Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Measurement of Kidney Dimensions in Premature Neonates

Background Ultrasonography is a non-invasive and accurate diagnostic method to evaluate urinary system and its anomalies in the neonates. Kidney sonographic measurement can be used as an alternative method to estimate gestational age. The aim of this study was to measure kidney size in preterm neonates and to provide a guide reference for gestational age. Materials and Methods: Four hundred kidneys (in both sides) of 200 preterm neonates born with gestational age less than 37 weeks were evaluated in the present cross sectional study. Newborns with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), asphyxia, high grade hydronephrosis, single kidney, polycystic kidney, duplex kidney, dysplastic kidney and hydroureteronephrosis were excluded. Ultrasound investigations were performed in supine and lateral decubitus positions. Birth weight, gestational age, height and sex were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: The mean gestational age of patients was 33.8±2.2 weeks. Mean kidney length, width, and thickness were 38.8±3.8 mm, 18.9±2.6 mm, and 21.3±2.6 mm, respectively. In addition, the kidney volume was 84037±2533.4 mm3. Mean diameter of the kidney and its volume were significantly higher in male neonates (p <0.05). Kidneys length and volume had a strong correlation with neonatal birth weight (r =0.608, p <0.001, r =0.663, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion A significant positive correlation was observed between renal dimensions and birth weight, gestational age, and height of patients. The results of this study showed that the trend of kidney growth can be used as a reference guide for gestational age in premature neonates.
COVID-19 Control by Computer Vision Approaches: A Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an urgent call to contribute to the fight against an immense threat to the human population. Computer Vision, as a subfield of artificial intelligence, has enjoyed recent success in solving various complex problems in health care and has the potential to contribute to the fight of controlling COVID-19. In response to this call, computer vision researchers are putting their knowledge base at test to devise effective ways to counter COVID-19 challenge and serve the global community. New contributions are being shared with every passing day. It motivated us to review the recent work, collect information about available research resources, and an indication of future research directions. We want to make it possible for computer vision researchers to find existing and future research directions. This survey article presents a preliminary review of the literature on research community efforts against COVID-19 pandemic.
Salicylic acid ameliorates salinity tolerance in maize by regulation of phytohormones and osmolytes

Salinity is one of the most widespread stresses responsible for water and soil pollution across the globe. Salicylic acid (SA) has a major role in defence responses against various abiotic stresses. In the current study, SA (0.05 mmol) influences were evaluated in mitigation of the negative impact of salinity (40 and 80 mmol NaCl) in the maize plant. NaCl stress-induced significant accumulation of organic osmolytes (total soluble sugars (TSS), total soluble protein (TSP), and proline) by 35.6, 66.2, and 89.2%, respectively, with 80 mmol NaCl. In addition, salinity is also responsible for the elevated accumulation of inorganic osmolytes (Na+ and Na+/K+ ratio) by 202.4% and 398.8%, respectively, and for the reduction in the K+ and Ca2+ levels by 48.6% and 58.9%, respectively, with 80 mmol NaCl. Moreover, salinity stress reduced phytohormones (indoleacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3)) by 48.8% and 59.8%, respectively, with 80 mmol NaCl; however, abscisic acid (ABA) was increased by 340.5% with 80 mmol NaCl. Otherwise, SA application caused an additional enhancement in TSS, TSP, proline, K+, Ca2+, IAA, and GA3 contents but decreased the Na+, Na+/K+ ratio, and ABA to an appreciable level. In conclusion, SA pre-soaking mitigates the negative impact of NaCl toxicity in maize through the regulation of phytochromes and various organic and inorganic osmolytes, which may ameliorate salinity tolerance in maize.
An Empirical Time Series Econometric Study of the J-curve Effect of Exchange Rate in Trade Balance between China and the US

Background and Aims: With the tensed relationship between China and the US, investigating the trade relationship between the two big countries has received more attention than before. This paper is just towards that direction to empirically examine the relationship between China’s real effective exchange rate (REER) and trade balance with the US in both the long-run and short-run, which may exhibit the J-curve effect – currency depreciation deteriorates trade balance in the shortrun but promotes trade balance in the long-run – in China’s international trade with the US. Data and Methodology: Quarterly data on China’s REER, trade balance and gross domestic product (GDP, for income) and the US GDP from 2001 to 2017 are retrieved from relevant official websites for the current study. Unit-root test is first conducted on each modeling variable and its first difference to examine the stationarity of the variables. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach with error-correction modeling (ECM) cointegration is then adopted to test the popular hypothesis of J-curve effect using the available quarterly data. Results and Conclusion: The modeling results reject the J-curve effect in the short-run but show a long-lasting positive effect of Chinese yuan’s depreciation in China’s trade balance with the US. Original Research Article Wu; JEMT, 26(6): 35-46, 2020; Article no.JEMT. 60630 36 Also, the US GDP has a positive and much stronger effect than Chinese GDP on China’s trade balance. As such, it is suggested that China should maintain a good relationship with the US and a stable exchange rate for long-run trade balance and economic growth at an appropriate level or rate.
Seasonal Activity and Reproductive Patterns of Five Species of Sonoran Desert Rodents

Activity patterns of five species of Sonoran Desert rodents (Dipodomys merriami, Perognathus amplus, P. intermedius, P. baileyi and Peromyscus eremicus) were closely related to temperature fluctua- tions, the heaviest species being most affected by high temperatures. There was a direct correlation between low ambient temperature, body weight and inactivity, with the lightest rodent, P. amplus, being the least active in the winter. D. merriami had two reproductive peaks (June and October) during the year. The three species of Perognathus reproduced only in the early summer. Young Peromyscus eremicus were consistently trapped through the summer and autumn.
Multimedia Validity of Android-Based Interactive Learning in Mutation, DNA Repair and Recombination Materials for Higher Education

Genetics is a field of study that studies genetic material. Overall genetic material is abstract, the process that occurs can not be directly seen by the eye and difficult to imagine. The students' need for media in helping the learning process has become very important, especially for abstract material that can be visualized. Including genetic material, especially mutations, DNA repair and recombination. The use of technology is very rapid at this time, one of which is android-based smartphone is expected to be used as a learning aid so that learning can be effective and fun for students. One of the stages that must be carried out in research development is to validate multimedia interactive learning based on Android. Research with the development carried out using the Plomp model. The validation stage is carried out to find out whether this multimedia is suitable for use by students. This stage was carried out by 4 experts who will validate android-based interactive learning multimedia on the aspects of construct, graphics, material and language with the research instruments used in the form of multimedia validation sheets which then produce validation score data. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the multimedia-based interactive learning multimedia on mutation DNA repair and recombination material for higher education is valid for use with an average percentage of validation obtained at 83.59% with very valid criteria.
Structure of microbial communities in phosphorus-limited estuaries along the eastern Adriatic coast

The structure of the microbial food web was studied in six estuary areas along the eastern Adriatic coast during March, July and October 2012. Limitation by phosphorus, not nitrogen, was a common feature for all studied estuaries. Heterotrophic bacteria and autotrophic picoplankton (APP) (particularly picoeukaryotes and Synechococcus) can reach notable abundances and biomasses, suggesting potential importance of the picoplankton community in P-limited estuarine environments. The main features of the microbial community structure in these environments included: (1) higher heterotrophic biomass in comparison to autotrophic biomass within the picoplankton community; (2) general domination of picoeukaryotes within the APP community, and increase of absolute and relative biomass of prokaryotic autotrophs (Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus) in the total APP in P-limited conditions; (3) domination of Synechococcus over Prochlorococcus biomass in all studied conditions, and common spatial distribution of these two groups of cyanobacteria, which was mostly determined by concentration of phosphorus; (4) relatively high contribution (about 50%) of LNA bacteria in the total bacterial abundance; and (5) relatively high contribution (about 33%) of heterotrophic pico-flagellates in the total flagellate abundance.
Characteristics of concrete with waste glass as fine aggregate replacement

This paper systematically investigates the characteristics of concrete containing fine crushed glass during its process, the best ratio of fine crushed glass which leads to higher strength of concrete in order to produce concrete blocks, and the effect of waste glass replacement on the expansion caused by Alkali-silica reaction (ASR). The slump, unit weight, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dry density, water absorption and Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) were analyzed in terms of waste glass content (0%, 5%, 15% and 20%) under different curing age of 7, 14 and 28 days. It was found that the slump of concrete containing waste glass as fine aggregate replacement decreased with increases in the waste glass content but without loss of workability. The compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength of concrete with 20% waste glass content increased by 5.28 %, 18.38% and 8.92% respectively at 28 days. The mixes with waste glass replacement showed a denser internal concrete structure or more consistent structure under ultrasonic pulse velocity assessment. There was a clear decrease in the water absorption with an increase of waste glass aggregate ratio, and a clear reduction in the expansion of the waste glass concrete, showing an alkali–silica reaction in concrete which occurred between the active silica of waste glass and alkali of cement paste.
Effects of HDAC inhibitors on spatial memory and memory extinction in SPS-induced PTSD rats

Background and purpose: Neurobiological changes in memory processes seem to play a role in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Memory itself is influenced by PTSD, too. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAIs) have shown promising results in the extinction of fear-related memories in animals and hence they seem to be important for the treatment of PTSD. Data are scarce about the effect of HDAIs in spatial memory formation/extinction in PTSD models. The main goal of the present work is to find the effect of sodium butyrate (NaBu), as an HDAI, on spatial memory and spatial memory extinction in rats exposed to single prolonged stress procedure (SPS). Experimental approach: Different doses of NaBu were administered subcutaneously for 7 days in different groups of rats after SPS procedure. Learning, memory, and extinction of memory were evaluated in the Morris water maze test of spatial memory in 6 consecutive days. Findings / Results: The results show that NaBu (0.5 mg/kg) alleviates impaired learning and memory in SPS rats. It also facilitates the extinction of newly formed memory in the animals. Conclusion and implications: Our data suggest that the administration of HDAIs after a traumatic experience can prevent the aversive effects of SPS on spatial memory. It also reinforces the notion that extinction of spatial memory involves the same or similar brain circuitry that is involved in the extinction of fear memories in PTSD patients.
Isolation, identification and antibiogram of Pasteurella multocida isolated from apparently healthy rabbits in Al-Bayda, Libya

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Pasteurella multocida in upper respiratory tract (nasal cavities) of apparently healthy rabbits. Twenty adult and young rabbits were sampled, using sterile cotton swabs for sample collection from the nasal cavities of test animals. Swabs were put into nutrient broth and incubated at 37° C for 24 hrs. nasal swabs from 14 of the 40 samples rabbits (35%) showed visible growth suggestive of P. multocida, eleven (78.6%) of the isolates were males, and three isolates (21.4%) were females, whereas 26 samples (65%) were negative. Presumptive identification of the isolates was performed according to conventional bacteriological methods of gross colonial morphology, Gram staining reaction, microscopic characteristics and biochemical tests. Results achieved in this study indicate that P. multocida is harbored in the upper respiratory tract of nearly third of the rabbit population in the laboratory animal unit of the faculty of veterinary Medicine, Omer AlMuktar university. Antimicrobial sensitivity of P. multocida isolated were tested against seven antibacterial antibiotics. 100% of the isolates were found to be sensitivity to Neomycin and 71.4% were sensitivity to Tetracycline; Erythromycin and Streptomycin should sensitivity of 50% and 14.3%, respectively. One of the hand all isolates found to be resistant to Ofloxacin, Amoxicillin and Cephalexin.
Effect of Adding Broccoli Leaves (Brassica oleracea L.) Extract to Drinking Water on Eggs Production and Intestinal Microflora of Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica Temmink & Schlegel, 1849

This study was carried out to determine the effects of adding broccoli leaves extract to drinking water on eggs production and intestinal microflora (total bacteria, lactobacilli and Escherichia coli) of breeder Japanese quails. One hundred and thirty-two 45 days-old of Japanese quails (males and females) were randomly distributed into four groups. Each group has three replicates. The groups were included: The first group was kept without any addition as the control. The extraction of broccoli leaves as 100, 200 and 300 mg. l-. 1 were added to bird's drinking water of the second, third and fourth groups respectively. The results showed a significant improvement in eggs production (HD %), accumulative eggs per 30 days and eggs mass in the third and fourth groups compared to the other groups. While, no significant differences were shown in the feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and eggs weight among groups. Caecal and duodenum E. coli showed a significant decrease in third and fourth groups compared to the others. However, duodenum lactobacilli increased significantly in the fourth group compared to other groups. It was also showed no significant differences in the total duodenum bacteria among studied groups. While, the total caecal bacteria decrease significantly in the third group compared to other groups. Based on the presented results can be concluded that alcoholic extract of broccoli leaves at levels 200 and 300 mg. l-1 could enhance productive characteristics (eggs production HD %, accumulative eggs per 30 days and eggs mass). On the other hand, it increased duodenum lactobacilli and decreased caecal and duodenal E. coli population of breeder Japanese quails.
Quality Evaluation of Cookies Produced from Wheat, Sorghum and Defatted Coconut Flour Blends

The use of wheat, sorghum and defatted coconut flour blends in the production of whole meal cookies was investigated with the aim of encouraging the use of sorghum and coconut flour in producing value-added products. Enriched cookies were produced from the blends of wheat flour (WF) and sorghum flour (SF) in varying proportions of 100:0, 90:5, 85:10, 80:15, 75:20, 70:25, 65:30, 60:35 with 5% of defatted coconut flour (CF) added to each sample and were labelled AMUS, BMUS, CMUS, DMUS, EMUS, FMUS, GMUS, HMUS respectively. Cookies with 100% wheat flour (AMUS) served as a reference sample. The proximate, physical, mineral and sensory properties of the cookies samples were examined using standard laboratory procedures. The proximate results of the cookies showed that protein, ash, fat, crudefibre, moisture and Carbohydrate ranged from (9.18–12.25%), (0.88–1.15%), (9.59–11.19%), (2.77–3.74%), (7.10– 10.89%) and (64.20–66.71%) respectively. The physical characteristics of the cookies; weight Original Research Article Alebiosu et al.; AFSJ, 17(3): 11-21, 2020; Article no.AFSJ. 58163 12 (9.69–18.20 g), diameter (272.0–333.0 mm), thickness (7.72–11.40 mm), spread ratio (23.87– 41.09) differed significantly (p < 0.05). However, the sensory results showed that the cookies varied in colour (6.85–7.80), taste (6.90–8.15), aroma (7.10–7.75), crispness (6.65–7.75) and overall acceptability (7.25–8.45). The reference sample had the highest sensory scores for all the attributes except for aroma and crispiness, while cookies with 15% sorghum flour (SF) and 5% defatted coconut flour (CF) incorporation had highest score for crispness and 30% sorghum had highest score for aroma respectively. Based on the parameters evaluated 15% sorghum flour and 5% defatted coconut flour incorporation could be utilized for cookies production owing to its baking potential abilities. However, the high protein, ash and fibre contents of the cookies made with sorghum and defatted coconut flour substitution is very important as this could make a great contribution to the nutrient intake by consumers.
Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness of Health Care Workers Towards COVID-19 Preventive Measure in a Tertiary Health Institution in North Eastern Part of Nigeria

Covid-19 outbreak has been a great public health challenge to the world where government in various countries has made drastic effort to mitigate the outbreak of the pandemic “COVID-19” by imposing lockdown, movement control. Adherence to control measure is affected by their knowledge, attitude and willingness towards covid-19 preventive measure. In this study, to assess the knowledge, attitude and willingness towards covid-19 preventive measure among the healthcare workers in a tertiary health institution in North Eastern part of Nigeria. Method: A descriptive cross sectional survey was performed in a tertiary health institution in North Eastern part of Nigeria between May and July 2020. Data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire, which was subjected to a pilot study for validation of the main study. Summated scores were used to grade respondents who are healthcare workers on their knowledge, attitude and willingness towards covid-19 preventive measures. Data were presented in using descriptive analysis and inferential status was used to test for the association between various characteristics and their knowledge, attitude and willingness of healthcare workers toward covid-19 preventive measures. Result: The result showed that (37.5%) of the 127 respondent has good knowledge on covid-19 and (93.6%) has positive attitude and willingness toward covid-19 preventive measure. It was further revealed that there was a statistical significant association between occupation out of all the demographic variables and the knowledge, attitude and willingness toward covid-19 preventive measure. Conclusion: Most of the healthcare workers had good knowledge, attitude and willingness toward covid-19 preventive measure. Additional educative interventive strategies are to be adopted by the hospital/health ministry for health workers to improve their knowledge on communicable disease.
A prospective observational study: combined irrigation of bupivacaine at the gallbladder fossa with infiltration at port site for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a well-established procedure for gallbladder disease. Pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with multiple factors: somatic, visceral, and phrenic nerve irritation. Effective analgesic support should, therefore, be a multimodal approach following laparoscopic surgery for better patient compliance.Methods: A prospective, randomized observational study was undertaken at a tertiary research center for a period of two years (2018-2020). 160 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were chosen and randomized using a computer program into 2 groups. No infiltration was given in the control population. The study group was irrigated with a 0.5% bupivacaine solution (20cc in 30 ml normal saline). Results: The bupivacaine group required fewer analgesics in comparison to the control faction, with less pain at 6 hrs. The timing of oral intake and ambulation were comparable in both factions.Conclusions: Combined bupivacaine use led to a considerable decrease in postoperative pain thereby leading to decreased analgesic use.
Effects of pre-flowering soil moisture deficits on dry matter production and ecophysiological characteristics in soybean plants under drought conditions during grain filling

Summer crop plants grown in rain-fed fields suffer from drought during a hot and relatively dry summer after the rainy season called "Baiu" in Japan. Since crop plants might develop vigorous shoots with poorly developed root systems during the rainy season, they might suffer from water deficits in the summer, even when soil moisture depletes on the surface of the soil. In order to confirm this, the effects of pre-flowering soil moisture deficits on dry matter production and ecophysiological characteristics thereafter were investigated in soybean plants. Under deficient soil moisture conditions after flowering, higher dry matter production and higher grain yield were attained in the plants grown under deficient soil moisture before flowering (D-plot) than in the plants grown under sufficient soil moisture (W-plot). Large net assimilation rate (NAR) was responsible for high dry matter production in the plants of the D-plot. High NAR in the plants of the D-plot resulted from (1) a root system that was well developed in deep soil layers, (2) their capacity to absorb much soil water, especially in deep soil layers, (3) maintenance of a high leaf water potential and, therefore, a high photosynthetic rate during daytime and (4) a delay in the decrease in photosynthetic rate due to senescence. It was concluded that improved cultivation for developing root systems, such as drainage in the rainy season, as well as irrigation in midsummer, will be important in the cultivation of field summer crop plants in Japan.