Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organic and mineral fertilizer effects on growth and yield of cocoyam in a tropical Ultisol in South Eastern Nigeria

The performance of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) to varying levels of cow dung and potassium fertilizer was investigated in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons under field conditions at National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Imo State, Nigeria. The experiment was a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were four levels of cow dung (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1) and potassium fertilizer (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K2O ha-1). Application of cow dung at the highest rate of 30 t ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, number of suckers and yield of cocoyam (23.6 t ha-1) in 2012 cropping season relative to the lower rates and the control. However, in 2013 cropping season, cow dung at the lower rate of 20 t ha-1 gave optimum corm yield of 23.3 t ha-1. In general, potassium fertilizer application did not exert much influence on growth and yield of cocoyam as significant effect was observed only in 2013 cropping season. Corm yield was significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 (22.3 t ha-1) in 2013 cropping season relative to the control. The results of this study have shown the effectiveness of cow dung in improving the productivity of cocoyam, thereby enhancing food security in Nigeria. Key words: Colocasia esculenta, corm yield, cowdung, food security, potassium fertilizer, soil fertility.
Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University

Objectives— The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of degree and configuration of hearing loss on the use of, and benefit from, information in amplified high-and low-frequency speech presented in background noise. Design— Sixty-two adults with a wide range of high-and low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (5–115+ dB HL) participated. To examine the contribution of speech information in different frequency regions, speech understanding in noise was assessed in multiple low-and high-pass filter conditions, as well as a band-pass (713–3534 Hz) and wideband (143–8976 Hz) condition. To increase audibility over a wide frequency range, speech and noise were amplified based on each individual’s hearing loss. A stepwise multiple linear regression approach was used to examine the contribution of several factors to 1) absolute performance in each filter condition and 2) the change in performance with the addition of amplified high-and low-frequency speech components. Results— Results from the regression analysis showed that degree of hearing loss was the strongest predictor of absolute performance for low-and high-pass filtered speech materials. In addition, configuration of hearing loss affected both absolute performance for severely low-pass filtered speech and benefit from extending high-frequency (3534–8976 Hz) bandwidth. Specifically, individuals with steeply sloping high-frequency losses made better use of low-pass filtered speech information than individuals with similar low-frequency thresholds but less high-frequency loss. In contrast, given similar high-frequency thresholds, individuals with flat hearing losses received more benefit from extending
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Although most studies of language learning take place in quiet laboratory settings, everyday language learning occurs under noisy conditions. The current research investigated the effects of background speech on word learning. Both younger (22-to 24-month-olds; n = 40) and older (28-to 30-month-olds; n = 40) toddlers successfully learned novel label – object pairings when target speech was 10 dB louder than background speech but not when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 5 dB. Toddlers (28-to 30-month-olds; n = 26) successfully learned novel words with a 5-dB SNR when they initially heard the labels embedded in ﬂ uent speech without background noise, before they were mapped to objects. The results point to both challenges and protective factors that may impact language learning in complex auditory environments.
Development and Validation of the Force Diagrams Representation Test

Experts and students frequently use force diagrams as a physics representation to understand the force concept. This study aims to develop and validate a force diagram representation test that physics teachers in senior high schools can use. Research and development is implemented in this study by following some steps: analyze, define, design, implement, and evaluate. The 225 senior high school students in Pontianak are involved in this study, from the pilot study to the testing on a large scale. Data analysis includes measuring content validity, reliability index, and parameters of the test using the Rasch model. The test consists of 25 items in a multiple-choice format that cover three contexts: horizontal plane, inclined plane, and hanging object, and covers three situations, including the object being at rest, moving with constant velocity, and moving with constant acceleration. The results show that the content validity test obtained a score of 0.95 for the very good category, and the readability index results obtained a score of 7.42, which means it is easily understood by high school students. Rasch analysis shows that a unidimensional percentage is 30.5%, which means the test is able to measure one ability, and item reliability is 0.98. All items fit the Rasch model and had varying item difficulties. This study indicates that the force diagram representation test (FDRT) can be used by teachers as one of the instruments to measure students’ understanding of force.
Performance of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes In Sylhet Region of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at farming system research and development (FSRD) site, Jalalpur and multi location testing (MLT) sites, Zokigonj and Moulvibazar during 2013-2015 to evaluate the suitable varieties (genotypes) of French bean for maximize the seed yield of the farmers. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with 6 dispersed replications. Eight bush bean genotypes were tested of which 3 were developed by BARI (var. BARI Jharsheem-1, BARI Jharsheem-2, BARI Jharsheem-3), five local accessions: Local-1(black), Local-2 (white colour with chocolate spot at hylum), Local-3 (coffee colour), Local-4 (coffee colour with few chocolate spots) and Local-5 (black with chocolate colour spots). The seed yields were varied significantly among the genotypes. All the local French bean lines performed better and produced higher seed yields compared to BARI developed varieties. The maximum seed yields 2.66, 3.48 and 2.05 t ha -1 was produced by Local-4 and Local-5 at Jalalpur, Zakigonj and Moulvibazer, respectively. So, Local-4 and Local-5 variety as the most promising one due their relatively good plant vigor and high seed yield potentiality. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016, 19(1): 37-44
Environmental risk factors of diarrhea in children under five years of age: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Background and purpose: Diarrhea is an environmental-based disease that causes mortality and morbidity in children under five around the world. This study investigated the association between environmental factors with diarrhea in children under five in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with data derived from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic Health Survey (IDHS). Families with children under five who had complete data were included in this study. The diarrhea variable in children was self-reported by their mothers. The relationship of each predictor with diarrhea was analyzed using a logistic regression modeling and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 17,155 households with children under five were included. The prevalence of reported diarrhea among children under five was 14.22%. Families living in rural areas (OR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.78-0.97) and mothers of 25-34 years of age (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.24-1.64) and >35 years of age (OR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.29-1.89) had significant associations with diarrhea. Conclusion: The discerned outcomes underscore the amplified likelihood of diarrhea incidents among children under five originating from rural residential settings in contrast to their urban counterparts. Additionally, the investigation underscored a correlative link between maternal age and occurrences of diarrhea in the children of this specific age group mothers.
Promoter Hypermethylation and Underexpression of Patched Homolog 1 in Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) - a trans-membrane protein is a tumor suppressor which negatively regulates Hedgehog signaling pathway. The present study aimed to investigate the promoter hypermethylation and protein expression pattern of PTCH1 in Pancreatic cancer (PC) and Colorectal cancer (CRC).
Glycemic Variability As a Prognostic Factor for Mortality in Patients With Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of various measures of glycemic variability, including time-domain and complexity-domain, with short-term mortality in patients with critical illness. DATA SOURCES: We searched Embase Classic +, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to November 3, 2023. STUDY SELECTION: We included English language studies that assessed metrics of glycemic variation or complexity and short-term mortality in patients admitted to the ICU. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors performed independent data abstraction and risk-of-bias assessments. We used a random-effects model to pool binary and continuous data and summarized estimates of effect using odds ratios and mean difference. We used the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations to assess certainty of pooled estimates. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 41 studies (n = 162,259). We demonstrate that increased sd, coefficient of variance, glycemic lability index, and decreased time in range are probably associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients (moderate certainty) and that increased mean absolute glucose, mean amplitude of glycemic excursion, and detrended fluctuation analysis may be associated with increased mortality (low certainty). CONCLUSIONS: We found a consistent association between increased measures of glycemic variability and higher short-term mortality in patient with critical illness. Further research should focus on standardized measurements of glycemic variation and complexity, along with their utility as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers.
Expression of metalloproteinase-9 in esophageal tissue related to Expression of metalloproteinase-9 in esophageal tissue related to degree of gastroesophageal reflux disease degree of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background : The condition known as gastroesophageal re ﬂ ux disease arises when the contents of the stomach result in bothersome symptoms and issues. Matrix metalloproteinases are endopeptidases that may break down extracellular matrix elements. They are crucial for tumor invasion and metastasis. Objective : To correlate the expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with mild and severe gastroesophageal re ﬂ ux disease in their esophageal samples. Method : Cross-sectional investigation: Patients with mild and severe GERD had their esophagus tissue biopsied to assess the expression of MMP-9. Age, sex, diagnosis, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and MMP-9 expression were the included variables. Descriptive statistics were used, including the X2 and Kappa tests for diagnosis concordance. Results : There were 50 patients with 27 (54 %) men and 23 (46 %) women, with an average age of 55.6 14.75. Nineteen people (38 %) were smokers. The average BMI ranged from 20 to 31; 12 (24 %) people had obesity. For histological diagnosis, the interobserver concordance was 1.0, and for the severity of esophagitis, it was 0.84. There were 16 patients (32 %) with Barrett ' s esophagus, 30 (60 %) with mild to moderate esophagitis, and 4 (8 %) with esophageal cancer. Patients with mild esophagitis (3.4 ± 7.78), moderate esophagitis (12.2 ± 5.23), Barrett ' s esophagus (25.7 ± 2.8), and esophageal cancer (38.6 ± 5.26) all had MMP-9 expression. Smoking and histological diagnosis showed statistically signi ﬁ cant correlations with MMP-9 expression. Conclusions : Expression MMP-9 showed a signi ﬁ cant positive correlation with severity of GERD.
Geographic variation in body size of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera, Acrididae): Masaki’s cline and phase polyphenism

Adults of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758) were collected in the Japanese Archipelago, which extends from the Ryukyu sub-tropical region to the Hokkaido cool-temperate region, covering more than 2,500 km. A saw-toothed pattern was observed in body size along the latitudinal or annual mean temperature gradient, which is similar to Masaki’s clines initially described for crickets. The latitudinal cline of locusts was also observed in the laboratory, suggesting that this cline was primarily due to genetic variation. In the northern univoltine zone, locust body size increased toward the south. The latitudinal size trend was reversed in the transitional zones where the voltinism shifted from univoltine to bivoltine and from bivoltine to trivoltine life cycles. These patterns may be explained by changes in the length of the growing season for development and reproduction. Body size varied with growth efficiency but not with the variable lengths of nymphal development. Larger females had more ovarioles and produced fatter egg pods containing more eggs per pod. The morphometric ratio, F/C (hind femur length/head width), tended to decrease with latitude, but this characteristic could be primarily due to phylogenetic differences between the northern and southern clades. It was confirmed that F/C ratio decreased when the locusts were reared in a group. The sexual size dimorphism, or SSD, tended to increase as the mean body sizes of populations increased, converse to Rensch’s rule. The relative body size of females and males correlated with latitude and was greatly reduced when the insects were reared in a group. The smaller rate of increase at higher latitudes may be related to male–female associations and predation pressure.
Stress and anxiety in students of specialized nursing courses in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Introduction: Disorders affecting mental health are considered a public health problem. During their education, one out of four students experience academic stress. Furthermore, anxiety is one of the main mental disorders that generates loss of years in life due to disability, since it could prevent the acquisition and development of academic skills in students. Objective: Determine the relationship between the level of academic stress and anxiety in students of specialized nursing courses. Methodology: Descriptive correlational study, with non-probabilistic census sampling on a sample of 69 students, including nurses enrolled in specialized courses, excluding those who were not present during the interview. The information was collected through a sociodemographic chart, stress assessment scale in nursing students and Beck's anxiety inventory. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics through frequencies, percentages, measures of central tendency and dispersion and non-parametric inferential Kruskal-Wallis, U Mant-Whiney, Chi square, Kendall's Tau b and Spearman correlation. The study complied with provisions set forth by Mexico General Health Law. Results: 50.7% students showed moderate stress, and 71.0% moderate anxiety. A significant statistical association was found between stress according to specialization courses, stressors, type of student and anxiety with stressor factors. The association of stress with anxiety showed a positive and significant moderate statistical correlation. Conclusion: Levels of stress and anxiety were higher than international reports; statistical association between stress and anxiety was demonstrated.
Adaptation and Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) in a sample of Quechua-speaking Peruvians

ABSTRACT Introduction : The Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief self-report measure of depression and anxiety symptoms. The PHQ-4 has not been adapted or validated in the Quechua-speaking population. Objective : This study aimed to adapt and validate the PHQ-4 in a sample of the Peruvian Quechua-speaking population with its Collao variant from Puno-Peru. Methods : A total of 221 Quechua speakers of the Collao variant (mean age 31.2 years, SD = 11.7, 47.1% male and 52.9% female) participated. Evidence of validity based on internal structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using the internal consistency method, and item difficulty and discrimination characteristics based on Item Response Theory (IRT). Results : The results indicated that all items of the PHQ-4 were relevant, consistent, and clear enough to adequately represent anxiety and depressive symptoms. The CFA results supported a one-factorial model, in which anxiety and depression items form a single latent variable with high reliability. All items of the PHQ-4 had good discrimination parameters, and the difficulty parameters indicated that the items were comparatively difficult. Therefore, a higher presence of the latent trait (anxiety and depression) is needed to answer higher response categories. Discussion : In conclusion, the PHQ-4 presented good psychometric properties as a rapid, reliable, and valid primary screening measure for Quechua speakers in need of in-depth assessment and symptom monitoring for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression.
The perception of vowelless words in Tashlhiyt

This study examines the perceptual mechanisms involved in the processing of words without vowels, a lexical form that is common in Tashlhiyt but highly dispreferred cross-linguistically. In Experiment 1, native Tashlhiyt and non-native (English-speaking) listeners completed a paired discrimination task where the middle segment of the different-pair was either a vowel (e.g., fan vs. fin ), consonant (e.g., ʁbr vs. ʁdr ), or vowelless vs. voweled contrast (e.g., tlf vs. tuf ). Experiment 2 was a word-likeness ratings task of tri-segmental nonwords constructed to vary in the sonority of the middle segment. We find that vowelless words containing different types of sonority profiles were generally highly discriminable by both native and non-native listeners. This can be explained by the phonetic and acoustic properties of vowelless words: Since Tashlhiyt exhibits low consonant-to-consonant coarticulation, the presence of robust consonantal cues in the speech signal means that the internal phonological structure of vowelless words is recoverable by listeners. At the same time, word-likeness ratings of nonwords indicated that listeners relied on their native-language experience to judge the wellformedness of new words: Tashlhiyt listeners were most likely to accept obstruent-centered vowelless words; meanwhile, English listeners’ preferences increased with higher sonority values of the word center. Across both experiments, speech style variation provided further evidence as to how the phonetic implementation of vowelless words makes them perceptually stable. Thus, our findings provide an overview of the low-level acoustic-phonetic and higher-level phonological processing mechanisms involved in the perception of vowelless words. Our results can inform understandings of the relationship between language-specific phonetic variation and phonotactic patterns, as well as how auditory processing mechanisms shape phonological typology.
Factors related to sound production by the Chinese grasshopper Acrida cinerea during escape

Many grasshopper species produce conspicuous sounds while escaping from approaching predators; however, they occasionally escape without producing sounds. The Chinese grasshopper, Acrida cinerea , often exhibits noisy escape behavior. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted using A. cinerea to identify factors related to the production of sound during escape. This study utilized a predator model with an investigator approaching A. cinerea three times. We examined the relationship between the production of sound during escape and the following factors: ambient temperature and relative humidity as environmental factors; sex, body length, body weight, and limb autotomy as prey traits; and the repeated approach as a predator trait. The relationships between noisy escape and flight initiation distance (i.e., predator-prey distance when the prey initiates the escape), distance fled (i.e., distance the prey covered during the escape), and the mode of locomotion during escape (i.e., flying or jumping) were also examined. Noisy escape was observed only in males that escaped by flying, whereas the females and males that escaped by jumping invariably escaped silently. Among males that flew, noisy escape was related to ambient temperature, limb autotomy, and distance fled. The proportion that produced sound increased in parallel with the ambient temperature and distance fled. This proportion was lower among individuals that had autotomized one of their hind legs. These results indicate that noisy escape behavior is most frequent in healthy male A. cinerea under warm conditions.
Extending VITHEA in order to improve children ’ s linguistic skills

An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction that often comprises difficulties in the acquisition of verbal language skills. In order to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD, and given their documented interest in computers, several researchers and companies have developed applications that aim to provide an alternative to verbal communication or a way for children with ASD to develop linguistic skills, necessary for verbal communication. However, there is a lack of applications in Portuguese that are tailored to the individual needs of each child. In this context, we present VITHEA-Kids, a platform that accounts for the needs of different children, as well as their caregivers, by providing an interface where caregivers can create exercises and customize various aspects of the interaction with the platform. We also developed a module that allows the automatic generation of multiple choice exercises, meant to be integrated in VITHEA-Kids. Our platform is under evaluation on multiple fronts: a preliminary evaluation with caregivers (which provided promising indicators), an evaluation with a child (ongoing) and an evaluation of the generation of incorrect answers (distractors) in multiple choice exercises (which resulted in acceptance rates between 61.11% and 92.22%).
Image Thresholding of Historical Documents based on Tsallis Entropy

This paper presents an algorithm for thresholding images of historical documents. The main objective is to generate high quality monochromatic images in order to make them easily accessible through the Internet and achieve high recognition rates by Optical Character Recognition algorithms. Our new algorithm is based on the classical entropy concept and a variation defined as the Tsallis Entropy and it proved to be more efficient than classical thresholding algorithms. The images generated are analyzed by quantitative measures comparing the results of the new algorithm with the ones produced by other thresholding algorithms.