher risk of complications. The identification of risk factors is necessary for preventive measures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of GERD symptoms as well as its relation to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors among medical students of Jeddah and Rabigh branches, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. The study included 197 medical students from Rabigh and Jeddah branches of the university. The study employed a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire which is derived from a self-administered validated GERD questionnaire (GerdQ). Results The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 25.9%. The most frequent symptoms were regurgitation and burning sensation. High BMI, family history, energy drinks and fried food were found to be statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05) by univariate analysis. However, the logistic regression for the prediction of GERD symptoms among medical students showed that only family history had a significant correlation (p<0.05). Conclusion GERD symptoms were common in medical students of King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Family history was found to be a significant predictor of GERD symptoms. Effective educational strategies for groups with significant risk factors of GERD need to be implemented.
Effect of Metformin, Pioglitazone and Rosuvastatin on Induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver in Rats

Background: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases affecting up to 30% of the general population worldwide. Objective: the aim of this work was to study the effects of metformin, pioglitazone and rosuvastatin on serum lipids cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), random blood sugar (RBS), oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological changes in induced non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats. Patients and Methods: fifty male albino rats weighing 100-120 grams of local strain were used. Animals were purchased from Nile Pharmaceutical Company. They were kept in suitable cages at room temperature with the natural light-dark cycle. They were maintained on a standard diet of commercial rat chow and free tap water. They were kept for 10 days for adaptation to the new environment before the start of the experiment. Results: triglycerides decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. ALT decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. AST decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. Blood glucose decreased significantly in Metformin and Rosuvastatin treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. Conclusion: the three drugs could be utilized as a treatment option to guard against fat deposition in the liver or progression of steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, further studies are required to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of the insulin sensitizers in NAFLD patients.
Evaluation of the obesity in the adolescents by assessing the body mass index and body fat percentage: A cross sectional study

Background: Adolescent obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century having high prevalence rate in lowand middle-income countries, including in Asia. The relationship between BMI and body fat percentage (BF %) has been studied in various ethnic groups to estimate the ability of BMI to predict adiposity. Accuracy of obesity screening by commonly used BMI criteria is unclear in young south Indian population. Materials and method: A total of 2212 participant (1320 males and 892 females) mean age was 11.5±1.6 years. BMI and BF% were recorded, the latter was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated (kg/m)). A comparison between study population and previously available nationally representative (1989) data was performed for each age-sex group. WHO cut-off values were used and their respective status was assigned. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was expressed in percentages Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 21.6% and 10.4%, respectively as per BMI category, while according to BF%, it was 17.0% and 10.9% respectively and the mean differences were found to be statistically significant (P=0.001. The fat percentages in girls were higher than in boys. BMI noted to increase with age in young in both boys and girls. This curvilinear effect was more significant in females (R2 = 0.27, R2 change = 0.058, SEE 11.5%) (p = <0.000) compared to males (R2 = 0.89, R2 change = 0.009, SEE 13.7%) (p = ≥0.05). Though females had a higher mean BMI values than males it was statistically insignificant (p ≥0.05). There was a positive linear correlation between BMI-BF% in both sex (males r =0.47, females r =0.64; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The finding from our studies firstly provides the baseline value of the BMI and BF% in school going children in Kerala and BMI can also be used to evaluate the body fat percentage of the participants.
Quails Response to Aqueous Extract of Bush Marigold (Aspilia africana) Leaf

Problem statement: The effects of inclusion of aqueous extract of Bush marigold (Aspilia africana) leaf in quail diet were investigated. One hundred and fifty Japanese quail chicks were used in the study. Approach: In the 14-weeks feeding experiment, the birds were assigned to five treatments of; 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% inclusion of aqueous extract of Bush marigold leaf. Each treatment had 3 replicates of 10 birds per replicate in a randomized complete block design. Results: The results indicated that feeding Aqueous extract of Bush Marigold Leaf (AeBML) did not affect (p>0.05) daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass yield. Mortality and % cracked eggs were reduced (p 0.05) affected by dietary supplementations with AeBML. Egg number and hen day production increased (p<0.001) as level of AeBML increased, though egg weight decreased (p<0.01). Feeding AeBML improved (p<0.001) albumen weight, shell thickness and yolk colour when compared to the control. Conclusion: The study concluded that dietary inclusion of up to 5% aqueous extract of bush marigold leaf in the diets of growing and laying quails could enhance growth performance and egg production traits.