Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of family labour utilization in the production of selected crops in dry-lands: evidence from Kahutu, Katsina State, Nigeria

Employment on family farms plays an important socio-economic role in dry-land agrarian economies. Given the cropping system, information on the utilization of family farm labour in various crop production activities is an important first step in suggesting measures that could improve its use-efficiency. Guided by a conceptual framework for the analysis of factors influencing the management decision of family farm labour, this paper presents empirical evidence on the utilization of family farm labour in various crop production activities. The analysis is based on survey data collected in 2013 from a sample of 118 farm households that were systematically selected from a population of 5290 households in Kahutu village, Katsina State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistical method using bar charts show that family farm labour utilization measured in average man-days per hectare is highest in May (for maize production), June (for rice production) and July (for sorghum production). On the other hand, the months of June (for maize production), August (for sorghum production) and April (for rice production) have the least family farm labour use. Moreover, weeding requires the highest average man-days per hectare in the cultivation of maize (> 8) and sorghum (≈ 10). However, for rice production, land preparation has the highest (≈ 7 man-days). Therefore, ways to mechanize weeding and land preparation for these crops should be explored by government in collaboration with key stakeholders Keywords: Crop Production Tasks, Family Farm Labour, Dry-lands
A Comprehensive Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Report of Successful Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatment Utilizing the Short Antagonist Protocol and Hatching

The 29-year-old participant in the case study has been grappling with infertility for the last six years. Following an assessment of her symptoms, hormone profile, and ultrasound results, she received a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by symptoms such as obesity, insulin resistance, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Various factors, including heredity, intestinal dysbiosis, obesity, environmental pollutants, lifestyle choices, and neuroendocrine abnormalities, contribute to the susceptibility of women to PCOS. In planning polycystic ovarian stimulation, it is crucial to consider parameters such as antral follicle count (AFC), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Careful planning of the gonadotrophin dose is essential to achieve an optimal response during a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) cycle. In our case, the brief antagonist protocol was used, resulting in a favorable outcome with minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts at natural conception, the patient successfully conceived with the help of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), leading to a positive pregnancy outcome. In addition to incorporating mechanical hatching to promote implantation, we diligently selected the most beneficial medications for the patient.
Value of Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound in Quantitative Assessment of Early Diminished Ovarian Reserve During Perimenopause

Background : To evaluate the value of transvaginal three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D-PD-US) in quantitative assessment of early diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) among perimenopausal women. Methods : A total of 166 perimenopausal women with DOR were selected from February 2019 to December 2022, including 63 in the early stage and 103 in the mid-to-late stage. Ovarian reserve was assessed by biochemical testing and 3D-PD-US imaging. Biochemical indicators included antimüllerian hormone (AMH), basal serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E 2 ). 3D-PD-US indicators involved ovarian volume (OV), antral follicle number (AFC), vascularization index (VI), blood flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI). The accuracies of two methods were compared. Results : There were significant differences in OV, AFC, VI, FI, and VFI between the early DOR group and the mid-to-late DOR group (all p < 0.05). FSH had significant negative correlations with OV, AFC, VI, FI and VFI, with correlation coefficients of –0.342, –0.381, –0.179, –0.123, and –0.175, respectively (all p < 0.05). Conclusions : 3D-PD-US may serve as a quantitative method for early detection of DOR in perimenopausal women.
Urinary Excretion of Biomolecules Related to Cell Cycle, Proliferation, and Autophagy in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

Dysregulation of cell cycle, proliferation, and autophagy plays a pivotal role in diabetic kidney disease. In this study, we assessed urinary excretion of molecular regulators of these processes that mediate their effects via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in subjects with long-term type 2 diabetes (T2D) and different patterns of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We included 140 patients with T2D and 20 non-diabetic individuals in a cross-sectional study. Urinary PTEN, Beclin-1, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Klotho, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were assessed using ELISA. Patients with T2D, when compared to control, demonstrated increased excretion of PTEN, Beclin-1, SIRT1, FGF21, CTGF, and decreased urinary Klotho (all p < 0.05). In the diabetic group, PTEN, FGF21, and CTGF were significantly higher in patients with declined renal function, while Klotho was lower in those with elevated albuminuria. FGF21 and PTEN correlated inversely with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. There was a negative correlation between Klotho and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. In multivariate models, Klotho and PTEN were associated with albuminuric CKD independently. The results provide further support for the role of PTEN, BECN1, FGF21, Klotho, and CTGF in development albuminuric and non-albuminuric CKD in diabetes.
Effects of induced stress on seismic forward modelling and inversion

We demonstrate how effects of induced stress may be incorporated in seismic modelling and inversion. Our approach is motivated by the accommodation of pre-stress in global seismology. Induced stress modifies both the equation of motion and the constitutive relationship. The theory predicts that induced pressure linearly affects the unstressed isotropic moduli with a slope determined by their adiabatic pressure derivatives. The induced deviatoric stress produces anisotropic compressional and shear wave speeds; the latter result in shear wave splitting. For forward modelling purposes, we determine the weak form of the equation of motion under induced stress. In the context of the inverse problem, we determine induced stress sensitivity kernels, which may be used for adjoint tomography. The theory is illustrated by considering 2-D propagation of SH waves and related Frechet derivatives based on a spectral-element method.
Corporate Governance And Company Value: An Investigation Into The Role Of ACSG Score

This study investigates the complex relationships between Good Corporate Governance (GCG) scoring, specifically the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) score and company value. The ACGS score, a standardized measure of corporate governance, is used to assess the performance of publicly traded companies in Indonesia from 2017 to 2020. The study reveals a significant negative impact of the ACGS score on firm value, suggesting that while the ACGS score provides a standardized measure of corporate governance, it may not fully capture the nuances of individual company practices. The checkbox-based nature of the ACGS score might be seen as a mere compliance requirement rather than a true reflection of the company's corporate governance performance. However, when control variables are introduced, the effect of the ACGS score on firm value weakens and becomes insignificant. This suggests that the firm value is influenced more by financial performance compared to corporate governance performance. The study concludes that while the ACGS score can provide some insights into a company's corporate governance performance, its impact on firm value can be overshadowed by other factors. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers various control variables is necessary to accurately assess firm value.
Large versus small zooplankton in relation to temperature in the Arctic shelf region

ABSTRACT Climate change results in the alteration of the size structure of plankton, which consequently may affect higher trophic levels, such as planktivorous seabirds. In this study Laser Optical Plankton Counter measurements were performed over seven summer seasons (2010–2016) to test the ratio of large versus small zooplankton in relation to environmental conditions. Investigated transects were repeated during the same time of the year (July/August) in different zones of the West Spitsbergen Shelf crossing the Arctic front. The plankton particles were grouped into two size fractions: “Calanus”, potentially consisting of a majority of the high-energetic, older life stages of the preferred prey for little auk (Alle alle) and the “small” fraction including less preferred items. The vertical availability of the Calanus fraction was tested on the background of usually abundant smaller zooplankton, which may hinder the detection of larger zooplankters by little auk. Larger zooplankton were found closer to the coast, in the upper 20-m depth layer in years characterized by significantly lower mean temperatures. Potential availability of prey for the little auk thus could be higher in colder years than in warmer years. Additionally, our study indicated the tendency of the small plankton fraction to concentrate near the locations of the highest chlorophyll fluorescence, in the 20–30-m water layer. The high spatial and temporal resolution of the data indicated a variation in the proportion of large versus small zooplankton, and thus in the availability of Calanus to little auk with respect to temperature.
Vaginal Lactobacilli Supernatants Protect from Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection in Cell Culture Models

A healthy vaginal microbiota hosts Lactobacillus as the most predominant genus. Lactobacilli play a role in human health through the production of diverse antimicrobial substances that can act against human pathogens or modulate the immune system. Previous reports highlighted the ability of vaginal lactobacilli to counteract viruses causing STIs, e.g., HIV-1 and HSV-2. In this report, we analyze the activity of supernatants of vaginal lactobacilli against HSV-1 infection, which is becoming increasingly relevant as a STI. We show that the supernatants of two vaginal Lactobacillus species (i.e., L. crispatus and L. gasseri) were active at neutralizing HSV-1 infection in two different cell lines of human and simian origin. Specifically, we demonstrate that L. crispatus strains are the most effective in antiviral activity, as evidenced by the comparison with a vaginal pathogen taken as reference. The effect was specific and not attributable to the generic toxicity of the supernatants to the cells. Our results pave the way for the development of probiotics to limit the impact of HSV-1 infection on women’s health.
The Influence of Workplace Spirituality on the Performance of Health Workers and Employees at Annisa Hospital Cikarang, Indonesia

A person's spirituality in the workplace can be defined as their understanding and practice of religious principles as they pertain to the workplace, with the goal of fostering positive connections with coworkers, increasing productivity, and enhancing overall morale. At the present time, health services are crucial for both health workers and the officers who assist them in performing their tasks. It is imperative that health care providers and those who assist them have a healthy work-life balance, which includes practicing good spirituality both personally and collectively. Finding out how spirituality affects the productivity of healthcare professionals and hospital staff was the primary goal of the study. Using primary data collected from hospital staff, this study was carried out in Annisa Hospital Cikarang, Indonesia. A total of ninety-six people filled out a questionnaire that measured workplace spirituality and employee performance; the methodology was quantitative. Simple regression analysis in SPSS was used to examine the gathered data. The computed t-value is bigger than the table t-value (7.133>1.9855), as the results demonstrated a computed t-value of 7.133 with a significance value of 0.000. Employees' performance at Annisa Hospital is positively and significantly impacted by workplace spirituality, as the significance value is less than 0.05 (0.000<0.05). In order to advance healthcare organisations' human resource management practices, this study's findings shed light on the connection between spirituality in the workplace and employee performance in hospitals. Organisational leaders and managers in the health care sector can benefit practically from this study. All of the hospital's staff can benefit from a more upbeat and productive work atmosphere if spirituality is more recognised and supported in the workplace. This, in turn, will improve patient care.
Phylogeographic Reconstruction to Trace the Source Population of Asian Giant Hornet Caught in Nanaimo in Canada and Blaine in the USA

The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, is an invasive species that could potentially destroy the local honeybee industry in North America. It has been observed to nest in the coastal regions of British Columbia in Canada and Washington State in the USA. What is the source population of the immigrant hornets? The identification of the source population can shed light not only on the route of immigration but also on the similarity between the native habitat and the potential new habitat in the Pacific Northwest. We analyzed mitochondrial COX1 sequences of specimens sampled from multiple populations in China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. V. mandarinia exhibits phylogeographic patterns, forming monophyletic clades for 16 specimens from China, six specimens from the Republic of Korea, and two specimens from Japan. The two mitochondrial COX1 sequences from Nanaimo, British Columbia, are identical to the two sequences from Japan. The COX1 sequence from Blaine, Washington State, clustered with those from the Republic of Korea and is identical to one sequence from the Republic of Korea. Our geophylogeny, which allows visualization of genetic variation over time and space, provides evolutionary insights on the evolution and speciation of three closely related vespine species (V. tropica, V. soror, and V. mandarinia), with the speciation events associated with the expansion of the distribution to the north.
Modelling of the mechanical behaviour of heavily over-consolidated bagasse

A better understanding of the behaviour of prepared cane and bagasse, and the ability to model the mechanical behaviour of bagasse as it is squeezed in a milling unit to extract juice, would help identify how to improve the current process, for example to reduce final bagasse moisture. Previous investigations have proven that juice flow through bagasse obeys Darcy’s permeability law, that the grip of the rough surface of the grooves on the bagasse can be represented by the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion for soils, and that the internal mechanical behaviour of the bagasse is critical state behaviour similar to that for sand and clay. Current Finite Element Models (FEM) available in commercial software have adequate permeability models. However, no commercially available software seems to contain an adequate mechanical model for bagasse. The same software contains a few material models for soil and other materials, while the coding of hundreds of developed models for soil and other materials remains confidential at universities and government research centres. Progress has been made in the last ten years towards implementing a mechanical model for bagasse in finite element software code. This paper builds on that progress and carries out a further step towards obtaining an adequate material model. The fifth and final loading condition outlined previously, shearing of heavily over-consolidated bagasse, is outlined.
ESTIMATION OF SALT-SOLUTIONED CAVERN GEOMETRY FROM SUBSIDENCE TROUGH CONFIGURATIONS UNDER SUPER-CRITICAL CONDITION

งานวจยนไดดำเนนการทดสอบดวยแบบจำลองทางกายภาพเพอศกษาการทรดตวของผวดนทมผลกระทบของขนาดและรปรางของโพรงเกลอทเกดจากการละลายบรเวณรอยตอระหวางชนเกลอหนและชนดนปดทบดานบน ทรายละเอยดขนาด 2 มลลเมตร ไดนำมาใชเพอจำลองชนดนปดทบ การทรดตวสงสดและความกวางของการทรดตวถกวดดวยเลเซอรสแกนเนอรใน 3 มต และไดทำการจำลองโดยใชระเบยบวธเชงตวเลขดวยโปรแกรม PFC เพอนำผลมาเปรยบเทยบกบผลการจำลองทางกายภาพ และสรางความสมพนธกบรปรางของโพรงเกลอภายใตความเคนยดตดและมมเสยดทานของชนดนปดทบในระดบตางกน ผลงานวจยระบวาความลกและความกวางของการทรดตวของผวดนมคาเพมขนเมอโพรงละลายเกลอมความกวางและความสงมากขน ภายใตความสงของโพรงทเทากน การทรดตวสงสดมคาลดลงเพยงเลกนอยเมอชนหนปดทบมความหนามากขน ผลจากการจำลองทางคอมพวเตอรมความสอดคลองกบผลทไดจากแบบจำลองทางกายภาพเปนอยางด ชดของสมการเชงประจกษถกพฒนาขนเพออธบายผลการทดสอบและผลทไดจากการจำลองดวยคอมพวเตอร ซงสมการดงกลาวสามารถนำมาใชประเมนความสงและความกวางของโพรงละลายเกลอโดยใชขอมลจากรปทรงของการทรดตวบนผวดนและคณสมบตเชงกลศาสตรของชนหนปดทบ
Exploring the Interplay of Motivation, International Posture, and Online Informal English Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study

Engagement with online media among learners is closely linked to language proficiency and cultural comprehension, offering a platform for enhancing English language skills. This has given rise to the field of online informal learning of English (OILE), with numerous studies exploring learners’ habits in this domain and indicating positive impacts on language proficiency. However, disparities in OILE engagement exist among learners, with individual factors like motivation and attitude playing a role. Recent research has affirmed the positive correlation between learners’ motivation, global outlook, and their involvement in informal learning. Yet, the connection between motivation and OILE remains insufficiently explored. This mixed-methods study, conducted with female university students in Saudi Arabia, utilized a questionnaire (n = 550) and subsequent semi-structured interviews (n = 19) to scrutinize students’ motivations, International Posture (IP), and frequency of OILE use within the framework of the L2 Motivational Self System. The investigation aimed to elucidate how students’ motivation and global outlook influence their OILE practices. Results indicated that participants were moderate OILE users with a relatively restricted global outlook, displaying diverse levels of motivation. Moreover, participants’ engagement with OILE was notably shaped by their Ideal L2 selves and IP. The findings propose that participants perceived OILE as a means to connect with the international English-speaking community. Pedagogically, the study advocates for educating learners about the potential advantages of OILE use and emphasizes the need for institutions in this context to cultivate learners’ International Posture.
Studies the effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on growth and bulb yield in Polianthes tuberosa at field experiment in Tumkur district, Karnataka

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L. Amaryllidaceae) is a native of Maxico, it is essentially a florist’s flower and leading commercial crop because of its multipurpose uses as cut flower, loose flower as well as its potential in perfume industry. Tuberose flowers are considered to be diuretic and emetic. Dried tuberose bulbs in the powdered form are also used as a remedy for gonorrhea. The flower spike is used as a cut flower in vases, Abstract : A field experiment was conducted to find out the effects of different levels of pant spacing and fertilizer dose on growth and bulb yield in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). The experiment consisted of twelve treatment combinations, comprising of three different plant spacing (S 1 45x30 cm, S 2 -30 x 30 cm and S 3 30 x 15 cm), four levels of fertilizers doses such as F 0 Only FYM (25t/ha), F 1 200:200:200 kg NPK/ha. + FYM (25t/ha), F 2 250:250:250 kg NPK/ha + FYM (25t/ha) and F 3 300:300:300 kg NPK/ha + FYM (25t/ha) with four replications and Factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The result of field experiments revealed that the significant difference on growth and bulb parameters as affected by different plant spacing and fertilizers levels. The plant spacing of 30 x 30 cm with fertilizers levels of 250:250:250 kg NPK/ha+ FYM (25t/ha) were found to be optimum for better growth and recorded significant maximum plant height (55.26cm), number of leaves per plant (115.74), number of side shoots per pant (22.64) and early sprouting of bulbs (10.85days) as compared to control (45x30 cm spacing with application of FYM 25 t/ha only) in interaction. Whereas, bulb parameters recorded significant increase in size of mother bulb (4.97cm), size of daughter bulbs (4.19cm), numbers of bulbs per plant (18.01), number of bulblets per plant (15.02) and clump weight (515.15 g) at 45x30cm spacing with fertilizer level 250:250:250 kg NPK/ha + FYM (25 t/ha) as compared to control. Cultivation of tuberose at 45x30 cm plant spacing with the application of fertilizer dosage at 250:250:250 kg NPK/ha + FYM (25 t/ha) can be recommended to obtain superior quality bulbs and bulblets.
Inhibition of Insulin-Regulated Aminopeptidase by Imidazo [1,5-α]pyridines—Synthesis and Evaluation

Inhibition of insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) has been shown to improve cognitive functions in several animal models. Recently, we performed a screening campaign of approximately 10,000 compounds, identifying novel small-molecule-based compounds acting as inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of IRAP. Here we report on the chemical synthesis, structure-activity relationships (SAR) and initial characterization of physicochemical properties of a series of 48 imidazo [1,5-α]pyridine-based inhibitors, including delineation of their mode of action as non-competitive inhibitors with a small L-leucine-based IRAP substrate. The best compound displays an IC50 value of 1.0 µM. We elucidate the importance of two chiral sites in these molecules and find they have little impact on the compound’s metabolic stability or physicochemical properties. The carbonyl group of a central urea moiety was initially believed to mimic substrate binding to a catalytically important Zn2+ ion in the active site, although the plausibility of this binding hypothesis is challenged by observation of excellent selectivity versus the closely related aminopeptidase N (APN). Taken together with the non-competitive inhibition pattern, we also consider an alternative model of allosteric binding.
The Effects Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Quality And Plant Growth: A Study For The North Carolina High Country

The use of biochar as a soil amendment is gaining traction, as a natural way to increase soil quality and also to mitigate climate change. The effects of biochar vary widely based on soil characteristics, plant species and feedstock characteristics. This study investigated the effects of biochar derived from High Country biomass on high country agricultural soil, and plants growing therein. Biochar from four feedstocks sourced from the North Carolina High Country, cane sorghum bagasse, Fraser fir, wood chips, and hog bone was used. The biochar was mixed with agricultural soil from a High Country farm and one of two nutrient solutions. The addition of biochar increased root mass and total mass in two biochar treatments and increased shoot mass and total mass in another. Three biochars increased soil P and K, and all increased soil water holding capacity. The independence of the biochar and nutrient effects was tested, and the effects were found to be dependent.