Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood Vessel Segmentation from Fundus Images Using Modified U-net Convolutional Neural Network

—The state of blood vessels in the retina is an important factor used to diagnose the presence of several eye diseases and heart conditions. This is the reason why blood vessels segmentation of fundus images has gained wide popularity among researchers. This paper proposes blood vessel segmentation method based on an improved U-net Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture. The proposed method involves very minimal fundus pre-processing and no post-processing of segmented blood vessel, thus, making the method very simple and easy to use. The method is tested on four publicly available databases which are: the DRIVE, CHASE _DB1, STARE and the HRF databases. The proposed method outperforms existing methods in accuracy, specificity and sensitivity on the four databases. A sensitivity of 0.8309, 0.7796, 0.7506, 0.8059 and a specificity of 0.9742, 0.9864, 0.9824 and 0.9826 are achieved on the DRIVE, CHASE_DB1, STARE and HRF databases respectively.
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Strongyles of Goats in Mid Himalayas of Uttarakhand

Livestock agriculture is subject to severe economic losses from gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infections, in the form of direct losses due to blood and tissue feeding, reduced reproductive efficiency, stunted growth and predisposing for other infections (Waller, 2006). If the infection persists without any intervention, GIN can cause significant losses in animal production, ranging from reduced body weight to the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 3 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
IL-28 Polymorphism (rs8099917) in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Using Zip Nucleic Acid Probes in Iran

Global prevalence of hepatitis C is about 3% and approximately 170 million people in worldwide are infected with the virus. Hepatitis C virus has a positive linear RNA and this virus classified in the family of Flaviviridae and the genus of Hepacivirus. HCV virion is about 50 to 60 nm and has 9.4 Kb length which is responsible to code about 3010 amino acids (Keyvani et al., 2012). The prevalence of HCV in America, Canada and Northern Europe is less than 1% and in Thailand, Malaysia and India is from 2.1 to 1.4%. This prevalence in Ukraine is 9.2% and in North and sub-Saharan Africa and Arabic countries including Egypt is14.5% (Zekri et al., 2012). HCV infection can be seen all over the world, but in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Africa have the highest rates of incidence. HCV is divided into six major genotypes and more
Comparison ofMacintosh Blade with Trueview Blade During Laryngoscopy and Intubation Under General Anaesthesia

Background: The Truview laryngoscope has an optical accessory, a different blade angle and an oxygen flow apparatus attached to the device which provides a better glottis view. Aim: The study was done to compare the laryngoscopic view and intubation characteristics of conventional Macintosh laryngoscope with Truview vedio laryngoscope. Materials and Methods: In the study, 60 patients undergoing general anaesthesia were included to compare the findings of Truview laryngoscopy and Macintosh laryngoscopy. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each in a randomized, prospective fashion. Comparison between the two different laryngoscopic views and intubation conditions was done in terms of Cormack and Lehane grades, total time of intubation, ease of intubation, attempts at intubation, hemodynamic response and soft tissue damage during laryngoscopy. Results:As confirmed byimproved Cormack and Lehane grades, the Truview blade provided a better laryngoscopic view than the Macintosh blade. Total time taken for intubation was similar with both the blades. There was no difference observed between the two groups in attempts at intubation, ease of intubation and soft tissue damage during laryngoscopy. Conclusion: Truview laryngoscope does have an extra benefit over Macintosh laryngoscope with respect to better laryngoscopic view though it takes similar total time for intubation. Further, there is a need for more exposure to overcome learning curve of a new technique as with the use of a Truview laryngoscope.
Possible role of circulating tumor cells in early detection of lung cancer

The prognosis of lung cancer varies highly depending on the disease stage at diagnosis, from a 5-year survival rate close to 90% in stage I, to 10% or less in stage IV disease. The enhancement of early diagnosis of this malignancy is mandatory to improve prognosis, because lung cancer patients stay long asymptomatic or few symptomatic after disease onset. Nowadays, liquid biopsy has emerged as a minimally-invasive tool to address the urgent need for real time monitoring, stratification, and personalized treatment of malignancies, including lung cancer. Liquid biopsy refers to a class of biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEV). Since CTCs represent a crucial step in disease progression and metastasis, we reviewed here the scientific literature about the use of CTCs in early diagnosis of lung cancer; different techniques, and different strategies (e.g., source of analysis sample or high-risk groups of patients) were discussed showing the potential of implementing liquid biopsy in the clinical routine of non-metastatic lung cancer.
A new Moenkhausia ( Characiformes : Characidae ) from central Brazil , with comments on the area relationship between the upper rio Tapajós and upper rio Paraguai systems

A new species of Moenkhausia is described from the rio Juba, tributary of the rio Sepotuba (upper rio Paraguai basin), the rio Juruena and its tributary, the rio Papagaio (upper rio Tapajós basin), Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The new species’ most remarkable feature is a unique colour pattern in live specimens, which combines eyes that are bright blue on the lower half and bright green (with a bright golden tinge) on the upper half, red pigmentation on the upper lip and a transparent opercle which allows a view of the pinkish red gill filaments. The new species is apparently related to the group containing Moenkhausia oligolepis and M. sanctaefilomenae, which is also hypothesized to include M. pyrophthalma, M. diktyota and M. cotinho. The occurrence of Moenkhausia cosmops in both the headwaters of the upper rio Juruena (rio Tapajós basin) and upper rio Paraguai is congruent with other fish taxa and is indicative that a river capture has recently taken
Mechanical and Piezoelectric Properties, Sound Velocity and Debye Temperature of Thallium-Phosphide under Pressure

In the present work, we report a pseudopotential plane wave method (PP-PW) based on density functional theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) to study some physical properties of (B3) thallium phosphide (TlP) compound under hydrostatic pressure. The phase transition pressure, elastic constants, bulk modulus, the direct and converse piezoelectric coefficients, the longitudinal, transverse, and average sound velocities, and finally the Debye temperature under hydrostatic pressure are studied. Our investigation of several quantities under pressure of this compound is up to 12GPa. By analyzing the Poisson’s ratio v and the ratio RG/B, we estimate the critical value of pressure which separates ductile and brittle natures. The melting temperature and the Grüneisen parameter at equilibrium lattice parameter are also obtained. Detailed comparisons with other theoretical data (due to the unavaibility of experimental data) reveal good agreement concerning the majority of quantities and discrepancies for some others.
Computerized Visual Perception Games and its Effects on Learning Letters and Numbers among Jordanian Kindergarten Children

This study investigated the effect of computerized visual perception games on learning letters and numbers among Jordanian kindergarten children. A set of computerized visual perception games, as well as two tests for both Arabic letters and mathematics, were prepared to study the objective. The study was conducted on students in Tawasol Academy Kindergarten in Irbid Governorate, Jordan with a sample size of (50) students divided into experimental and control groups. Results showed that computerized visual perception games had an effect on improving visual perception, letters and numbers learning in these Kindergarten children. Results also showed significant ( p ≤ 0.05) differences in numbers and letters learning among Kindergarten students between the control and experimental groups. (40%) of this effect size for both letters and numbers is attributed to the impact of computerized visual perception games. Based on the results, parents of Kindergarten children should be made aware of the importance of computerized visual perception games in learning letters and numbers. Teachers should also learn the impact and effectiveness of using visual perception games in improving learning letters and numbers and the educational process in general. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19. 2.14
Advances in the Neglected Chagas Disease: Drug Targets and Trypanocide Compounds

In the world of Biosciences, studies on neglected diseases must be taken into account. In this sense, Chagas disease, a parasitic infection commonly named American Trypanosomiasis affects millions of people all over Latin America. Presently, the number of international infected people estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) amounts to 7 to 8 million and more than 10.000 deaths are assumed to happen yearly [1]. The disease has also emerged as a public health problematic elsewhere in non-endemic countries of the word due to transmission of etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi by people migration [2,3]. Typically, it is spread by triatomine vectors. However, transmission also succeeds by organ transplantation or blood transfusion, from mother to newborn, and rarely due to eating or drinking contaminated aliments [4-8].
Studies on the Propagation, Phytochemical Properties, Storage, Utilization and Shelf-Life of Asystasia gangetica

Studies on the methods of propagation, phytochemical composition, storage and the utilization of Asystasia gangetica were carried out in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. It was observed that A. gangetica a potent herbaceous plant can be propagated by seeds and stem, the stem being the most effective method. Analysis of the phytochemical composition of the leaves showed that the plant is rich in several food nutrients such as moisture, ash, carbohydrate, fibre and protein and vitamin C. Mineral constituents of the plant include calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. These minerals are major mineral elements required for effective body metabolism. Other phytochemicals include tannins, saponins, oxalates and cynogenic glycosides which also performs numerous functions against microbial agents. Shelf-life study also showed that the plant can be effectively preserved by alternating air drying and sun-drying accompanied by oven drying to ensure proper sterilization of the samples against microorganisms for a period of five days and further crushing the dry leaves into powder and storage in glass bottles. The powdered leaves stored for a Period of six months without nutrient quality reduction an indication of shelf-life stability.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Yield of Rice Crop in Inceptisol

Rice is intimately involved in the culture as well as the food ways and economy of many societies. It is considered as the gift of god, and it is treated with reverence. Tradition holds that "the precious things are not pearls and jade but the five grains", of which rice is the first. Among the major cereals, though sufficient food is produced on global basis to feed everyone, the pains of hunger continue to be a common experience of many people in the world today, especially in the developing countries and under developed countries because of the rapid population growth.
Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Rapid Response Team Activations

Background To ensure patient safety and improvements in the quality of hospital care, rapid response teams (RRTs) have been implemented in many countries, including Korea. The goal of an RRT is early identification and response to clinical deterioration in patients. However, there are differences in RRT systems among hospitals and limited data are available. Methods In Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, the St. Mary’s Advanced Life Support Team was implemented in June 2013. We retrospectively reviewed the RRT activation records of 287 cases from June 2013 to December 2016. Results The median response time and median modified early warning score were 8.6 minutes (interquartile range, 5.6 to 11.6 minutes) and 5.0 points (interquartile range, 4.0 to 7.0 points), respectively. Residents (35.8%) and nurses (59.1%) were the main activators of the RRT. Interestingly, postoperative patients account for a large percentage of the RRT activation cases (69.3%). The survival rate was 83.6% and survival was mainly associated with malignancy, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, and the time from admission to RRT activation. RRT activation with screening showed a better outcome compared to activation via a phone call in terms of the intensive care unit admission rate and length of hospital stay after RRT activation. Conclusions Malignancy was the most important factor related to survival. In addition, RRT activation with patient screening showed a better outcome compared to activation via a phone call. Further studies are needed to determine the effective screening criteria and improve the quality of the RRT system.
The Response of Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana L.) to Nitrogen and Phosphorous Fertilizer Rates at Menagesha, West Ethiopia

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, known as the "sweetest plant of the world", belongs to the family Asteracea and is native to the South American center of diversity. The world of sweetness has seen a sweeter change in the recent past with the introduction of stevia sugar obtained from leaves of stevia containing compounds about 250 to 300 times sweeter than the table sugar (Kumar, 2002). The substance of interest is stevioside, rebaudioside A and at least six other compounds that have glucosidal groups attached to a three-carbon ring central structure. Stevioside could be equivalent to the sweetening power of 28 tons per acre of sucrose sugar (Shock, 1982). Though these sugars have sweetening qualities, they have been found to contribute to calories and are not advised for the consumption by diabetic patients.
Diversity, consumption dynamics and ethnomedical claims of traditional leafy vegetables consumed by a rural community in the KwaMbonambi area, northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mncwango NC, Mavengahama S, Ntuli NR, van Jaarsveld CM. 2020. Diversity, consumption dynamics and ethnomedical claims of traditional leafy vegetables consumed by a rural community in the KwaMbonambi area, northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 1201-1207. Traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) are mostly wild and informally-domesticated edible plant species. Their nutritious leaves, shoot tips, flowers and fruits are consumed as vegetables, particularly by rural communities in Africa. However, their consumption and cultivation are still marginal. This study aimed to identify the most preferred TLVs, as well as factors that affect the consumption and cultivation of these species. A questionnaire was administered among 100 respondents to record the preferred TLVs; the reason (s) for preference; consumption frequency; and constraints towards consumption of these vegetable species. This study recorded a total of 18 TLVs that belong to 14 genera and 11 families. Among these, Amaranthus hybridus, A. spinosus, A. thunbergii, Bidens biternata and Corchorus olitorius were the most preferred species. Vegetables were preferred primarily based on the taste; where most people ate them once a week when they are available. The major TLV consumption constraints were seasonal availability and low shelf life. A decline in the availability of TLVs was primarily caused by drought. Regardless of the observed decline, only 23% of respondents practiced informal cultivation of Amaranthus species. Bidens pilosa, Momordica balsamina, and Corchorus olitorius vegetable species were also known to possess some medicinal values. Future research on improving taste, increasing edible plant parts and elongating shelf life for preferred TLVs, is a necessity.
Stereopsis Restoration in Patients Under Pharmacological Treatment for Presbyopia

Background: Presbyopia is the physiologically normal age-related progressive weakening of accommodation resulting in the loss of the visual ability to focus on objects situated at different distances. Stereopsis is the binocular perception of depth and it improve with better near visual acuity. Presbyopia treatments have influence on stereopsis. The pharmacological treatment consists of topical daily eye-drops in both eyes with a combination of pilocarpine and diclofenac, restoring accommodation and preserving binocularity. The aim of this study was to evaluate stereopsis in patients treated with the pharmacological treatment and to compare with optical correction. Methods: Twenty emmetropic patients, between 40 to 55 years old were studied by testing far and near visual acuity and stereopsis (Titmus Stereo Optical test) at baseline; optical correction with eyeglasses and, after instillation of eye-drops. Results: At baseline the median of stereopsis was 120 (80-350) s of arc, which improved to 40 (40-75) s of arc (p<0.0001) after the optical correction procedure and to 40 (40-80) s of arc (p<0.0001) after pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: Both methods exhibited similar results showing no statistically significant difference. These observations demonstrate that the pharmacological treatment for presbyopia not only reestablished near and distance visual acuity but also restored stereopsis.
Morphological studies of Macrobrachium macrobrachion and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii from Badagry Creek, Lagos, Nigeria: Need for conservation

Prawns are of nutritional and economic importance, while morphological studies aid in the proper identification of organisms. Thus, considering the importance of prawns and need to provide morphological information, 150 samples of Macrobrachium macrobrachion and 100 samples of M. vollenhovenii were collected from fishmongers along Badagry Creek and examined for meristic and morphometric features. M. macrobrachion and M. vollenhovenii exhibited negative allometry with “b” values of 2.51 and 1.48 respectively. Males of both prawns were larger than the females. There was a high and positive correlation between total length and carapace length (M. macrobrachion, r = 0.84; M. vollenhovenii, r = 0.85) and between total length and rostral length (M. macrobrachion, r = 0.82; M. vollenhovenii, r = 0.80). Both prawns had more spines on the dorsal than the ventral side of the rostrum. Males predominated over females with a sex ratio of 1:1.83 (M. macrobrachion) and 1:1.08 (M. vollenhovenii). At 5% level of significance, there was a significant difference in the sex ratio recorded for M. macrobrachion, but there was no significant difference for M. vollenhovenii. The negative allometry recorded for both M. macrobrachion and M. vollenhovenii from Badagry Creek might suggest an over-exploitation of these prawns and reduction in natural productivity of the Creek as a result of anthropogenic activities; therefore, it is important that measures be put in place to address these possible causes with a view to ensure the survival and availability of these prawns.
Probing N-heterocyclic olefin as ancillary ligand in scandium-mediated to CO conversion

The transformation of CO 2 to more reactive and value-added chemical species is a crucial way of reducing environmental impact. The CO 2 + M + → MO + + CO reaction, with M = transition metal, is an important channel in gas phase, and it has been accomplished by the Sc+ species. Besides being a better choice for sustainable transformations, early transition metals, such as scandium, can open new routes for a variety of novel reactions. In this context, DFT calculations are employed to explore N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) molecules as a ligand for scandium complexes in the CO 2 to CO reduction. As revealed by the energetics of the process, the described NHO-Sc systems are able to convert CO 2 to CO in an exoergic way, therefore showing great potential for CO 2 conversion.
Study of the Factors Affecting Customers' Loyalty for Gym Service at K.I.M Center, Vietnam

This research aims to identify and measure the influence of factors affecting customers’ loyalty for gym service at K.I. M Center by surveying 640 customers using the gym service at K.I. M Center. Cronbach's alpha, EFA, CFA and SEM analysis were used in the study. The results of the model tested with SEM supported 11 hypotheses out of a total of 12 hypotheses. The four factors are (i) Habits, (ii) Conversion cost, (iii) Relationship Marketing, and (iv) Satisfaction towards customers’ loyalty at the center. Two factors (i) Intangible quality, (ii) Tangible quality have an impact on customers’ satisfaction. In addition, other relationships in the model are also verified (1) the impact of relationship marketing on tangible and intangible quality, (2) the impact of tangible and intangible quality on the habit; (3) and the impact of tangible quality on customers’ conversion cost. In it, the factor of Satisfaction expressed through tangible and intangible quality has the strongest impact on customers’ loyalty. Keywords: Loyalty, Affecting factor, Gym service, K.I. M. Center.
A study of health seeking behavior about sexually transmitted infection in women with high risk behavior in an urban slum

Background: Health care seeking for sexually transmitted infection is frequently inadequate, particularly among female sex workers because of the low levels of awareness regarding sexual health. Correct diagnosis and treatment with health information are essential components of sexually transmitted infection (STI) services. Objective was to study demographic profile and to assess their health seeking behavior for STI and prevention services. Methods: Study was done in urban slum in Mumbai. It was cross sectional study conducted from May 2018 to December 2018. Results: The median age of women was 26 years. Majority belong to lower socio economic class, 39.4% women admitted that they took alcohol on occasions while 22% had sex with alcohol intake, 41% women were using condom during sexual activity. Only 14.5% women completed treatment who had past history of STI. Conclusions: Ensuring timely complete treatment of STI/RTI among women with high risk behavior is priority to prevent spread among general population.