Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reference values for certain serum biochemical markers of liver damage in apparently healthy Red Sokoto goats

The Red Sokoto goat (RSG) is the most preponderant of all the breeds of goats in Nigeria. There is dearth of information regarding the reference values for serum biochemical markers of liver damage in this breed. This study demonstrated the reference values in apparently healthy RSG and in RSG that were truly negative for liver disorders. The study was a cross sectional survey. Research visits were made to Ikpa Market Abattoir, Nsukka, for 12 weeks. Apparently healthy goats and those truly negative for liver disorders were deliberately selected for the study. Blood samples were collected in sample bottles devoid of anticoagulants. The sera harvested were used for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and levels of albumin and cholesterol. The overall mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) of the parameters assayed in apparently healthy goats were: AST, 59.54 ± 2.43; ALT, 12.72 ± 1.18; ALP, 38.31 ± 6.63; GGT, 20.83 ± 1.56; albumin, 3.31 ± 0.04; cholesterol, 82.76 ± 1.70 while the overall for the goats that were truly negative for liver disorders were: AST, 53.49 ± 2.23; ALT, 10.91 ± 0.62; ALP, 29.88 ± 2.35; GGT, 16.45 ± 0.91; albumin, 3.37 ± 0.04 and cholesterol, 81.36 ± 2.33. Serum ALP was significantly higher in the young rather than the adult goats and in the females more than in the males of apparently healthy RSG while AST was significantly higher in the adults of RSG that showed true negative for liver disorders.
Population dynamics of the crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Decapoda, Aethridae) on the southern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract The present study investigated the population dynamics of Hepatus pudibundus in the Cananéia region, in southern São Paulo state, Brazil, focusing on population structure, growth parameters, longevity, sex ratio, reproduction and recruitment juvenile period. Sampling was performed monthly at seven stations from July 2012 to June 2014, using a shrimp fishing boat. A total of 1650 specimens were collected: 551 males and 1099 females. The males were larger than females. Reproductive females were captured throughout the study period and juveniles were captured in most months. Both of these demographic categories were positively correlated with temperature. Growth parameters showed differences between sexes: CW∞ = 78.91 mm, k = 0.0066 day−1, t0 = 0.0965 for males and CW∞ = 69.71 mm, k = 0.0053 day−1, t0 = −0.2404 for females. Longevity was estimated at 1.91 and 2.40 years for males and females, respectively. The findings provide a greater understanding of the life cycle in this species. Additionally, since trawl nets are not selective, this study also provides information for better trawl fishery management, addressing not only the target shrimp but also the by-catch species.
Pregnancy in women diagnosed with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction due to increasing coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART), more women living with HIV have improved health condition which also increases their chances of getting pregnant. However, the knowledge about pregnancy among women receiving ART in resource-constrained settings, like Ethiopia, is limited. The aim was to assess factors associated with pregnancy among women living with HIV in Ethiopia. Methods a retrospective cohort study from 2005 through 2013 including a total of 809 women aged 15-49 years on ART was used. The study was conducted in eight hospitals and health centers in two regions of Ethiopia. The data was collected between March and June of 2014 from patients´ pre-ART and ART registers by trained nurses, assisted by data entry clerks and supervised by senior physicians. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to examine the probability of becoming pregnant. Factors associated with pregnancy were presented with hazard ratios with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results a total of 809 women were included in this analysis, their median age was 27 years, 90% were urban residents and 40.6% were married. Four hundred eighty three (60.6%) were in WHO stage III at initiation of ART. The median CD4 count was 162.5 cell/μl at initiation of ART. Eighty-one women became pregnant during 3069 person-years of observation. The overall incidence of pregnancy was 26.4 pregnancies per 1000 person-years of observation. Women under the age of 24, those in less advanced disease stage, women with no education and those with college education had higher rates of pregnancy. Conclusion the results highlight that younger women, those in less advanced disease stage, either uneducated or highly educated ones have higher probability of becoming pregnant during HIV treatment. This suggests the need for integrating reproductive health services into HIV care services to meet the needs of women on ART.
Investigation of Room Temperature Protonic Conduction of Perovskite Humidity Sensors

This paper shows a correlation between surface effective porosity due to various sintering regimes and humidity sensitive electrical properties of the perovskite-based bulk type humidity sensors, at room temperature. Furthermore, room temperature humidity transduction mechanism of the thick film type humidity sensors was studied in detail through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and major transmissive components were detected by the fitting of the Bode diagrams and Nyquist complexes to the equivalent circuits. The microstructural, morphological and elemental characterizations were carried on using XRD, EFTEM, FESEM, and EDX. Physical properties including open porosity/bulk density were investigated through American Standard Test Method (ASTM). An innovative self-designed material test fixture with ceramic supports was fabricated for a high S/N ratio electrical measurement of the bulk samples. All the sensors were set up at 20-95% RH. The morphological, physical, and electrical results of the bulk pellets indicate a direct correlation of the open cavities and AC conduction. The higher the open porosity is, the greater is the conduction and vice versa. Presence of the ionic transport is clearly observed from the frequency-conductance spectra at room temperature. Noise-free detected behavior via EIS proves that the proton transfer mechanism is a dominant responsible, and executed by both charge transfer resistance and kinetically controlled charge transfer (diffusive species) at low and middle to high RH. Next to the Warburg effect (at 80% RH), for the first time, a Gerischer impedance was found as a dominant agent of transduction at 85% RH to above.
A cis-regulatory change underlying the motor neuron-specific loss of terminal selector gene expression in immotile tunicate larvae

The evolutionary history of animal body plans cannot be fully reconstructed without considering the roles of both novelties and losses. Some of the more remarkable examples of massively parallel evolutionary losses in animals comes from many species in the tunicate genus Molgula that have independently lost the swimming larva and instead develop as tail-less, immotile larvae that bypass the period of swimming and dispersal observed in other tunicates, marine invertebrate chordates that alternate between motile larval and sessile adult life cycle stages. The larvae of Molgula occulta and other tail-less species do not fully develop structures that are essential for swimming behavior, including notochord, tail muscles, and otolith, and loss-of-function mutations have been identified in various genes required for the differentiation of these tissues. However, little is known about the extent of development of the larval nervous system in M. occulta. While differentiated neurons might in principle be entirely dispensable to the non-swimming larva, the adult has a fully functional nervous system like any other tunicate. To further investigate this conundrum, we studied the specification and patterning of the M. occulta Motor Ganglion, which is the key central nervous system compartment that drives the motor movements of swimming tunicate larvae. We found that the expression patterns of important regulators of MG neuron subtype specification are highly conserved during the development of the non-swimming larvae of M. occulta, suggesting that the gene networks regulating their expression are largely intact in this species, despite the loss of swimming ability. However, we identified a M. occulta-specific reduction in expression of the important motor neuron terminal selector gene Ebf (Collier/Olf/EBF or COE) in the Motor Ganglion. Although M. occulta Ebf is predicted to encode a fully functional protein, its expression was reduced in developing motor neurons when compared to species with swimming larvae, which was corroborated by measuring allele-specific expression of Ebf in interspecific hybrid embryos produced by crossing M. occulta with the closely related swimming species M. oculata. Comparative reporter construct experiments also revealed a specific cis-regulatory sequence change that underlies the reduced expression of M. occulta Ebf in motor neurons, but not in other tissues and cell types. This points to a potential mechanism for arresting larval motor neuron differentiation in the non-swimming larvae of this species.
Could the Altman Z-Score Model Detect the Financial Distress in Ghana? Multivariate Discriminant Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of the Altman Z-score model to discriminate between financially distressed and non-financially distressed manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Eleven firms consisting of two financially distressed and nine non-financially distressed manufacturing firms were analysed. Independent descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and multivariate discriminant analysis were the analytical tools used to analyse the hypotheses of this study. The study revealed that working capital/total assets and sales/total assets were the major discriminators of financially distressed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed an accuracy rate of 79.9% to detect financially distressed firms in Ghana.
Seasonal changes in white strawberry: Effect on aroma, phenolic compounds and its biological activity

BACKGROUND: The native Chilean white strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. chiloensis) is a semi-domesticated crop that has a characteristic aroma and flavor and a low production in southern Chile. However, edaphoclimatic conditions can influence on fruit quality attributes and its health benefits. Establishing a link between seasonal changes and aroma or biological activity require detailed research in exploring bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVE: The present work assessed how seasonal and local changes varied the content of bioactive compounds and therefore change their aromatic quality and the response of biological activity. METHODS: White Strawberry from two seasons and two locations were investigated; FCC1, FCC2 (Fragaria chiloensis from Contulmo, 2017 and 2018 season, respectively), FCP1, FCP2 (F. chiloensis from Purén, 2017 and 2018 season, respectively). Measurement of changes on volatile compounds were studied by SPME/GC-MS. Analyses of variations on phenolic compounds were investigated by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn with total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity by using DPPH• and ORAC assays by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods. The relationship between different concentrations of compounds and in vitro biological activity including inhibitory tests for α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase were analyzed. RESULTS: In the fruit extracts, 38 volatiles and 27 phenolic compounds were identified detecting differences among the samples, being affected by climatic conditions and location. The total content of ellagic acid and its derivatives was 6.54 mg 100 g–1 FW for FCC1, showing statistical differences with respect to the rest strawberries. Nonetheless, the antioxidant capacity tests revealed high antioxidant capacity for all samples, being FCP2 the significantly highest activity (3314μmol Trolox 100 g–1 FW by DPPH• assay) compared to the rest of locations and seasons. Additional inhibitory tests α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase showed statistically differences due to seasonal and location changes where was observed higher ellagic acid derivates content and bioactivity. The Chilean white strawberry extracts were effective inhibitors of α-glucosidase (non-competitive) and acetylcholinesterase (competitive) activities, respectively, presenting FCC1 the most potent inhibitory effects. CONCLUSIONS: A higher ellagic acid content in Chilean white strawberry, affected by seasonal and location changes, influenced on the biological activity potential. Therefore, the relatively high antioxidant capacity, phytochemical composition and biological activity potential, of these aromatic fruits, offer a great opportunity for the rural developments, however it will be necessary to implement good practices that would guarantee batch-to-batch replicability for quality and composition of these foods for the future.
Analytical study of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and internet addiction among medical students

Introduction: Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a prevalence of 4.4% worldwide. Adults with ADHD are more prone to risk taking behaviours, behavioural addictions and substance abuse. Studies have shown that adults with ADHD are more likely to develop internet addiction (IA). Aim of the study: To determine scoring of medical students on an adult ADHD scale and internet addiction scale and to compare it. To compare the scoring in context to demographic characteristics and substance use. Material and methods: Medical students from two medical colleges from Gujarat participated in the study. Students filled in a semi-structured proforma which included sociodemographic details and details regarding internet use. Students completed self-report scales such as the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS) and Young Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Results: Out of 427 subjects, 233 (54.6%) were male and 194 (45.4%) were female. On IAS, 359 (84.15%) were found to be average online users (no addiction), 64 (15%) had frequent problems with internet use (pos-sibly addicted) and only 4 (0.9%) students had excessive internet use (severely addicted). In screening for adult ADHD, 84 (19.7%) were found to be positive. Adult ADHD was found to be significantly associated with IA and substance use. Discussion: Deficiency in inhibitory control, reward deficiency syndrome and cognitive and motivational dysfunction have been observed in ADHD, which makes subjects with ADHD at risk of developing IA and substance use. Conclusions: Being positive on the Adult ADHD Scale was found to be significantly associated with IA and substance use.
In-tank processes for destruction of organic complexants and removal of selected radionuclides

This report establishes the need and technical feasibility for using in-tank pretreatment processes for destruction of organic complexants and removal of {sup 90}Sr, transuranic (TRU) elements, and {sup 99}Tc from double-shell tank (DST) liquid wastes. Neither {sup 90}Sr nor {sup 99}{Tc} have to be removed from any DST solution to obtain vitrified product containing less than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) criteria for Class C commercial low-level waste (LLW). To meet the NRC criterion for Class C LLW, TRU elements must be removed from liquid wastes in three (possibly five) DSTs. No {sup 90}Sr will have to be removed from any solution for the total vitrified waste from both DSTs and single-shell tanks to meet a goal of <7 MCi of radionuclides and a NRC ruling for Hanford Site Incidental Waste. Guidance from ALARA principles and the TWRS Environmental Impact Statement may dictate additional removal of radionuclides from DST supernatant liquids. Scavenging processes involving precipitation of strontium phosphate and/or hydrated iron oxide effectively remove {sup 90}Sr and/or TRU elements from actual DST wastes including complexant concentrate (CC) wastes. Destruction of organic complexants is not required for these scavenging processes to reduce the {sup 90}Sr and/or TRU element concentrations of DST waste solutions to or below the NRC criteria for Class C commercial LLW. However, substantially smaller amounts of scavenging agents would be required for removal of {sup 90}Sr and TRU elements from CC waste if organic complexants were destroyed. Low concentrations of added Sr(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Fe(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} are desirable to minimize the volume of HLW glass.
Telemedicine: an imperative concept during COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

With social distancing being a key preventative measure of COVID-19, proper provision of healthcare services becomes a challenge as healthcare professionals are concerned about the risk of potential infection. Telemedicine, a practice that uses telecommunication networks for the delivery of healthcare services and medical education, has been adopted by several countries and has shown to provide positive outcomes. This concept is poorly practiced in African Countries compared to other countries of the world. This paper reiterates the need for the expansion of telemedical systems in Africa for the dual goals of COVID-19 prevention and provision of quality healthcare services to people.
Impact of Row Spacing, Sowing Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Quality Traits of chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) Cultivated in southwestern Germany

To obtain high chia seed yields and seed qualities, a suitable crop management system needs to be developed for the given growing conditions in southwestern Germany. Field experiments were conducted at the experimental station Ihinger Hof in two consecutive years (2016, 2017). The study aimed to evaluate yield and quality traits of chia depending on different (i) row spacing (35, 50 and 75 cm), (ii) sowing densities (1, 1.5 and 2 kg ha−1) and, (iii) N-fertilization rates (0, 20 and 40 kg N ha−1). It consisted of three independent, completely randomized field experiments with three replications. Results showed that chia seed yields ranged from 618.39 to 1171.33 kg ha−1 and that a thousand seed mass of 1.14 to 1.24 g could be obtained. Crude protein-, crude oil- and mucilage contents varied from 18.11–23.91%, 32.16–33.78% and 10.00–13.74%, respectively. Results indicated that the year of cultivation and the accompanied environmental conditions, like precipitation or temperature, influenced the determined traits more than the applied agronomic practices. As average seed yields exceeded those obtained in the countries of origin (Mexico, Guatemala) while having comparable quality characteristics, chia holds great potential as an alternative crop for farmers in southwestern Germany.
MULTI-SEGMENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO INDUCED BALL VELOCITY IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PITCHERS

The purpose of this study was to implement an induced acceleration analysis (IAA) to estimate the contributions of multi-segment motion to the forward velocity of the ball in collegiate baseball pitchers. Marker-based motion capture and ground reaction force data were collected from a sample of 17 pitchers throwing off an instrumented mound. Kinematic and kinetic data were extracted to drive the IAA model to calculate the muscular and non-muscular contributions to ball velocity. The shoulder joint torque and velocitydependent torque collectively made up the largest contribution to the total induced velocity of the ball at 61% and 37%, respectively. The model underestimated ball speed by 16%, owing to limitations in distal segment definitions. Although this IAA showed that the proximal segments make a small, direct contribution to forward ball velocity, decomposition of the velocity-dependent torque could further clarify the extent to which the legs, pelvis, and trunk indirectly contributes to ball velocity.
Highly thermal-stable perylene-bisimide small molecules as efficient electron-transport materials for perovskite solar cells

Perylene-bisimide (PDI)-based small molecules (PDI-Ph, PDI-PhCN, PDI-PhCN-2Br and PDI-PhCN-4Br) were synthesized via imidization of perylene bisanhydride and core-bromided perylene bisanhydride. The physical, optical and electronic properties of these molecules were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry and space charge-limited current (SCLC). PDI-Ph, PDI-PhCN and PDI-PhCN-2Br show excellent thermal stability with decomposition temperatures above 400 °C (610 °C for PDI-PhCN) and high crystallinity with strong π–π stacking. The three molecules also exhibit high electron mobility with average values of 0.169 cm2 V−1 s−1 for PDI-Ph, 0.212 cm2 V−1 s−1 for PDI-PhCN and 0.119 cm2 V−1 s−1 for PDI-PhCN-2Br. Utilizing these molecules as the single electron-transporting layer (ETL), inverted perovskite solar cells with a configuration of ITO/NiOx/MAPbClxI3−x/ETL/Ag were fabricated. A power conversion efficiency of 14.6% was achieved from the device using PDI-PhCN as ETL. Furthermore, when BCP was used as the hole-blocking layer, the identical structured perovskite device achieved a high efficiency of 18.8% for the PDI-PhCN/BCP combination, which was better than the standard cell (17.4%) using C60/BCP as ETL. The superior performance of PDI-PhCN compared to PDI-Ph, PDI-PhCN-2Br and PDI-PhCN-4Br comes from its higher electron mobility and better matched energy levels with that of the absorber MAPbClxI3−x. Our results demonstrate that PDI-based small molecules are very promising electron-transporting materials for highly efficient, low-cost perovskite solar cells.
The Relationship of Knowledge and Motivation with Anti Tuberculosis Drugs Compliance in Tuberculosis Patients

Knowledge and motivation of tuberculosis (TB) patients will have an impact on compliance in implementing treatment programs. The purpose of this study was to find out and describe the relationship between knowledge and motivation with compliance in taking anti-tuberculosis drugs. This type of research was cross-sectional. The population in this study were patients with tuberculosis with a total sample of 100. They measured instruments used in the form of questionnaires, interview guides, and TB form 01. Data analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis with chi-square. The results showed that knowledge with medication compliance showed a relationship with (p-value 0.000). Motivation with medication compliance showed a relationship of (p-value 0.000). It can be concluded that there was a relationship between knowledge and motivation with adherence to taking anti-tuberculosis drugs in TB patients. Nurses need to do health education about TB and provide motivation for TB patients using a therapeutic approach. The next researcher is expected to be able to examine the other factors that influence TB patient's compliance in carrying out treatment programs so that it will increase the number of adherence in drug intake in TB patients.