Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversidad morfológica en colectas de chile guajillo (Capsicum annuum L.) del centro norte de México

Para hacer una caracterizacion morfologica de 32 colectas de chile guajillo (Capsicum annuum L.), procedentes de los Estados de Zacatecas y Durango, Mexico, se establecio un experimento en Chapingo, Mexico, bajo un diseno experimental de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones; la unidad experimental consistio de un surco de 4 m de longitud y 90 cm de anchura, con distanciamiento entre plantas de 40 cm. El cultivo se manejo con acolchado plastico de color negro plata y fertirriego. Se evaluaron caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos, con base en la guia de descriptores para Capsicum del IPGRI. Se hicieron analisis de componentes principales (CP) y de conglomerados jerarquicos (ACJ). Los primeros tres CP explicaron 58 % de la variacion cuantitativa total entre colectas; mayor aporte sobre dicha variacion tuvieron las caracteristicas relacionadas con la morfologia de la hoja y la estructura floral (longitud y anchura de la hoja madura, longitud de peciolo y de corola, y anchura de corola), dias a fructificacion y numero de frutos por planta, ademas de variables fenologicas. Mediante ACJ se formaron cinco grupos en el dendrograma de variables cuantitativas. Con respecto a las variables cualitativas, tres CP explicaron 76 % de la variacion entre colectas; la densidad de ramificacion y de hoja, macollamiento, forma de la corola, color de fruto y terminacion del apice del fruto fueron las caracteristicas que mas contribuyeron en esta variacion; los CJ formaron 8 grupos. Los resultados indican que en chile guajillo existe diversidad morfologica, util para iniciar programas de mejoramiento genetico
Using Deep Learning in Yield and Protein Prediction of Winter Wheat Based on Fertilization Prescriptions in Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture has been gaining interest due to the significant growth in the fields of engineering and computer science, hence leading to more sophisticated methods and tools to improve agricultural techniques. One approach to Precision Agriculture involves the application of mathematical models and machine learning to fertilization optimization and yield prediction, which is what this research focuses on. Specifically, in this work we report the results of predicting yield and protein content of winter wheat over four farms based on the levels of nitrogen fertilizer applied to the fields. The intent is to use these predictions as a basis for prescribing fertilizer application to optimize net returns on the subsequent harvest. More specifically, we compare methods based on multiple regression (linear and non-linear) and neural networks (shallow and deep). Our results indicate that a deep neural network based on the stacked autoencoder that includes spatial sampling yields the best results.
The effect of clinical, demographic and lifestyle factors on executive function in middle aged and older women

Objective: Global population ageing has contributed to an increased prevalence of cognitive dysfunction. The current study investigated the psychological, health, lifestyle and demographic factors later in life that are associated with executive function. Methods: The data for this project were collected as part of the Longitudinal Assessment of Women (LAW) study. A neuropsychological test battery was administered to 376 women and this was augmented by self-report data from a postal questionnaire covering psychological, lifestyle and sociodemographic factors. Results: Investigation of variables influencing a composite measure of executive functioning demonstrated that increasing age and higher self-reported depression had a negative relationship with executive abilities while higher levels of education, mild alcohol consumption and higher BMI had a positive relationship with executive functioning. Conclusion: These findings suggest that treating depression, and encouraging a healthy diet, which may include mild alcohol consumption, may positively affect executive performance in older adults.
Study on Students’ Attitude Towards World Englishes and Non-native English Teachers

The objectives of this paper are first to investigate how students perceive the relatively new concept “World Englishes” and second to find out whether they prefer native English teachers or non-native local English teachers. A questionnaire survey was conducted on two different groups. One group consists of students of a 2-year college who have never taken a course on World Englishes, thus are not familiar with the new concept. The other consists of students of a 4-year university who have taken a course on World Englishes. The former group shows a stronger preference towards British English or American English while the other group shows a relatively less preference towards the so-called Standard English. The difference between the two groups can be attributed to the formal lectures on World Englishes given to the group of 4-year university students. However, in terms of their preferences towards teachers, the result is reversed. Their preference and choice of teachers may depend on the levels of English proficiency. The 2-year college students with lower English proficiency prefer non-native teachers even without taking the course while the 4-year college students with higher English proficiency still prefer native teachers even after the course.
Leptin as a predictor of carcass composition in beef cattle.

Our objective was to determine if serum concentrations of leptin could be used to predict carcass composition and merit in feedlot finished cattle. Two different groups of crossbred Bos taurus steers and heifers were managed under feedlot conditions near Miles City, MT. The first group consisted of 88 1/2 Red Angus, 1/4 Charolais, and 1/4 Tarentaise composite gene combination steers (CGC) harvested at the ConAgra processing facility in Greeley, CO. The second group (Lean Beef Project; LB) consisted of 91 F2 steers and heifers born to Limousin, Hereford, or Piedmontese by CGC F1 cows crossed to F1 bulls of similar breed composition and harvested at a local processing facility in Miles City, MT. Blood samples were collected approximately 24 h before harvest (CGC) or approximately 3 d before and at harvest (LB). No differences in serum concentrations of leptin were detected (P > 0.10) between Hereford, Limousin, or Piedmontese F2 calves nor between LB steers and heifers. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) existed between serum leptin and marbling score (r = 0.35 and 0.50), fat depth measured between the 12th and 13th rib (r = 0.34 and 0.46), kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH) (r = 0.42 and 0.46), and quality grade (r = 0.36 and 0.49) in CGC and LB cattle, respectively. Serum leptin was also positively correlated with calculated yield grade for CGC steers (r = 0. 19; P = 0. 10) and LB cattle (r = 0.52; P < 0.01). Longissimus area was not correlated with serum leptin in CGC steers (r = 0.12; P > 0.10). However, a negative correlation existed between longissimus area and serum leptin in the LB cattle (r = -0.45; P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of leptin were significantly associated with carcass composition (marbling, back fat depth, and KPH fat) and quality grade in both groups of cattle studied and may provide an additional indicator of fat content in feedlot cattle.
Immunohistochemical expression of RPRM is associated with low expression of proliferation marker Ki 67 in patients with breast cancer

Reprimo (RPRM) is a potential p53-dependent tumor suppressor gene, which plays an important role in cell cycle arrest at G2/M checkpoint. The aim of this study was to characterize RPRM protein expression in breast cancer tissues and its relation with clinic-pathologic features and proliferation marker protein Ki67. RPRM protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray containing 275-breast cancer and 16 normal breast tissues. These cases were classified as negative or positive expression for RPRM expression level with clinic-pathologic variables. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate survival over time. Positive expression of RPRM was observed in 68.4% (188/275) of tumors and 100% of breast normal tissues (16/16). RPRM expression has a significant relationship with age (P = 0.000). Moreover, positive RPRM expression was significant associated with low expression of proliferation marker protein Ki67; however, survival analysis did not show significant differences. These results suggest that RPRM is not a good prognosis marker but likely had an important role modulating negatively cell proliferation in breast cancer tissues.
Assessment of indoor residual spraying and entomological collections of mosquitoes at the student village of Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Mosquitoes are found around our surroundings as they cause public disturbances whether harmful or beneficial. Mosquitoes are insect vectors which transmit many dreadful diseases causing serious health problems to human being. In this study, two sampling sites were selected, mud and concrete houses. Indoor mosquitoes were collected with the use of knock-down pyrethrum insecticide and morphological identification was done in the Insectary laboratory with the aid of a dissecting microscope, using standard procedures. A total of 748 adult mosquitoes were caught, out of which a higher ravid with 33(9.48%) eache Abstract aboven be deduced from teh ely and carry our life acnumber of 400 (53.48%) mosquitoes were caught in mud houses while 348 (46.52%) were caught in concrete houses. Higher numbers of Culex sp were recorded in both mud houses and concrete houses. 345(51.96%) of the 400 mosquitoes from the mud houses were Culex sp while 55(65.48%) were Anopheles sp. Out of the 348 mosquitoes caught in the concrete houses, 319(48.04%) were Culex sp while 29(34.52%) were Anopheles. A highest number, 278(37.17%), of mosquitoes were caught in the month of July while the least number, 234(31.28%), was recorded in the month of June. Statistically, there was a significant difference between the relative abundance and distribution of mosquitoes based on months (P<0.05). The result of this study indicates the level of pollution in the area since Cullicines breed significantly in dirty stagnant water and due to the lack of proper drainage and sewage system in the study area. This can pose a serious health threat to the inhabitant. Health education will go a long way in sensitizing the inhabitants of the study area to avoid dumping of refuse indiscriminately.
Correlation between prostate stem cell antigen gene expression and oral squamous cell carcinoma

The aetiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cancer have been identified using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The present study was designed to identify common SNPs associated with cancer susceptibility and to evaluate their involvement in OSCC. Susceptible loci were identified by analysing a cancer GWAS catalogue. A multicentre case-control study using an OSCC and control population was performed for selected SNPs. The function of the selected locus and its associated gene was explored using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. The association between genotypes and clinical parameters was assessed in 76 patients with OSCC. Rs2294008 located in the prostate stem cell antigen gene (PSCA) was selected. It was identified that the rs2294008 polymorphism was associated with OSCC susceptibility and PSCA may be involved in the development, progression and prognosis of OSCC.
Epigenetic control of macrophage polarization: implications for targeting tumor-associated macrophages

The progression of cancer is a result of not only the growth of the malignant cells but also the behavior of other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the TME that influence tumor growth and disease progression. TAMs can either inhibit or support tumor growth depending on their polarization to classically-activated macrophages (M1s) or alternatively-activated macrophages (M2s), respectively. Epigenetic regulation plays a significant role in determining this polarization and manipulating the epigenetic regulation in macrophages would provide a means for selectively targeting M2s thereby eliminating tumor-supporting TAMs while sparing tumor-inhibiting M1 TAMs. Many pharmacologic modulators of epigenetic enzymes are currently used clinically and could be repurposed for treating tumors with high TAM infiltrate. While much research involving epigenetic enzymes and their modulators has been performed in M1s, significantly less is known about the epigenetic regulation of M2s. This review highlights the field’s current knowledge of key epigenetic enzymes and their pharmacologic modulators known to influence macrophage polarization.
Point defects in epitaxial silicene on Ag(111) surfaces

Silicene, a counterpart of graphene, has achieved rapid development due to its exotic electronic properties and excellent compatibility with the mature silicon-based semiconductor technology. Its low room-temperature mobility of ∼100 cm2 V−1 s−1, however, inhibits device applications such as in field-effect transistors. Generally, defects and grain boundaries would act as scattering centers and thus reduce the carrier mobility. In this paper, the morphologies of various point defects in epitaxial silicene on Ag(111) surfaces have been systematically investigated using first-principles calculations combined with experimental scanning tunneling microscope (STM) observations. The STM signatures for various defects in epitaxial silicene on Ag(111) surface are identified. In particular, the formation energies of point defects in Ag(111)-supported silicene sheets show an interesting dependence on the superstructures, which, in turn, may have implications for controlling the defect density during the synthesis of silicene. Through estimating the concentrations of various point defects in different silicene superstructures, the mystery of the defective appearance of 13 × 13 and 2 3 × 2 3 silicene in experiments is revealed, and 4 × 4 silicene sheet is thought to be the most suitable structure for future device applications.
Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Aiming to explore ultrasound technology as a noninvasive method for maturation monitoring, we compared ultrasound observations and measurements in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during the last year before ovulation with standard, invasive methods such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad histology and sex hormone analysis. Ultrasound measurements of ovaries correlated strongly (R > 0.9, P < 0.01) with ovary weight and GSI, and could be used as a noninvasive tool for GSI estimation. Using ultrasound, we were able to identify females with advanced oocyte development and elevated sex hormone and GSI levels earlier than previously observed. Histological studies confirmed these observations showing oocyte yolk accumulation 10 months before ovulation and 8 months before significant increase in sex hormones. Levels of the sex hormone 11‐keto testosterone (11‐KT) indicated a new role of this hormone at final maturation in salmon females. We propose the use of ultrasound as an alternative method to traditionally used invasive methods during sexual maturation monitoring in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon broodstock populations. Eliminating sacrifice of valuable broodfish, and reducing handling stress, would improve animal welfare in present‐day broodstock management.
Clinical, Physiological and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Montelukast in Patients with Cough Variant Asthma

Background: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a phenotype of asthma presenting solely with coughing, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation and a cough response to bronchodilators. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are antiasthma medications with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. Although LTRAs exert antitussive effects in CVA, the mechanisms involved are unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the antitussive mechanisms of LTRAs in CVA patients. Methods: We prospectively observed the effect of montelukast (10 mg) daily for 4 weeks in 23 consecutive nonsmoking adults with anti-inflammatory treatment-naive CVA. We evaluated, before and after treatment, the cough visual analogue scale (VAS), pulmonary function (spirometry and impulse oscillation), methacholine airway responsiveness, cough receptor sensitivity, expressed by the concentration of capsaicin inducing 2 or more (C2) and 5 or more (C5) coughs, sputum eosinophil counts and levels of inflammatory mediators, including cysteinyl leukotrienes, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin (PG) D2, PGE2, PGF2α and thromboxane B2. We compared the baseline characteristics of the patients based on the symptomatic response to montelukast, defined as a decrease in the cough VAS of >25% (n = 15) or ≤25% (n = 8). Results: Montelukast significantly decreased the cough VAS (p = 0.0008), sputum eosinophil count (p = 0.013) and cough sensitivity (C2: p = 0.007; C5: p = 0.039), whereas pulmonary function, airway responsiveness and sputum mediator levels remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that a better response to montelukast was associated solely with younger age (p = 0.032). Conclusion: The antitussive effect of montelukast in CVA may be attributed to the attenuation of eosinophilic inflammation rather than its bronchodilatory properties.
An Adaptive-Observer-Based Robust Estimator of Multi-sinusoidal Signals

This paper presents an adaptive-observer-based robust estimation methodology of the amplitudes, frequencies, and phases of biased multi-sinusoidal signals in the presence of bounded perturbations on the measurement. The parameters of the sinusoidal components are estimated online, and the update laws are individually controlled by an excitation-based switching logic enabling the update of a parameter only when the measured signal is sufficiently informative. This way doing, the algorithm is able to tackle the problem of overparameterization (i.e., when the internal model accounts for a number of sinusoids that is larger than the true spectral content) or temporarily fading sinusoidal components. The stability analysis proves the existence of a tuning parameter set, for which the estimator's dynamics are input-to-state stable with respect to bounded measurement disturbances. The performance of the proposed estimation approach is evaluated and compared with the other existing tools by extensive simulation trials and real-time experiments.
Statistical Modeling of Read Static Noise Margin for 6-Transistor SRAM cell

This paper proposes a statistical approach to modeling the single-sided read static noise margin (RSNM) of a 6-transistor SRAM cell. The proposed modeling considers threshold voltage (Vth), channel length, and width variations. In addition, it considers Vth roll-off and drain-induced barrier-lowering effect of short channel transistors. The proposed method needs only a few samples to calculate the coefficients of the proposed equation. Using the calculated analytic equation, the proposed method can offer feedbacks for design improvements. In goodness-of-fit tests, the proposed method achieved about 89% and 99% improvements in the K-S statistic and the chi-square statistic compared with the Quasi-Monte Carlo method for the same number of samples. Also, compared with the previous method based on an analytic model, the proposed method achieved about 91% and 98% improvements in the goodness-of-fit tests.
Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Learning From Longer Follow Up to Adulthood

Background: Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is a rare condition, representing approximately 10% of SLE cases. The aim of this study was to identify variables to improve the diagnostic awareness and management of pSLE patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 25 patients diagnosed with pSLE and followed at the University of Pisa. We collected data about clinical profile at disease onset and during a long-term follow-up, including disease activity, organ damage development, and treatments received. Results: The mean patient age at disease onset was 14.6 ± 1.6 years, and the mean follow-up period was 14.17 ± 8.04 years. The most common initial manifestations were arthritis, malar rash, and cytopenias. The median time to diagnosis since the first symptoms was 6 months, and was significantly longer in patients with hematological onset (54 months). During follow-up, the number of patients with renal involvement showed a significant increase, from 36% at diagnosis to 72.2% after 10 years of disease evolution. Patients who developed chronic organ damage maintained a higher time-averaged disease activity during follow-up and received a significantly higher dose of corticosteroids. Conclusion: Patients with immune cytopenia represent a group deserving strict clinical follow-up for the risk of evolution to SLE. Intense surveillance of renal function, early treatment and steroid-sparing strategies should be strongly considered in the management of pSLE patients.
Profiting from Creative Performance and Business Models over Time

This study examines the business models of firms exhibiting creative performance that is inordinately high with respect to their economic and financial position. The study asks: why have some firms performed exceptionally well in terms of creativity, but not economically? To this end, a select review of the literature provides the basis for discussing the relation between business models and creative results, and a relevant case study serves to highlight some of the aspects addressed. The case study involves an Italian design firm in which the top decision makers and management have perceived a clear imbalance between the creative results and economic performance achieved. It is hypothesized that such a discrepancy between creative and economic performance may depend on the firm's business model, which may have yet to fulfill its potential or may not change adequately to achieve further results. Creative performance seems to outstrip economic results in part because both entrepreneurs and management obtain direct benefits in terms of self-realization and the achievement of subjective cultural goals.