Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of Catha edulis (Vahl.) Endl., in Sprague Dawley rats

Background: The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of Catha edulis for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of C. edulis leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of C. edulis were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: All informants were male, most were married, >50 years old, with >10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of C. edulis were documented. All extracts were ineffective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. They had limited efficacy against B. cereus and S. aureus. Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of C. edulis produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical uses of C. edulis among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of C. edulis.
Challenges of the Immunotherapy: Perspectives and Limitations of the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment

Immunotherapy is a quickly developing type of treatment and the future of therapy in oncology. This paper is a review of recent findings in the field of immunotherapy with an emphasis on immune checkpoint inhibitors. The challenges that immunotherapy might face in near future, such as primary and acquired resistance and the irAEs, are described in this article, as well as the perspectives such as identification of environmental modifiers of immunity and development of anti-cancer vaccines and combined therapies. There are multiple factors that may be responsible for immunoresistance, such as genomic factors, factors related to the immune system cells or to the cancer microenvironment, factors emerging from the host cells, as well as other factors such as advanced age, biological sex, diet, many hormones, existing comorbidities, and the gut microbiome.
Simulating ice-shelf extent using damage mechanics

Abstract Inaccurate representations of iceberg calving from ice shelves are a large source of uncertainty in mass-loss projections from the Antarctic ice sheet. Here, we address this limitation by implementing and testing a continuum damage-mechanics model in a continental scale ice-sheet model. The damage-mechanics formulation, based on a linear stability analysis and subsequent long-wavelength approximation of crevasses that evolve in a viscous medium, links damage evolution to climate forcing and the large-scale stresses within an ice shelf. We incorporate this model into the BISICLES ice-sheet model and test it by applying it to idealized (1) ice tongues, for which we present analytical solutions and (2) buttressed ice-shelf geometries. Our simulations show that the model reproduces the large disparity in lengths of ice shelves with geometries and melt rates broadly similar to those of four Antarctic ice shelves: Erebus Glacier Tongue (length ~ 13 km), the unembayed portion of Drygalski Ice Tongue (~ 65 km), the Amery Ice Shelf (~ 350 km) and the Ross Ice Shelf (~ 500 km). These results demonstrate that our simple continuum model holds promise for constraining realistic ice-shelf extents in large-scale ice-sheet models in a computationally tractable manner.
How do visitors perceive the significance of tangible cultural heritage through a 3D reconstructed immersive visual experience at the Seokguram Grotto, South Korea?

ABSTRACT Sustainable heritage tourism is recognized as an economic activity that can ensure the careful management of tangible cultural heritage sites for future generations, and attract visitors to experience their cultural, historical, and archaeological significance. The use of 3D immersive cultural heritage visualization presentations can enhance a visitor’s perceived experience and motivation, and have received growing interest in the tourism literature. However, the impact of these cultural heritage presentations on visitor perceived experience with regard to certain psychological and social factors has not been fully explored. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by investigating how 3D immersive visualization experiences enhance the significance and value of tangible cultural heritage sites, through considering significant factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with visitors who experienced a 3D reconstructed immersive visual experience of the Seokguram Grotto World Heritage Site. The results showed that the 3D reconstructed immersive visualization contents increased the significance and value of the tangible cultural heritage site, by influencing visitors' perceived experiences using certain psychological factors. These findings will contribute positively to the sustainable heritage tourism development literature.
Unknown Input Functional Observer Design for Discrete-Time Interval Type-2 Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Systems

This article proposes a novel unknown input functional observer design approach toward discrete-time interval type-2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system models subject to measurable and unmeasurable premise variables. By constructing a new state vector that contains both the unknown inputs and the system states, functional observers are proposed for the cases with measurable and unmeasurable premise variables to estimate this new state vector for unknown input and/or state estimation. The observer design problem is converted into the solvability issue of a linear matrix equation involving observer gain matrices, and the existence conditions of the observers are explicitly obtained based on matrix rank analysis. Meanwhile, instead of solving the intricate Sylvester equation directly, the solution of the simplified matrix equation is employed to derive the observer gains. Moreover, the effectiveness and the superiority of the presented method are demonstrated via two illustrative examples.
Relationship between Urinary Calcium Excretion and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

To date, few detailed studies have been conducted on the convenient and useful markers for the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. A high level of calcium (Ca) excretion (hypercalciuria) is indicative of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, which are associated with the onset of LUTS. Hence, in this study we attempted to clarify the relationship between urinary Ca excretion and OAB, nocturia, and nocturnal polyuria in adults. The present study showed that patients with hypercalciuria frequently experienced OAB, nocturia, and nocturnal polyuria. In addition, this study revealed that the severity of LUTS is significantly associated with urinary Ca excretion and that hypercalciuria is an important risk factor for OAB, nocturia, and nocturnal polyuria.
Fast Design Space Exploration and Multi-Objective Optimization of Wide-Band Noise-Canceling LNAs

Design optimization of RF low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) remains a time-consuming and complex process. Iterations are needed to adjust impedance matching, gain, and noise figure (NF) simultaneously. The process can involve more iterations to adjust the non-linear behavior of the circuit which can be represented by the input-referred third-order intercept (IIP3). In this work, we present a variation-aware automated design and optimization flow for a wide-band noise-canceling LNA. We include the circuit non-linearity in the optimization flow without using a simulator in the loop. By describing the transistors using precomputed lookup tables (LUTs), a design database that contains 200,000 design points is generated in 3 s only without non-linearity computation and 10 s when non-linearity is taken into account. Using a gm/ID-based correct-by-construction design procedure, the generated design points automatically satisfy proper biasing, input matching, and gain matching requirements. The generated database enables the designer to visualize the design space and explore the design trade-offs. Moreover, multi-objective optimization across corners for a given set of specifications is applied to find the Pareto-optimal fronts of the design figures-of-merit. We demonstrate the presented flow using two design examples in a 65 nm process and the results are verified using Cadence Spectre.
Measuring the Quality of Cooperative’s Savings and Credit Services from Their Members’ Perspective

Cooperatives are vital contributors in the socio-economic development of our society as they help in attaining better quality of life for their members. With the fact that the value of the cooperative to members lies primarily in the use of its services, an attention must be drawn to develop quality products and services based on their members’ needs, interests and expectations. It is imperative that cooperatives regularly assess its members’ satisfaction to further improve member retention, service offers and attract more members. This study examined the service quality and levels of satisfaction derived by members in the savings, lending and consumer credit services of a multi-purpose cooperative in Marawi City. This research employed quantitative techniques and supplemented by qualitative methods. The conceptual framework of service quality model known as SERVQUAL was conducted with multi-purpose cooperative members as the respondents of the study. The sample size of 276 respondents was derived using Cochran’s Formula. Cronbach alpha values for each dimension in both expectations and perceptions was deemed acceptable with ≤ 0.70 values. Aside from SERVQUAL Gap Score, this study used SPSS software and employed the statistical tools of mean, percentage, ranking, frequency and ranking in the interpretation and analysis of data. Paired t test was also conducted to compare the differences between member expectations and perceptions on their cooperative’s service quality. The findings of the study revealed that there exists a negative gap for the cooperative’s service quality, hence a que for quality improvement. Results showed that management should focus on responsiveness dimension, followed by reliability, then tangibles, assurance and empathy dimension. Using the weighted gap and incorporating the importance weights, this study presented a useful diagnosis and recommendations for the cooperative management in prioritizing service quality improvement. The implication of this study is the ease of use and adaptability of SERVQUAL in regularly assessing and continually improving cooperative’s savings, credit and lending services.
Right Competence at the Right Time—but for Whom? Social Recruitment of Participants in an Expanding Higher Vocational Education Segment in Sweden (2005–2019)

It is well established that participation in formal adult education varies by individual background characteristics. However, less attention has been paid to examining inequality in participation as a consequence of policy changes, such as educational expansion. This paper examines the process of tremendous expansion in Swedish Higher Vocational Education (HVE), a vocationally oriented postsecondary educational segment driven by labor market needs. Using a demographic approach with a sociological lens on educational participation, we analyze administrative data from registers, uncovering who has been served by this expanding adult educational form. Our results indicate that expansion of HVE has led to growth in participation for policy-prioritized groups, although the rate of growth in enrollment between groups varies and corresponds to population changes. We also locate the extent of cumulative advantages in participation and discuss these results in relation to social (in)equality in formalized HVE.
Optimization of Encapsulation by Ionic Gelation Technique of Cryoconcentrated Solution: A Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics Study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimal conditions to encapsulate cryoconcentrate solutions via ionic gelation technique. Hydrogel beads were prepared using alginate (1%, 2% and 3% (w/w)) and cornstarch (0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w)). Later, a sucrose/acid gallic solution was concentrated through block freeze concentration (BFC) at three cycles. Thus, each solution was a mixture with the respective combination of alginate/cornstarch. The final solution was added drop-wise on a CaCl2 solution, allowing the formation of calcium alginate-cornstarch hydrogel beads filled with sucrose/acid gallic solution or cryoconcentrated solution. The results showed that alginate at 2% (w/w) and cornstarch at 2% (w/w) had the best efficiency to encapsulate any solution, with values close to 63.3%, 90.2%, 97.7%, and 75.1%, and particle sizes of approximately 3.09, 2.82, 2.73, and 2.64 mm, for initial solution, cycle 1, cycle 2, and cycle 3, respectively. Moreover, all the samples presented spherical shape. Therefore, the appropriate content of alginate and cornstarch allows for increasing the amount of model cryoconcentrated solution inside of the hydrogel beads. Furthermore, the physicochemical and morphological characteristics of hydrogel beads can be focused for future food and/or pharmaceutical applications, utilizing juice or extract concentrated by BFC as the solution encapsulated.
A Pilot Study to Explore a Correlation between Inflammatory Markers and the Wound Healing Rate in Diabetic Patients

Background and objectives: We examined whether there is a significant correlation between inflammatory markers and the wound healing rate (WHR) in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into two groups depending on the completion of wound healing (WH) at 5 weeks: the early WH group (period of WH < 5 weeks; n = 27) and the late WH group (period of WH > 5 weeks; n = 33). The baseline characteristics and wound measurements were compared between the two groups. To identify the correlation between inflammatory markers (e.g., white blood cell counts (WBCs), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and WHR, we performed a Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The WHR was 8.06 ± 4.02 mm2/day in the early WH group and 2.71 ± 0.88 mm2/day in the late group. This difference reached statistical significance (p < 0.001). Moreover, WBC counts were significantly higher and serum levels of CRP and ESR were significantly lower in the early WH group than in the late group (p = 0.027, 0.036 and 0.043, respectively). Conclusions: Our results indicate that WBC as well as serum CRP and ESR levels have a significant correlation with WHR in diabetic patients.
The association between executive functioning and personal recovery in people with psychotic disorders

Recovery in psychotic disorder patients is a multidimensional concept that can include personal, symptomatic, societal and functional recovery. Little is known about the associations between personal recovery (PR) and functional recovery (FR). FR involves a person’s ability to recover or compensate for impaired cognition, such as executive functions, and the loss of skills. In this cross-sectional study (the UP’S study), we used measures of executive functioning and personal recovery to assess a cohort of people with a psychotic disorder. PR was measured using the Recovering Quality of Life (ReQOL) and Individual Recovery Outcomes (I.ROC). FR was assessed using two forms of assessment. The Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning Adult version (BRIEF-A) was used for self-rated executive functioning, and the Tower of London (TOL) for performance-based executive functioning. Regression models were calculated between executive functioning (BRIEF-A and TOL) and PR (ReQOL and I.ROC). Model selection was based on the Wald test. The study included data on 260 participants. While total scores of BRIEF-A had a small negative association with those of the ReQOL (β = -0.28, p > 0.001) and the I.ROC (β = -0.41, p >0.001), TOL scores were not significantly associated with the ReQOL scores (β = 0.03, p = 0.76) and the I.ROC scores (β = 0.17, p = 0.17). Self-reported EF, which measures the accomplishment of goal pursuit in real life was associated with PR. However, processing efficiency and cognitive control as measured by performance-based EF were not.
Ethical Leadership and Students’ Satisfaction in Public Universities of Ethiopia: Mediating Role of Perceived Good Governance

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of perceived good governance practices into the relationship between ethical leadership and students’ satisfaction in the context of Ethiopian public universities. The survey design took cross-sectional data from 384 valid responses from students of randomly chosen four public universities representing four generations. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was run to determine the model fit statistics, and Hayes PROCESS macro was used for mediation analysis. The study finds that ethical leadership behaviours positively affect students’ satisfaction. Moreover, perceived good governance practices at the higher educational institutions acts as a partial mediator into the relationship between ethical leadership and students’ satisfaction.
Biochemical Characterization and Molecular Determination of Estrogen Receptor-α (ESR1 PvuII-rs2234693 T>C) and MiRNA-146a (rs2910164 C>G) Polymorphic Gene Variations and Their Association with the Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is regarded as one of the most frequently encountered endocrine disorders and affects millions of young women worldwide, resulting in an array of complex metabolic alterations and reproductive failure. PCOS is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity and depression in patients. Estrogen receptors (ESRs) are significant candidates in endocrine function and ovarian response in women. Moreover, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are emerging as principal mediators of gene expression and epigenetic pathways in various disease states. This study has characterized the clinical parameters in PCOS patients with comprehensive biochemical profiling compared to healthy controls and further examined the influence of allelic variations for estrogen receptor-α (ESR1 PvuII-rs2234693 T>C) and miRNA-146a (rs2910164 C>G) gene polymorphism on the risk of and susceptibility to PCOS. In this case-control study, we have used amplification refractory mutation specific (ARMS)-PCR to detect and determine the presence of these polymorphic variants in the study subjects. Our results demonstrated that most of the biochemical markers, which were analyzed in the study, show statistically significant alterations in PCOS patients, including fasting glucose, free insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL, HDL, cholesterol and hormones such as FSH, LH, testosterone and progesterone, which correlate with the established biochemical alterations in the disorder. Further, it is reported that for estrogen receptor-α (ESR1 PvuII-rs2234693 T>C), the frequency of the T allele (fT) was significantly higher among patients (0.64 vs. 0.44) compared to controls, while the frequency of the C allele (fC) was lower in patients (0.36 vs. 0.56) compared to controls. However, it was found that there was no association of an increased risk of PCOS with the ESR1 PvuII-rs2234693 C>T gene polymorphism. On the contrary, the study found strong association of miRNA-146a (rs2910164 C>G) gene polymorphism with an enhanced risk of PCOS. The frequency of the C allele (fC) was significantly higher among patients (0.52 vs. 0.36) compared to controls. The frequency of the G allele (fG) was found to be lower in patients (0.48 vs. 0.64) compared to controls. The codominant, dominant and recessive models display a statistically significant association of polymorphic variations with PCOS. Moreover, the G allele was associated strongly with PCOS susceptibility with an OR = 1.92 (95%) CI = (1.300–2.859), RR = 1.38 (1.130–1.691) p-value < 0.001.
Comparative effects of biochar and NPK on wheat crops under different management systems

ABSTRACT As a multi-beneficial amendment, biochar is very useful to be applied for improving soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the influence of wood biochar and mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers viz, [(control; 100% NPK (120:90:60 kg ha−1); 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar; 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar; 25% NPK + 15 tonne biochar and 20 tonne biochar ha−1)] on wheat yield and soil properties under different management practices [(raised bed (more than 30 cm above the ground) and flat-bed)]. Split plot two factors randomised completed block (RCB) design with three replications were used where management practices were placed to main plot, while treatments were assigned to subplots. Maximum spike length, grain per spike, 1000 grain weight, grain and biological yield were obtained with application of 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 under both raised and flat-bed, which were statistically at par to 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1. The grain and biological yield observed at 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar and 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1 were significantly higher than that of 20 tonne biochar ha−1. However, maximum soil organic matter, extractable P and K contents with slight increases in soil pH and EC was observed at 20 tonne biochar ha−1. Moreover, almost all agronomic parameters were significantly better in raised bed compared to flat-bed sowing. Hence, the present study suggested that 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 is suitable for improving wheat yield and soil properties.
Trace Elements in Garden Soils, Vegetables
and Apples Near a Large Cu Tailings
Pond in SW Poland

Copper ore mining, processing, and smelting are considered important sources of soil and crop contamination with metals and metalloids. The concentration of elements in soils and selected vegetable and fruit species has been monitored around a large-scale tailings pond (located in SW Poland) to evaluate its impact on soil quality and food plant production. The total concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in root vegetables (carrot, parsley and beetroot), potato tubers and apple fruit grown in the backyard gardens in the surroundings of the Cu tailings pond were analyzed along with element concentrations in the topsoil layers. Element concentrations in plants were found at similar levels compared to products commercially available in Poland and did not exceed legal or provisional limits. The concentrations were noticeably lower than reported from the other mining or industrial regions and argued for little impact of the tailings pond. The concentrations measured in the present study did not differ from the respective values reported previously, suggesting a stable environmental quality in the landfill surroundings. Element concentrations in edible plant parts were poorly correlated with their concentrations in soils and the distance to the tailings pond, suggesting the importance of local or individual factors.