Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constraints of extension personnel in transferring of dairying technologies in Karnataka

The study was undertaken during 2014-15 at Bangalore Rural and Urban districts of Karnataka state in order to identify the constraints of extension personnel in Transfer of Technology (ToT) in dairying and also formulate strategies for effective technology transfer. A sample of total 120 extension personnel from the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services (DAH&VS) and Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) was selected through simple random sampling that carry out field extension work. The study revealed that major technological constraints expressed by the respondents were, lack of appropriate technologies for ToT followed by lack of participation of farmers in ToT. In case of physical constraints, poor infrastructure facilities and lack of input supply for programmes implementation were important constraints. Inadequate staff strength in respective departments and lack of proper transfer policy were the important organisational constraints. The perceived communicational constraints included lack of access to research publication for field work and poor research-extension-farmer linkage and inadequate retirement benefits and unsatisfactory salary compared to work load were the important economic constraints. Lack of support from superiors and colleagues and lack of participation in programme planning were the personal constraints faced by extension personnel of DAH&VS and KMF. Strategies for effective transfer of technology include adequate staff recruitment in each cadre of DAH&VS and KMF, policy decisions for better transfer and promotion and exclusive extension unit for effective transfer of technologies.
CLIMATIC EFFECTS ON ARGENTINA’S TRADITIONAL DRINK – A MACHINE LEARNING BASED YERBA MATE PRODUCTIVITY PREDICTION

Abstract. Yerba mate belongs to the most important agricultural products of Argentina. Due to climate change, together with El Niño and droughts, yields are negatively affected. Drought propagation from precipitation deficits to plant water stress, its impacts and especially its predictability are becoming an emerging field of research. This paper explores how the future yerba mate production in the states of Misiones and Corrientes, north-eastern Argentina, can be projected by using climate variables and satellite data. The applied methodology focuses on a machine learning approach based on multiple linear regression and random forest regression. The results indicate a significant relationship between yerba mate and the NDVI as well as the SOI. The highest yerba mate productivity is expected during weak La Niña events. The methodology of this analysis can successfully predict mate productivity based on satellite and climate data and can also easily be used for further research areas.
Phase I of Antipsychotics Metabolism and its Pharmacogenetic Testing

Antipsychotics (APs) are a class of psychotrophic medication primarily used to managepsychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally inschizophrenia but also in a range of other psychotic disorders. Biotransformation is a major mechanism for APs elimination. Most APs undergo biotransformation, or metabolism, after they enter the body. There are three phases of APs metabolism. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase (mixed function oxidase) plays a central role in the most APs biotransformation. CYP’s functional activity depends on gene-drug and drug-drug interaction and influences on occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). So, it is extremely important for a practicing psychiatrist to know the oxidation pathway of APs, since most of them are metabolized in the liver and this is important both to prevent ADRs and to avoid unwanted drug-drug interactions, which will undoubtedly increase theeffectiveness and safety of AP therapy.
Gut Microbiota Associated with Clinical Relapse in Patients with Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis

The microbiota associated with relapse in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis (qUC) remains unclear. Our objective was to analyze the fecal microbiota of Japanese patients with qUC and identify the relapse-associated microbiota. In this study, 59 patients with qUC and 59 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled (UMIN 000019486), and their fecal microbiota was compared using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We followed their clinical course up to 3.5 years and analyzed the relapse-associated microbiota. Potential functional changes in the fecal microbiota were evaluated using PICRUSt software and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. There were significant differences in fecal microbiota diversity between HC and qUC subjects, with 13 taxa characterizing each subject. Despite no significant difference in variation of microbiota in a single sample (α diversity) between patients in sustained remission and relapsed patients, the variation in microbial communities between samples (β diversity) was significantly different. Prevotella was more abundant in the sustained remission patients, whereas Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium were more abundant in the relapsed patients. We clustered the entire cohort into four clusters, and Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed the subsequent clinical course of each cluster was different. We identified 48 metabolic pathways associated with each cluster using linear discriminant analysis effect size. We confirmed the difference in microbiota between patients with qUC and HCs and identified three genera associated with relapse. We found that the clusters based on these genera had different subsequent clinical courses and activated different metabolic pathways.
Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase Inhibitor, D-Norvaline, in Combination with Oxacillin, Is Effective against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes severe diseases in humans. For decades, MRSA has acquired substantial resistance against conventional antibiotics through regulatory adaptation, thereby posing a challenge for treating MRSA infection. One of the emerging strategies to combat MRSA is the combinatory use of antibacterial agents. Based on the dramatic change in phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition of MRSA in previous results, this study investigated branched-chain amino acid derivatives (precursors of fatty acid synthesis of cell membrane) and discovered the antimicrobial potency of D-norvaline. The compound, which can act synergistically with oxacillin, is among the three leucine-tRNA synthetase inhibitors with high potency to inhibit MRSA cell growth and biofilm formation. PLFA analysis and membrane properties revealed that D-norvaline decreased the overall amount of PLFA, increasing the fluidity and decreasing the hydrophobicity of the bacterial cell membrane. Additionally, we observed genetic differences to explore the response to D-norvaline. Furthermore, deletion mutants and clinically isolated MRSA strains were treated with D-norvaline. The study revealed that D-norvaline, with low concentrations of oxacillin, was effective in killing several MRSA strains. In summary, our findings provide a new combination of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor D-norvaline and oxacillin, which is effective against MRSA.
High Protein Diets Improve Liver Fat and Insulin Sensitivity by Prandial but Not Fasting Glucagon Secretion in Type 2 Diabetes

Glucagon (GCGN) plays a key role in glucose and amino acid (AA) metabolism by increasing hepatic glucose output. AA strongly stimulate GCGN secretion which regulates hepatic AA degradation by ureagenesis. Although increased fasting GCGN levels cause hyperglycemia GCGN has beneficial actions by stimulating hepatic lipolysis and improving insulin sensitivity through alanine induced activation of AMPK. Indeed, stimulating prandial GCGN secretion by isocaloric high protein diets (HPDs) strongly reduces intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) and improves glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the role of GCGN and circulating AAs in metabolic improvements in 31 patients with T2DM consuming HPD was investigated. Six weeks HPD strongly coordinated GCGN and AA levels with IHL and insulin sensitivity as shown by significant correlations compared to baseline. Reduction of IHL during the intervention by 42% significantly improved insulin sensitivity [homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) or hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps] but not fasting GCGN or AA levels. By contrast, GCGN secretion in mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) decreased depending on IHL reduction together with a selective reduction of GCGN-regulated alanine levels indicating greater GCGN sensitivity. HPD aligned glucose metabolism with GCGN actions. Meal stimulated, but not fasting GCGN, was related to reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity. This supports the concept of GCGN-induced hepatic lipolysis and alanine- and ureagenesis-induced activation of AMPK by HPD.
Examining Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in Rural Schools

School-wide PBIS implementation is associated with positive academic and behavioral outcomes. Research supports the importance of school context in implementation and sustainment, but more work is needed to explore the role of community locale, particularly for rural communities that experience context-specific strengths and challenges in accessing resources. The purpose of this study was to examine variables that may influence PBIS implementation fidelity, sustained fidelity, training, and assessment and how these variables vary across geographic locales. Nine years of statewide PBIS implementation and school-level data were drawn from a longitudinal statewide dataset for the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Results of generalized linear models, MANOVA, and discriminant analysis indicated (a) consistent assessment and sustained fidelity in rural and town schools were positively associated with district size and enrollment of minoritized students, but they were negatively associated with enrollment of ELL students (with grade level also having an association with sustained fidelity); (b) locale had an effect on fidelity, assessment, and training; and (c) rural and city locales had the greatest differences from each other in training, assessment, and fidelity. Study limitations and future research directions are discussed.
We need a comparative approach to language acquisition: A commentary on Kidd and Garcia (2022)

The study by Kidd and Garcia is long overdue. Their analyses of published research on language acquisition highlight the lack of typological diversity in studies of how children acquire their native tongue. We concur with their conclusion that more research on understudied languages is urgently needed. However, we argue that what the field needs is not just wider cross-linguistic coverage but a systematic comparative approach to language acquisition – one in which investigations of well-studied languages still has much to contribute.
Bacterial profile of diabetic foot infections and antibiotic susceptibility in a specialized diabetes centre in Cameroon

Introduction bacterial profile of diabetic foot infections and the antibiotic susceptibility are essential in the prescription of empirical antibiotics before the results of cultures of deep wound samples are available. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated from infected diabetic foot ulcers in patients attending the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Methods we retrospectively analyzed the records of patients hospitalized between 2008 and 2013 for diabetic foot infections. The main outcomes were the bacteriological profile and susceptibility patterns of isolates from positive culture of deep wound sample before antibiotherapy, carried out in the national reference laboratory. Eligible clinical records of patients were retrieved from the hospitalization registry. Results a total of 101 patient records were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 57.1 ± 9.1 years. There were more males (64.4%), mostly with type 2 diabetes (99%), with a median duration of 9 years (IQR: 4 - 14 years). Their median blood sugar on admission was 246 mg/dL. Five percent of patients died and 23% had a major amputation. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) germs were isolated, with an average of 2.25 germs per patient. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequent (75.2%). These were mainly Morganella morganii (13.8%), Klebsiella pneumonia (12%), Escherichia coli (11.6%), Proteus spp. (10.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.9%). Gram-positive bacteria (24.8%) were mainly Staphylococcus aureus (9.3%), Streptococcus spp. (7.6%), and Enterococcus spp. (7.1%). Gram-negative bacteria showed a high resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (78%), fluoroquinolones (55%), and gentamycin (50%). They were susceptible to imipenem (95%), amikacin (88%), and show moderate susceptibility to third generation cephalosporins (62%). Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to vancomycine (94%), and moderately susceptible to pristinamycine (82%) and fusidic acid (67%). Conclusion Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently associated with diabetic foot infections, and were frequently resistant to the usually prescribed antibiotics, but remain susceptible to imipenem and amikacin. Our findings should be considered when prescribing empirical anti-biotherapy for diabetic foot infections in our setting.
Risk Factors for Exercise-Associated Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Simple Summary Understanding the causes of racehorse deaths is an important step in addressing this welfare concern. Previous studies have identified that during Thoroughbred racing, catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries, which necessitate euthanasia, account for approximately 75% of fatalities, with sudden athletic death occurring in the remaining 25% of cases. In sudden athletic death cases a post-mortem examination is needed to determine the cause of death. Approximately half of these sudden athletic deaths are attributed to a fatal cardiac arrhythmia, which is termed sudden cardiac death. In order to investigate risk factors for sudden cardiac death, we reviewed the post-mortem reports from horses that died on metropolitan racetracks in Melbourne, Australia and grouped horses into sudden cardiac death and all other fatal injuries. We found that horses with sudden cardiac death were more likely to die during training than during racing, had fewer lifetime starts and were less likely to be entire (uncastrated) males. Exercise intensity appears not to be critically important in precipitating sudden cardiac death in horses. Sudden cardiac death occurred early in the careers of affected horses. Abstract Cardiac arrhythmias resulting in sudden cardiac death (SCD) are an important cause of racehorse fatalities. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for SCD in Thoroughbreds by evaluating a sample with a policy of mandatory post-mortem following racing or training fatalities. Risk factors were compared between case horses with SCD (n = 57) and control horses with other fatal injury (OFI, n = 188) by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Survival in years for horses with SCD was compared to OFI using the Kaplan–Meier method with log rank test. The following variables were most important in the multiple logistic model: Horses with SCD were more likely to die during training than during racing, SCD (42/57, 74%) vs. OFI (82/188, 44%; odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5, 1.2–5.4; p = 0.01), had fewer lifetime starts, median (interquartile range [IQR]), SCD (3.0 [0.0–9.0]) vs. OFI (9.0 [0.0–22.8]; OR, 95% CI, 0.96, 0.9–1.0; p = 0.02 and were less likely to be entire (uncastrated) males, SCD 9/57 (16%) vs. OFI (46/188, 25%; OR, 95% CI, 0.47, 0.1–0.9; p = 0.03). Survival in years (median (IQR)) for horses with SCD was 3.6 (3.1–4.4), which was shorter than OFI (4.5 [3.1–6.0], hazard ratio, 95%CI, 1.6,1.2–2.3; p < 0.001). SCD occurs more commonly in training than racing, which suggests exercise intensity is less important in precipitating this fatality. In this study, SCD occurred early in the careers of affected horses.
IMPROVING PAIRWISE DSM WITH 3SGM: A SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION FOR SGM USING AN AUTOMATICALLY REFINED NEURAL NETWORK

Abstract. The amount of very high resolution optical satellite images at our disposal is continuously increasing. Besides, associated satellite programs often come with high revisit rates and geometric properties that allow for either opportunistic or by-design 3D stereo reconstruction. Digital Surface Models (DSM) computed from these satellite images offer new possibilities. In the past, the high revisit rate has largely benefited glacier monitoring studies. Now, DSM with increased resolution provided on urban areas can be used for smart city applications as well. However, most of these require 3D modeling of buildings with level of details ranging from 0 to 2. This is where the need for better reconstructed buildings inside DSM arises. Indeed, building edges and corners tend to be smoothed and softened by the stereo matching step of a DSM computation pipeline. This undesired behavior can mostly be linked to the difficult task of optimizing the Disparity Space Image, thus finding good balance between smoothing untextured areas while conserving sharp discontinuities where needed. In this paper, we show how the optimization can benefit from an input building semantic segmentation. We also provide a method to create it from a very high satellite image in epipolar geometry using a convolutional neural network. To help our network generalize well on unseen areas we propose an interactive learning method based on clicked annotations. Eventually, we show that annotations can be automatically created, hence removing the need for an operator and making our solution suitable for operational conditions.
Development and validation of an operational multi-layered model for estimation of soil moisture at point-scale in South Africa

Data discontinuity is the major challenge that hinders the integrity of datasets from the sparse soil moisture monitoring networks in developing countries. In this study, a simplified, multi-layered soil water balance model to estimate daily soil moisture at point-scale from standard weather data and minimal physical soil properties was developed. The model requires values for soil water retentivity properties such as wilting point, field capacity and saturation of each soil layer. It also requires measurements or estimates of reference evapotranspiration (ETo ) in addition to rainfall as climate inputs. The developed model was evaluated using point-scale in-situ soil moisture measurements acquired over a minimum of two years from three well-calibrated stations representing different soil types and climatic conditions in South Africa. The results indicate that the proposed model was capable of estimating total soil moisture content at all three sites, with coefficient of determination (r 2) values greater than 0.84, index of agreement (d) values greater than 0.95 and root mean square error (RMSE) values less than 7.30 mm. The findings of this study suggest that the proposed model can be reliably used for daily estimation of soil moisture at point-scale using climate data and minimal soil physical properties, to fill in gaps, and to extend datasets in locations facing data-discontinuity.
Early Assessment of Chemotherapy Response in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Circulating Tumor DNA

Simple Summary An early assessment of response to treatment is crucial to informing appropriate therapeutic management. Using a plasma-only strategy, we measured changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels after one or two cycles of chemotherapy in 92 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first-line chemo- or chemoradiation therapies. A ≤50% decrease in ctDNA level after one cycle of chemotherapy was associated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival. A ≤50% decrease in ctDNA level after two cycles of chemotherapy also had shorter survival. Our findings demonstrate that using liquid biopsies to measure early changes in ctDNA levels in response to chemotherapy may help identify non-responders before standard-of-care imaging in advanced NSCLC. Monitoring treatment efficacy earlier and accurately can enable more personalized regimens to improve patient outcomes. Abstract Monitoring treatment efficacy early during therapy could enable a change in treatment to improve patient outcomes. We report an early assessment of response to treatment in advanced NSCLC using a plasma-only strategy to measure changes in ctDNA levels after one cycle of chemotherapy. Plasma samples were collected from 92 patients with Stage IIIB-IV NSCLC treated with first-line chemo- or chemoradiation therapies in an observational, prospective study. Retrospective ctDNA analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing with a targeted 198-kb panel designed for lung cancer surveillance and monitoring. We assessed whether changes in ctDNA levels after one or two cycles of treatment were associated with clinical outcomes. Subjects with ≤50% decrease in ctDNA level after one cycle of chemotherapy had a lower 6-month progression-free survival rate (33% vs. 58%, HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.2, log-rank p = 0.009) and a lower 12-month overall survival rate (25% vs. 70%, HR 4.3, 95% CI 2.2 to 9.7, log-rank p < 0.001). Subjects with ≤50% decrease in ctDNA level after two cycles of chemotherapy also had shorter survival. Using non-invasive liquid biopsies to measure early changes in ctDNA levels in response to chemotherapy may help identify non-responders before standard-of-care imaging in advanced NSCLC.
Midwives Experiences of Managing Clients with Eclampsia in a low Resource Setting: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Objective Eclampsia remains a public health issue, especially in low-resource countries worldwide. Midwives are the backbone of the pregnancy and delivery process. Midwives trained in the necessary knowledge and skills are more likely to notice early warning signals of preeclampsia and immediately help clients in such emergencies. This study explored midwives’ experiences in managing patients with eclampsia in Ghana. Methods This study was conducted among eight registered midwives at maternity units of two district hospitals in the Eastern Region of Ghana, using an exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select and interview participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The right of participation and withdrawal from the study was respected. Findings The three emerged overriding themes are: 1. Midwives have knowledge (warning signs, regimens, and prevention of complications) about the management of eclampsia. 2. Challenges in managing clients included inadequate equipment, staffing, and access to drugs. 3. Strategies for mitigating barriers to care for women with eclampsia (adherence to protocols, teamwork, peer mentoring and supervision, midwives’ attitude, and client education. Conclusion Midwives working in underserved facilities have the knowledge and skill to monitor and manage pregnant women experiencing eclampsia. However, they need to be supported with appropriate resources and advanced equipment to ensure adherence to protocols on managing eclampsia promptly referred. Continuous training and workshops for midwives in the management of hypertension in pregnancy are recommended and the public educated on the dangers of eclampsia.