Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Establishing optimum plant populations and water use of an ultra fast maize hybrid (Zea Mays L.) under irrigation

For each grain production system, there is an optimum row spacing and plant density that optimises the use of available resources, allowing the expression of maximum attainable grain yield in that specific environment. Introduction of the ultra-fast maize hybrids raised the question whether existing guidelines for row spacing and plant density were still applicable. This necessitated the integration of optimum row spacing by plant density to maintain productivity and sustainability the yields with the intention to increase water use efficiency. Field experiments were conducted for two successive cropping seasons (2008/9 to 2009/10) at Kenilworth Experimental Station of the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State to evaluate the growth, agronomic performance, phenological development and water use efficiency of an ultra-fast maize hybrid at varying row spacing and plant densities under irrigation. The treatments involved in this study were three row spacings (0.225, 0.45 and 0.90 m) and five plant densities (50 000, 75 000, 100 000, 125 000 and 150 000 plant ha). The treatments were arranged in a factorial combination and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The largest block was used for periodic destructive sampling for growth analysis where a completely randomized design was adopted and replications consisted of five (5) single plants randomly selected. Regarding soil water monitoring, twenty neutron probe access tubes were installed prior to planting in the center of each plot in one of the three blocks of the agronomic study. Soil water content was measured at 0.3 m intervals to a depth of 1.8 m using a calibrated neutron probe. Measurements were made at weekly intervals from planting to crop physiological maturity where the volumetric reading was converted into depth of water per 1.8 m. Seasonal ET (water use) was determined by solving the ET components of the water balance equation. From this water use efficiency was computed as the ratio of total biomass/grain yield to seasonal ET. In each season crop growth, agronomic, phenologic and water use efficiency parameters were measured and the collected data were combined over seasons after carrying the homogeneity test of variances. Growth parameters, agronomic traits, phenology and water use efficiency of maize reacted differently to row spacing and plant density and the combination thereof. In general a slow increase in growth parameters during establishment was followed by an exponential increase during the vegetative phase. At the reproductive phase growth ceased following the onset of flowering. Photosynthetic efficiency (NAR) and CGR, averaged over row spacing, were highest at a plant density of 100 000 plants ha at all growth phases. Reducing row spacing from 0.45 to 0.225 m and a plant density below or
Hematological involvement in sarcoidosis: from cytopenias to lymphoma

ABSTRACT Introduction We present an updated overview of the hematological involvementassociated with sarcoidosis, including a management approach forcytopenias and revisiting the association with hematologicalmalignancies. Areas covered Theetiology of cytopenias in sarcoidosis can be attributed to two majoretiopathogenic mechanisms: infiltration of hematopoietic organs suchas the spleen and bone marrow, and autoimmune-mediated cytopenias.With respect to the association with hematological malignancies, itrequires careful evaluation of patients from a chronologicalperspective. Patients must be classified into one of three pathogenicscenarios, including preexisting hematological malignancies,synchronous development of malignancy and sarcoidosis due to commonpredisposing factors, or sarcoidosis as a predisposing factor formalignancies. Expert Opinion The association between sarcoidosis and hematologic involvement isbest understood as a pathogenic continuum, with cytopenias andhematologic neoplasms intertwined due to various etiopathogenicmechanisms. These mechanisms include sarcoid infiltration ofhematopoietic organs, common predisposing immunogenetics for thedevelopment of autoimmune cytopenias and malignancies, and anincreased risk of neoplasm development in patients with autoimmunecytopenias. Collaboration among the main specialties involved in theclinical management of these patients is crucial for an earlymonitoring and management.
Vortex Lens: Interactive Vortex Core Line Extraction using Observed Line Integral Convolution

This paper describes a novel method for detecting and visualizing vortex structures in unsteady 2D fluid flows. The method is based on an interactive local reference frame estimation that minimizes the observed time derivative of the input flow field <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm{v}(x, t)$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-1-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>. A locally optimal reference frame <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm{w}(x, t)$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-2-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> assists the user in the identification of physically observable vortex structures in <italic>Observed Line Integral Convolution</italic> (LIC) visualizations. The observed LIC visualizations are interactively computed and displayed in a user-steered vortex lens region, embedded in the context of a conventional LIC visualization outside the lens. The locally optimal reference frame is then used to detect observed critical points, where <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm{v}=\mathrm{w}$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-3-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>, which are used to seed vortex core lines. Each vortex core line is computed as a solution of the ordinary differential equation (ODE) <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\dot{w}(t)=\mathrm{w}(w(t), t)$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-4-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>, with an observed critical point as initial condition <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(w(t_{0}), t_{0})$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-5-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>. During integration, we enforce a strict error bound on the difference between the extracted core line and the integration of a path line of the input vector field, i.e., a solution to the ODE <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\dot{v}(t)=\mathrm{v}(v(t), t)$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="tvcg-rautek-3326915-eqinline-6-small.tif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>. We experimentally verify that this error depends on the step size of the core line integration. This ensures that our method extracts Lagrangian vortex core lines that are the simultaneous solution of both ODEs with a numerical error that is controllable by the integration step size. We show the usability of our method in the context of an interactive system using a lens metaphor, and evaluate the results in comparison to state-of-the-art vortex core line extraction methods.
Foreign Product Perception in Albanian Market; an Analysis of Country Origin Image, Ethnocentrism and the Position of Turkish Products Arnavutluk Pazarinda Yabanci Ürün Algisi, Menşei Ülke Etkisi ve Türk Ürünlerinin Pazardaki Yeri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

The Country-Of-Origin (COO) effect is a reality of international marketing and multifaceted structure of COO makes it important in this field. Albania is a particular instance to examine this topic in order to observe current situation after the communism term. The main objective of this research is to examine the country-of-origin effect upon Albanian consumers to observe their product preferences, reactions, and willingness toward domestic and foreign products. Furthermore this research intended to provide an idea regarding the countries whose products are more preferable and what, among these countries, the place of Turkish products in Albanian market is. We adapted and used CETSCALE (Consumer Ethnocentric Tendencies Scale) to measure consumer attitudes. Findings reveal that ethnocentric tendency of Albanian consumers is strong and Turkish products are preferred less than the products of European countries, whereas more than Chinese products in this market.
Contemporary pharmacologic treatments of MRSA for hospitalized adults: rationale for vancomycin versus non-vancomycin therapies as first line agents

ABSTRACT Introduction Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains an important pathogen in the hospital setting and causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. Since the initial discovery over 60 years ago, vancomycin has remained a first-line treatment for many different types of MRSA infections. However, significant concerns related to target attainment and nephrotoxicity have spurred efforts to develop more effective agents in the last two decades. Areas covered Newer anti-MRSA antibiotics that have been approved since 2000 include linezolid, daptomycin, and ceftaroline. As clinical evidence has accumulated, these newer agents have become more frequently used, and some are now recommended as co-first-line options (along with vancomycin) in clinical practice guidelines. For this review, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to support our findings and recommendations. Expert opinion Vancomycin remains an important standard of care for MRSA infections but is limited with respect to nephrotoxicity and rapid target attainment. Newer agents such as linezolid, daptomycin, and ceftaroline have specific indications for treating different types of MRSA infections; however, newer agents also have unique attributes which require consideration during therapy.
Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Accessibility, Knowledge, Barriers, and Facilitators Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Great strides have been made globally toward ending HIV and AIDS as a threat by 2030, although the rate of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men remains very high. Due to their risk of getting HIV and AIDS, utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can potentially reduce the risk of HIV transmission among this population. This study sought to analyze the accessibility, knowledge, and potential barriers and facilitators to assessing PrEP by men who have sex with men. The quantitative method was conducted on 65 men who have sex with men through questionnaires loaded on Kobo Collect. Chi-square test, odds ratios, and logistic regression were used to associate different demographic characteristics with knowledge and significance of barriers in PrEP access using STATA 15. A hotspot map of PrEP and locations was created using QGIS. About 84% of respondents accessed pills from friendly facilities. The remaining accessed them from public hospitals, namely Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals. Over 90% of the respondents were found to be highly knowledgeable. Notably, barriers included lack of information, fear of side effects, pills not accessible, pill taste, odor and size, stigma, and lack of protection from other sexually transmitted infections. Facilitators were educated about PrEP, the existence of friendly health facilities, making pills available at all times, partner support, increased number of friendly health facilities and support groups. Maximizing the potential of PrEP as an efficient HIV-prevention intervention among this population requires ongoing efforts to remove barriers and promote facilitators.
Limiting Temperature Rise in Cochlear Implantation Bone Drilling: A Novel Approach

Objective: In the process of cochlear implantation surgery, it is crucial to develop a method to control the temperature during the drilling of the implant channel since high temperatures can result in damage to bone and nerve tissue. Methods: This paper simplified the traditional point heat source temperature rise model and proposed a novel extreme peck drilling model to quantitatively calculate the maximum temperature rise value. It is also innovatively introduced a new method for calculating the best peck drilling duty cycle to strictly control the maximum temperature rise value. Besides, the neural network is trained with virtual data to identify two important thermal parameters in the temperature rise model. Results: In the experiment of epoxy resin and temporal bone, the difference between predicted maximum temperature and actual maximum temperature was less than 1.5 °C, and the error rate was less than 10%. And the error source was analyzed by variational mode decomposition, along with discussion of potential solutions. In the temperature control experiment, the model successfully controlled the maximum temperature rise within 10 °C.For cochlear implantation surgery, we also divide the implantation channel into different stages based on the bone density in CT images to identify thermal parameters and calculate drilling strategies. Conclusion: This method provides a new strategy for accurate and effective control of borehole heat generation. Significance: These achievements provide new ideas and directions for research in cochlear implantation surgery and related fields, and are expected to have extensive application in medical practice.
Bilateral versus single internal mammary artery in diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Data on bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) versus single internal mammary artery (SIMA) on diabetics were analyzed; This is the only meta-analysis, the last 7 years. Methods Medline through PubMed/EMBASE/CINHAL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; 179 articles were studied; 19 studies deemed suitable and were included in the analysis. Results The mortality was 2.41% for BIMA versus 1.71% for SIMA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–1.22). Postoperative reopening for bleeding was higher at 3.75% for BIMA versus 2.91% for SIMA (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.15–1.93). The incidence of MI was 0.87% for BIMA versus 0.83% for SIMA (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.37–1.44). Deep sternal wound infection was 3.02% for BIMA and 1.95% for SIMA (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.26–1.95). When skeletonized, the incidence of DSWI was 2.5% for BIMA versus 2.41% for SIMA. There was a significant difference at 5-year survival favoring the BIMA, 85.15% BIMA versus 80.77% SIMA (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.60–2.01). The 10-year overall survival was 74.04% BIMA versus 61.57% SIMA (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.61–1.98). The 15-year survival was 47.08% for BIMA versus 37.06% for SIMA (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.52–1.88). Conclusions Postoperative bleeding was higher in BIMA group. Bilateral internal mammary artery in diabetic patients should be carried out in a skeletonize fashion, to reduce DSWI. There is a survival benefit of using BIMA in diabetics within 5 years of surgery; it remains significant up to 15 years.
Wavelet analysis for modeling suspended sediment discharge

Wavelets, functions with zero mean and finite variance, have recently been found to be appropriate tools in investigating geophysical, hydrological, meteorological, and environmental processes. In this study, a wavelet-based modeling technique is presented for suspended sediment discharge time series. The model generates synthetic series statistically similar to the observed data. In the model in which the Haar wavelet is used, the available data are decomposed into detail functions. By choosing randomly from among the detail functions, synthetic suspended sediment discharge series are composed. Results are compared with those obtained from a moving-average process fitted to the data set.
A Comparative Assessment of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Suitability of River Ase for Domestic Water Supply in Urban and Rural Communities in Southern Nigeria

The study compares the water quality index and suitability of River Ase for domestic water supply in urban and rural communities situated along the course of the river. Water samples were collected from four communities between January 2011 and December 2011. Several physico-chemical and biological parameters were analysed in line with WHO (2010). The results showed that variation exist in the concentration of the physico-chemical parameters between urban and rural communities in the area as a result of anthropogenic activities of man. Thus, higher concentrations of pH were recorded in the urban communities when compared to the rural communities, as all other parameters were within the WHO (2010) threshold for drinking water quality. Also the urban communities recorded a lower water quality index (WQI) of between 20-50 as against the rural communities of between 51-70. The paper recommends the addition of alkaline materials to the water, routine monitoring of human activities and testing of the river water from time to time in order to address impairments and safeguard human health.
HYDRAULIC AND CHEMICAL MECHANISMS IN THE RESPONSE OF Pinus pinaster A I T. TO CONDITIONS OF WATER STRESS

Zuccarini P., Ciurli A. , Alpi A. , Hegedusova K. : Hydraulic and chemical mechanisms in the response of Pinus pinaster A i t. to conditions of water stress. Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 30, No. 4, p. , 2011. The increase of temperatures at a global scale constitutes a threaten, among the others, for forest ecosystems, and imposes a deeper comprehension of plant behaviour towards drought stress, in order to better plan a sustainable management of water resources. Young plants of Pinus pinaster Ait. were exposed to prolonged drought stress, during which their xylem ABA concentration, leaf water potential and stomatal conductance were measured at regular intervals on the top branches; the same measurements were taken on a sample of control, non stressed plants. At the same time, plant transpiration rate was measured in response to different ABA concentrations and light regimes. Plant responses to variations of environmental parameters were measured, too: leaf T° vs. atmospheric T°; “E” vs. VPD; “A” vs. (CO2). The data suggest that the plant final response to drought stress, i.e. stomatal closure, is mediated by a combination of hydraulic and hormonal regulation; the mechanical one is triggered on the short period and is more quickly reversible, while the chemical one acts on the medium-long term, when the water stress tends to chronicize.
Agreement and consistency in the triaging of musculoskeletal primary care referrals by vetting clinicians using a knowledge-based triage tool

Abstract Background: Primary care referrals received by secondary care services are vetted or triaged to pathways best suited for patients’ needs. If knowledge-based triaging is used by vetting clinicians, accuracy is required to avoid incorrect decisions being made. With limited evidence to support best practice, we aimed to evaluate consistency across vetting clinicians’ decisions and their agreement with a criterion decision. Methods: Twenty-nine trained vetting clinicians (18 female) representative of pay grades independently triaged five musculoskeletal physiotherapy referral cases into one of 10 decisions using an internally developed triage tool. Agreement across clinicians’ decisions between and within cases was assessed using Fleiss’s kappa overall and within pay grade. Proportions of triage decisions consistent with criterion decisions were assessed using Cochran’s Q test. Results: Clinician agreement was fair for all cases (κ = 0.385) irrespective of pay grade but varied within clinical cases (κ = −0.014–0.786). Proportions of correct triage decisions were significantly different across cases [Q(4) = 33.80, P < 0.001] ranging from 17% to 83%. Conclusions: Agreement and consistency in decisions were variable using the tool. Ensuring referrer information is accurate is vital, as is developing, automating and auditing standards for certain referrals with clear pathways. But we argue that variable vetting outcomes might represent healthy pathway abundance and should not simply be automated in response to perceived inefficiencies.
Financial Inclusion and Its Impact on Fertility: An Empirical Investigation

This paper explores the empirical relationship between financial inclusion and fertility, primary developmental outcomes. Some studies show the impact of financial inclusion on different developmental outcomes, such as poverty, inequality, education, health, empowerment and economic growth and development. However, only a few studies have analysed the impact of financial inclusion on specific health indicators. Financial inclusion has a significant impact on fertility decline. This study uses data from 2004 to 2018 from a panel of 152 countries from the World Development Indicators and the IMF’s Financial Access Survey to test the link between financial inclusion and fertility. I used techniques, that is, the panel fixed-effect model, SLM test, semi-parametric approach and quantile regression analysis, to understand the relationship between financial inclusion and fertility. The results suggest a non-linear relationship. As financial inclusion increases, fertility initially declines, but after reaching a critical point, the relationship turns positive, showing a U-shaped relationship. Other important variables that statistically influence fertility levels are levels of education, female labour-force participation rates, levels of urbanisation and age dependency. Inflation rate and trade openness also significantly influence fertility. This paper provides some policy implications concerning fertility and financial inclusion.
Investigation on aquatic environmental factors in Xiangxi river watershed

Based on routine monitoring data in Xiangxi river and its tributaries of Gufu river, Gaolan river and Jiuchong river from August 1999 to December 2006, physico-chemical factors were analyzed, and spatio-temporal distributions of such factors were compared in this paper. The results show that waters of Xiangxi watershed are neutral and partial alkalescent, belong to moderate hardness, concentration of dissolved oxygen is high, contents of chemical oxygen demand and chloride are low, so these waters have well buffer capacities. There are significant seasonal variations in most physico-chemical factors in these four rivers, but annual variations are not significant. There are high contents of nitrogen in this watershed, and Gufu river has the highest contents of total nitrogen which influenced by the domestic sewages and agricultural activities. Water quality is relative poor in Gaolan river, and phosphorus pollution is serious in Xiangxi river; the best water quality presents to Jiuchong river which has high forest coverage. High nitrogen contents in these four rivers are caused by non-point source pollutants, while point source pollutants of phosphorus play an important role in Xiangxi river. Soil erosion represents the major non-point source, while the drainages of phosphorus diggings and factory discharges play the most important role in the point source of phosphorus. This research suggests that measures must be taken to control the point source pollutants of phosphorus in Xiangxi river in order to protect Xiangxi Bay of the Three-Gorge Reservoir.