Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Assessment and Monitoring Changes in NDVI of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) and its Buffer Zone, India

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR), endowed with rich biological diversity and lush green vegetation in and around, makes it more unique. It is also an integral part of the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) and has been identified as one of the important tiger reserves of the Central Indian landscape due to its connectivity with other protected areas and tiger reserves in neighboring landscapes. Vegetation mapping and monitoring are important to understand changes in ecosystem processes and associated temporal and spatial impacts. Pre- and post-monsoon IRS, LISS III, and AWiFS satellite data from 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2013 were used for the present study. This paper is an attempt to examine the variation in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of ATR and its buffer zone on a seasonal and temporal basis. Climate conditions such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, etc. play an important role in the growth and development of healthy vegetation. The NDVI value of ATR has shown fluctuation and recorded positive growth over the past 14 years with few exceptions. The post-monsoon season recorded a higher NDVI value as compared to the pre-monsoon months. The maximum NDVI value was recorded in 2004 (+0.539) for the entire ATR and its buffer zone.
Impact of Net Foreign, Return, Rupiah Exchange Rate on Capital Market Liquidity in Indonesia

Trading volume (liquidity) is one of the important indicator for investors to monitor the movement of stock prices on the Indonesian stock exchange (IDX). Investors are attracted to stocks that provide high returns, have a tendency to rise in price, and have high liquidity. One of the factors that affect liquidity is investment in foreign stocks, where foreign investors are still the catalyst for stock movements in the Indonesian Capital Market. This study uses time-series data obtained from all listed stocks as a component of the calculation of the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) based on the average daily trading transaction value during the 2017-2019 period. This study consists of four variables where one dependent variable is liquidity with value proxy and three independent variables which are net foreign, return, and the exchange rate of the rupiah against the US dollar. These variables were then analyzed qualitatively in the form of descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The result of the research shows that net foreign exchange increases trading volume. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis for the period 2017-2019, foreign investors still dominate the stock market in Indonesia. The dominance of foreign stocks can be interpreted as high investor confidence in the ability of the Indonesian government and the positive perception of foreign investors in the Indonesian capital market which is still very profitable for their investment. The opposite result is in the variable return where liquidity increases in a bearish market. In contrast, the depreciation of the rupiah against the dollar increased trading volume, although not significantly.
RNA Sequencing of Pooled Samples Effectively Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes

Simple Summary Gene expression studies provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying biological processes, including aging. RNA sequencing can be used to identify changes in gene expression across the entire genome. While normally, RNA sequencing is performed on multiple biological replicates that are sequenced individually, the results of this study show that similar results can be obtained by pooling those individual samples together before sequencing. Pooling RNA samples prior to sequencing will reduce the cost of experiments, which may allow for additional investigations and provide more information about the mechanisms involved. Abstract Analysis of gene expression changes across the genome provides a powerful, unbiased tool for gaining insight into molecular mechanisms. We have effectively used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes in long-lived genetic mutants in C. elegans to advance our understanding of the genetic pathways that control longevity. Although RNA sequencing costs have come down, cost remains a barrier to examining multiple strains and time points with a sufficient number of biological replicates. To circumvent this, we have examined the efficacy of identifying differentially expressed genes by sequencing a pooled RNA sample from long-lived isp-1 mitochondrial mutant worms. We found that sequencing a pooled RNA sample could effectively identify genes that were found to be significantly upregulated in the two individually sequenced RNA-seq experiments. Finally, we compared the genes significantly upregulated in the two individually sequenced RNA-seq experiments to two previous microarray experiments to come up with a high-confidence list of modulated genes in long-lived isp-1 mutant worms. Overall, this work demonstrates that RNA sequencing of pooled RNA samples can be used to identify differentially expressed genes.
A Projected AR Serious Game for Shoulder Rehabilitation Using Hand-Finger Tracking and Performance Metrics: A Preliminary Study on Healthy Subjects

Research studies show that serious games can increase patient motivation regardless of age or illness and be an affordable and promising solution with respect to conventional physiotherapy. In this paper, we present the latest evolution of our system for shoulder rehabilitation based on hand-finger tracking and projected augmented reality. This version integrates metrics to assess patient performance, monitors the game progress, and allows the selection of the game visualization mode (standard on-screen or projected augmented reality). Additionally, the new software tracks the velocity, acceleration, and normalized jerk of the arm-hand movements of the user. Specifically, sixteen healthy volunteers (eight technical and eight rehabilitation experts) tested our current prototype. The results showed that the serious game is engaging, its design is ergonomically sound, and the overall system could be a useful tool in shoulder rehabilitation. However, clinical validation is needed to assess that the serious game has the same effects as the selected therapy. This is the preliminary step toward laying the foundation for future studies that investigate abnormalities in shoulder movements by using hand-finger tracking.
Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Sheep and Goats and associated Risk ‎Factors

A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted among flocks of sheep and goats in three agricultural zones of Borno State. Seven hundred sixty-eight small ruminants (384 sheep and goats each) of both sexes (282 males and 486 females) of different age groups from 90 flocks were randomly selected for blood collection and related epidemiological data. A commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA; I.D. Vet) was used to test the sera samples for the presence of both phases I and II antibodies against Coxiella burnetii infections. The overall seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 10.9% (44/384) and 12.0% (46/384). There was no statistically significant association between the two species of the animals tested and the infection rates of coxiellosis (P = 0.734, OR= 0.924, 95% CI= 0.578–1.408). Bivariate analysis showed that female animals of all species tested were more seropositive for antibodies to Coxiella burnetii than males. There was a statistically significant association between the sex of both sheep and goats tested (P = 0.032, OR = 0.439, 95% CI = 0.204–0.9470) and (P = 0.022, OR = 0.434, 95% CI = 0.208–0.903). Age of sheep and goats were not statistically significant (P = 0.199, OR = 0.577, 95% CI = 0.247–1.346), (P = 0.304, OR = 0.670, 95% CI = 0.311–1.444. There was no statistically significant association between the breeds of sheep and goats tested (P= 0.861, OR= 0.787, 95% CI= 0.315–1.964), and (P= 0.742, OR= 0.736, 95% CI= 0.264–2.050). The study indicates that seroprevalence of coxiellosis was high in the studied small ruminant population, particularly among female sheep and goats, and can be considered a potential risk for both susceptible animals and humans in the study area
Cannabis for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review

Fibromyalgia is a common disease syndrome characterized by chronic pain and fatigue in conjunction with cognitive dysfunction such as memory difficulties. Patients currently face a difficult prognosis with limited treatment options and a diminished quality of life. Given its widespread use and potential efficacy in treating other types of pain, cannabis may prove to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. This review aims to examine and discuss current clinical evidence regarding the use of cannabis for the treatment of fibromyalgia. An electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms on all literature published up to October 2022. A follow-up manual search included a complete verification of relevant studies. The results of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five observational studies (a total of 564 patients) that investigated the effects of cannabis on fibromyalgia symptoms were included in this review. Of the RCTs, only one demonstrated that cannabinoids did not have a different effect than placebo on pain responses. Overall, this analysis shows low-quality evidence supporting short-term pain reduction in people with fibromyalgia treated with cannabinoid therapeutics. Although current evidence is limited, medical cannabis appears to be a safe alternative for treating fibromyalgia.
Contribution of Different Brain Disorders and Multimorbidity to Delirium Superimposed Dementia (DSD)

Delirium, an acute neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a disturbance of attention and awareness, is often superimposed on dementia with its progressive cognitive decline. Despite the high frequency and clinical relevance of this condition, often called delirium-superimposed dementia (DSD), little is known about possible triggers. In this study using the GePsy-B databank, we investigated the impact of the underlying brain disorder and multimorbidity (MM) on DSD. MM was measured by CIRS and the number of ICD-10 diagnoses. Dementia was diagnosed by CDR, and delirium by DSM IV TR criteria. A total of 218 patients were diagnosed with DSD and these were compared to 105 patients with only dementia, 46 with only delirium, and 197 patients suffering from other psychiatric diseases, mainly depression. No significant differences between groups were found concerning CIRS scores. Based on CT scans, DSD cases were grouped into those with cerebral atrophy only (probably pure neurodegenerative), with brain infarction, or with white matter hyperintensities (WMH), but no between-group differences regarding the MM indices could be found. Regression analysis only revealed age and dementia stage as influencing factors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that neither MM nor morphologic changes in the brain are predisposing factors for DSD.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease and Prevention Products: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferences of Kenyan Healthcare Workers in Two Counties in 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among infants under 6 months of age. Yet, in Kenya, little is known about healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions around RSV disease and the prevention products under development. Between September and October 2021, we conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional survey to assess HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of RSV disease and RSV vaccinations in two counties. We enrolled HCWs delivering services directly at maternal and child health (MCH) departments in selected health facilities (frontline HCWs) and health management officers (HMOs). Of the 106 respondents, 94 (88.7%) were frontline HCWs, while 12 were HMOs. Two of the HMOs were members of the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG). Of the 104 non-KENITAG HCWs, only 41 (39.4%) had heard about RSV disease, and 38/41 (92.7%) felt that pregnant women should be vaccinated against RSV. Most participants would recommend a single-dose vaccine schedule (n = 62, 58.5%) for maximal adherence and compliance (n = 38/62, 61.3%), single dose/device vaccines (n = 50/86, 58.1%) to prevent wastage and contamination, and maternal vaccination through antenatal care clinics (n = 53, 50%). We found the need for increased knowledge about RSV disease and prevention among Kenyan HCWs.
Pre-service English teachers’ perception of authentic assessment practice in speaking classes

There is a growing body of literature examining the significance of authentic assessment in enhancing teachers’ assessment literacy. This study set out to investigate pre-service English teachers’ perception of authentic assessment in their speaking class. This sequential explanatory study employed a set of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in the data collection. A total of 46 pre-service English teachers in their final year participated in this study. They completed a web-based survey, and four of them who used authentic assessment in their speaking class were selected for an interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that 71.74% of respondents were aware of what authentic evaluation entails as learned from various sources, primarily lecturers and tutors. More than 25% of respondents could not comprehend an authentic assessment, and fewer than a fifth (19.57%) of those surveyed had never taken a course on authentic assessment. The results from the survey and interview also showed that lack of time or the lengthy implementation time of authentic assessment, as well as the class size were reported to be the main challenges of the students in applying authentic assessment. Oral interviews, picture-cued descriptions or stories, information gaps, story/text retelling, role plays/simulations, oral reports, and debates were examples of the authentic assessment tools they normally used. This study implied the need for more authentic assessment trainings and or sessions for these pre-service English teachers in the future.Keywords: perception, authentic assessment, speaking
Characterization of some classes of operators on spaces of vector-valued continuous functions

Let K be a compact Hausdorff space and E, F Banach spaces. We denote by C(K, E) the Banach space of all continuous. E-valued functions defined on K, with the supremum norm. It is well known ([6], [7]) that every operator (= bounded linear operator) T from C(K, E) to F has a finitely additive representing measure m of bounded semi-variation, defined on the Borel σ-field Σ of K and with values in L(E, F″) (the space of all operators from E into the second dual of F), in such a way that where the integral is considered in Dinculeanu's sense.
Quantifying the Roles of Changing Albedo, Emissivity, and Energy Partitioning in the Impact of Irrigation on Atmospheric Heat Content

AbstractIntroduction of irrigated agriculture changes the partitioning of the surface energy flux between sensible and latent heat (H vs LE) and alters the albedo α and emissivity e. In the absence of changes in the radiation components of the surface energy balance, the change in the Bowen ratio due to irrigation typically suppresses the local air temperature T but increases the total near-surface atmospheric heat content (as measured using equivalent potential temperature θe). While the effect of irrigation on surface energy partitioning due to enhanced surface and subsurface water availability has long been acknowledged, the roles of associated changes in e and α have received less attention, and the scales and magnitudes of these effects remain uncertain. A new methodology designed for application to in situ and remote sensing data is presented and used to demonstrate that the net impact of irrigation on T and θe is strongly dependent on the regional climate, land cover in surrounding areas, and the a.
Evaluation of Yield Potential and Combining Ability in Thai Elite Cassava Varieties for Breeding Selection

Cassava breeding is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture to address the challenges of food security and climate change. The present study aimed to assess the combining ability of six Thai cassava elite varieties for four key traits, including fresh root yield (FRY), fresh shoot yield (FSY), harvest index (HI) and starch content (SC) through an analysis of the diallel mating design over two years. Parental lines HB80 and R5 showed significant positive general combining ability (GCA) effects for high SC; R1 and HB80 for low FSY; and R1 for high FRY and HI. The genetic effects for FSY, SC and HI were primarily influenced by the GCA of the progenitors, while specific combining ability (SCA) was more important for the FRY than the other three traits. Cultivation conditions were also found to impact the evaluation of genetic effects, with a poor growing environment affecting the expression of the genotype. This study provides a useful basis for the selection of parental lines for cassava breeding programs and insights into the genetic control of yield and related traits in the Thai elite cassava germplasm.
Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (ePROMs) Improve the Assessment of Underrated Physical and Psychological Symptom Burden among Oncological Inpatients

Simple Summary Professionals of the healthcare system face the challenge of providing suitable care delivery for inpatients with advanced cancer. External assessments, such as nurse-reported symptom burden, tend to underrate patients’ distress, as has already been shown in different studies. In contrast to that, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been shown to be effective as a systematic assessment; however, they are not yet implemented into daily routine. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the information provided by PROMs and nurse-reported assessment to identify overlaps and differences in the current symptom burden. Therefore, collected data were analyzed from both PROMs and nurse-reported assessment from 230 inpatients of a major German Comprehensive Cancer Center. We discovered that some features of physical and psychological distress were underrated by nursing staff. Supplementing daily symptom assessment used by nursing staff with systematic ePROMs may improve the quality of supportive and palliative care of inpatients with advanced cancer. Abstract For advanced cancer inpatients, the established standard for gathering information about symptom burden involves a daily assessment by nursing staff using validated assessments. In contrast, a systematic assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is required, but it is not yet systematically implemented. We hypothesized that current practice results in underrating the severity of patients’ symptom burden. To explore this hypothesis, we have established systematic electronic PROMs (ePROMs) using validated instruments at a major German Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this retrospective, non-interventional study, lasting from September 2021 to February 2022, we analyzed collected data from 230 inpatients. Symptom burden obtained by nursing staff was compared to the data acquired by ePROMs. Differences were detected by performing descriptive analyses, Chi-Square tests, Fisher’s exact, Phi-correlation, Wilcoxon tests, and Cohen’s r. Our analyses pointed out that pain and anxiety especially were significantly underrated by nursing staff. Nursing staff ranked these symptoms as non-existent, whereas patients stated at least mild symptom burden (pain: meanNRS/epaAC = 0 (no); meanePROM = 1 (mild); p < 0.05; r = 0.46; anxiety: meanepaAC = 0 (no); meanePROM = 1 (mild); p < 0.05; r = 0.48). In conclusion, supplementing routine symptom assessment used daily by nursing staff with the systematic, e-health-enabled acquisition of PROMs may improve the quality of supportive and palliative care.
Community Work-Study as a High Impact Practice: Designing a work-based, community-engaged experiential learning opportunity to increase access for under-resourced college students

For many institutions of higher education, naming and elevating a set of “High Impact [Educational] Practices” (HIPs; Kuh, 2008) has become one of the key strategies to engage students in deeper disciplinary learning, personal growth, and success in college and beyond. We know from the literature on HIPs that these types of educational experiences take the form of experiential or applied learning opportunities such as service learning, internships, and study away, and, when done well, are transformative for students (Kuh, 2008). A key finding in Kuh’s research is that these high-impact practices, while beneficial for everyone, are especially impactful among traditionally under-resourced student populations (especially first generation students and students of color) and that, demographically speaking, these students who stand to benefit the most are the ones engaging in them the least. One barrier to access we can note is that because HIPs take a significant investment of time and effort, often outside of the assigned class schedule, they are not always accessible to students who need to spend their time outside of class working in order to pay for school or support themselves and their families.
Differential In Vivo Effects on Cancer Models by Recorded Magnetic Signals Derived From a Healing Technique

Previous research on “healing-with-intent” has reasonably demonstrated the validity of the phenomenon at least when a human healer is present and involved. However, in order for healing to be adopted into more conventional therapies, it must be able to be made scalable. The present study tests the effects of a scalable recording of the Bengston Healing Method on 3 cancer models. BalbC mice engrafted with 4T1 breast cancer cells, C57BL mice with melanoma B16 cells, and C3H mice with bladder MBT-2 wells were exposed to a recording of healing intent for 4 hours/day for approximately 1 month. In the breast cancer model, there was significant tumor suppression and a reduction of anemia marker HCT in treated vs control mice. In the melanoma model, there were no significant differences except for a reduction in platelet count among the treated mice. For unknown reasons, tumor growth never became evident in the bladder cancer model. While the effects of the recording seem to vary by model, there appears reason to pursue scalable delivery systems in multiple models and with multiple doses.