Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations in metabolic parameters of in vitro matured porcine oocytes after vitrification-warming

Background: As the porcine oocyte is the most sensitive to low-temperature damage, it has been difficult to cryopreserve compared to those from other domestic animals. However, at present, vitrification is used as a method for the cryopreservation of both oocytes and embryos in this species. Aim: Our aim was to analyze alterations in metabolic parameters in vitrified-warmed in vitro matured porcine oocytes at different post-warming recuperation times. In addition, metaphase II plate recovery time analysis, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were carried out to evaluate oocyte recovery capacity. Methods: Oocytes were vitrified-warmed and then incubated for 0, 3, or 21 hours post-warming to assess biochemical parameters. Results: Oocyte viability and morphology were not affected by vitrification-warming. Cytosolic oxidative status, active mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species levels presented changes at the different time points in control and vitrified-warmed oocytes (p < 0.05) as well as differences between both groups (p < 0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate levels remained constant throughout different recuperation times but were significantly lower in vitrified-warmed oocytes (p < 0.05). Metaphase II plate recovery occurred mostly between 3 and 4 hours post-warming, but the percentage of metaphase II was reduced by vitrification-warming. Sperm head decondensation and pronuclear formation capacities were not modified. Conclusion: In conclusion, vitrification-warming generates biochemical alterations in porcine oocytes that would be, in part, responsible for affecting their performance. Therefore, although the technique is a valid alternative for porcine oocyte cryopreservation, the protocols should be adapted to minimize those alterations.
Farmers’ perception of soil erosion and participation in soil and water conservation activities in the Gusha Temela watershed, Arsi, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Soil erosion has been the most chronic problem in the Ethiopian highlands. To reduce this problem, farmers’ genuine participation in soil and water conservation (SWC) and perception about soil erosion and managing using effective and sustainable SWC activities is paramount important. This research was conducted in the Gusha Temela watershed, Arsi, Ethiopia, aiming to investigate the perception and participation of farmers on soil erosion, SWC activities and factors affecting farmers’ decisions to participate in the SWC activities. Questioner survey, interview, focus group discussion and participant observation data collection tools were used. The collected data were analysed by descriptive statistics using SPSS version 17 software. It was found that farmers have perceived the existence of soil erosion problem on their farm land and had good motives to participate in SWC activities. The respondents noted that soil erosion, causes of soil erosion and decline in productivity were the major indicators of soil erosion. Majority of the respondents (76%) participated in conserving soil by their own interest. Large household sizes, adequate labour, old age, high degree of contact with development agents (DAs), willingness to adopt new SWC technologies and their income source have been the major influencing factors for participating in SWC activities. Extension services enhanced farmers’ confidence in SWC activities and encouraged them to take possible risks associated with the initiatives. This implies that initiatives should be supported by appropriate extension services. Farmers who are highly engaged in off-farm economic activities and their land source by rent showed less participation in SWC activities mainly because of the preoccupation to earn additional income for their livelihoods. Thus, appropriate incentive mechanisms should be implemented for those engaged in off-farm activities to compensate them for the time and labour they spent in SWC activities. It was also suggested that the land policy should address the tenure security, particularly for those who are working in sharecropping and rent arrangements.
Electroacupuncture for mild-to-moderate dry eye: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, single-blind, sham-controlled trial

Introduction Dry eye (DE) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease causing considerable medical, social and financial implications. Currently, there is no recognised long-term, effective treatment to alleviate DE. Clinical evidence shows that electroacupuncture (EA) can improve DE symptoms, tear secretion and tear film stability, but it remains controversial whether it is just a placebo effect. We aim to provide solid clinical evidence for the EA treatment of DE. Methods and analysis This is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. A total of 168 patients with DE will be enrolled and randomly assigned to EA or sham EA groups to receive 4-week consecutive treatments and follow-up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in the non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) from baseline to week 4. The secondary outcomes include tear meniscus height, the Schirmer I test, corneal and conjunctival sensation, the ocular surface disease index, corneal fluorescein staining, the numerical rating scale and the Chinese DE-related quality of life scale. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol and informed consent were approved by the Ethics Committee of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (identifier: 2021–119), Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center (identifier: 2022SQ003) and Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University (identifier: 2022014). Trial registration number NCT05552820.
Competition between encrusters on marine hard substrates and its fossil record

Many animals and plants that colonize hard surfaces in the sea are sessile and either bore into, or cement themselves permanently to the substrate surface. Because they retain their life positions after fossilization, these sclerobionts offer scope for studying biotic interactions in the fossil record. Encrusting sclerobionts compete actively for living space, with dominant competitors overgrowing the edges of subordinates. In addition to such marginal overgrowths, spatial competition may also occur through fouling in which larvae recruit directly onto the living surfaces of established sclerobionts. Spatial competition has been studied extensively in modern marine communities but there has been little research on competition between encrusters in ancient communities. This reflects poor knowledge of the taxonomy of the sclerobionts involved, as well as problems in distinguishing between overgrowth in vivo and post‐mortem. Nevertheless, if carefully interpreted, the fossil record of sclerobionts can provide an as yet largely unexploited resource for studying the long‐term ecological and evolutionary dynamics of competition.
Comportamiento histórico de los incendios forestales en la empresa forestal “Minas de Matahambre”, Pinar del Río, Cuba de 2002 a 2011

The forest fires are a global problem. In all cases, they occur and develop showing certain regularities, imposed mainly by weather, fuel and topography. To evaluate these regularities of spatial and temporal character helps to explain the phenomenon in order to plan their management in a given territory. In correspondence with the above mentioned the present paper aims at evaluating the historical fire behavior of the forest fires occurred from 2002 to 2011 in the Forest Enterprise Minas de Matahambre. To carry out this objective the database, which collects the fires occurred at the enterprise, was updated. Its data processing was carried out with the Integrated Management Database System for Forest Fires (SIMBDIF, in Spanish). In addition, it can be mentioned that in the same period 87 fires occurred and as a result affected a surface of 1,515.11 ha. The fire season was observed between the months of March and May. During the day the 58.62% of fires occurred between 14:00 and 17:00 hours. The main causes were the streak of lightning with the 62.07%, while the 47.08% of burned areas was caused by negligence. Most fires (72.41%) are grouped into the size class I and II (< 4.0 ha), indicating the good efficiency of the protection service.
Simulation of multipole acoustic logging in cracked porous formations

ABSTRACTRocks in the earth’s crust usually contain pores and cracks. We developed a cracked porous medium elastic wave theory by modifying Biot’s poroelastic wave theory to include the effects of cracks, adding the crack density and aspect ratio as two important parameters to the original theory. The new theory was applied to model multipole acoustic wave propagation along a borehole surrounded by a cracked porous formation. The modeling results showed that the multipole acoustic waveforms were significantly affected by the presence of cracks even when the formation had low permeability and porosity. Particularly, cracks can cause the monopole P- and Stoneley waves and the dipole flexural wave to have significant sensitivity to hydrocarbon saturation, suggesting use of the waveform characteristics for hydrocarbon detection in tight formations.
IV.—Some Specimens of Protoclepsydropsis and Clepsydropsis from the Calciferous Sandstone Series of Berwickshire

Synopsis Protoclepsydropsis kidstoni (Bertrand) Hirmer is a small fossil fern with a slender stem about 3 mm. diameter bearing petioles of a Clepsydropsis type in a ⅖ phyllotaxy. Larger isolated Clepsydropsis petioles from the same rocks probably belong to a larger related plant. In these the petiolar bundle is sometimes oval in cross section with protoxylem groups nearer one tangential surface. Occasionally roots are borne on these petioles. A resemblance to the petioles of Asterochlœna laxa Stenzel is pointed out.
Amphibole asbestos from Libby, Montana: Aspects of nomenclature

Abstract Richterite-asbestos and winchite-asbestos are not listed in the federal regulations governing asbestos. However, asbestiform winchite is found in the gangue at the Libby, Montana, vermiculite deposit, where asbestos-related diseases have been reported among the miners and millers. Changing amphibole nomenclature, uncertainties in Fe2+/Fe3+, and natural compositional variability result in samples of the asbestiform amphibole from Libby being variably classified as soda tremolite, richterite, sub-calcic actinolite, and winchite. A classification of winchite-asbestos is assigned for two samples of Libby asbestos analyzed for this report, consistent with the most recent International Mineralogical Association classification system. Although some of the unit-cell parameters and optical properties reported here are distinctive, others are very similar to the tremolite-actinolite series.
Sulfides and Sulfarsenides from the Rosie Nickel Prospect, Duketon Greenstone Belt, Western Australia*

Recent exploration in the Duketon greenstone belt, Yilgarn craton, Western Australia, led to the discovery of a new occurrence of high-grade Ni-PGE (platinum group element) sulfide mineralization associated with komatiite; this is referred to as the Rosie Ni Prospect. The mineralization consists predominantly of disseminated and brecciated semimassive to massive base metal sulfide with 0.5 to 5 cm thick sulfarsenide-bearing lenses. This pilot study focuses on the petrology, mineralogy, and trace element mineral chemistry of sulfides and sulfarsenides, and the mineralogy of minor PGE-rich minerals (sperrylite, melonite, and bismuthotel-lurides) in selected samples representing different parts of the orebody, with a particular emphasis on the sulfarsenide-rich lenses. Our mineral chemistry and mineralogical studies indicate that As-rich phases (either as a melt or as primary minerals) played a critical role in collecting and concentrating PGEs from the komatiitic magma. The concentrations of trace elements within the sulfarsenides and sulfides from the different mineralization types reflect the interaction between the silicate and sulfide liquids. The concentration of PGEs in the As-rich minerals is a function of the volume of sulfide melt with which they have interacted. The smaller the proportion of the sulfarsenide relative to sulfide in the rock is, the higher the PGE concentration in the sulfarsenide will be. In situ Se analysis of the base metal sulfides from the different ore types indicates that Se concentrations in pentlandite and pyrrhotite from sulfarsenide-rich lenses are an order of magnitude higher than those of sulfides found in As-poor samples. This correlation between the Se concentrations in the sulfide minerals and the As concentration in the whole rock indicates that the processes which led to As enrichment at Rosie also contributed to Se enrichment. The particular As-Se enrichment is inferred to have been triggered by the erosion and assimilation of sulfidic sediments enriched in organic matter (now observed as shales and/or black shales) by the komatiitic magma flows, leading to the formation of immiscible S-As-rich melt, where PGEs partition preferentially into the As-rich phases.
Growth and quality of apples as affected by different irrigation treatments

SummaryGranny Smith apple trees were irrigated at four levels of total available soil water (TAW)* in the soil, viz. 85%, 65%, 45% and 25%. The treatments were applied during each of four phenological phases of the trees for four years. Soil water potentials at the time of irrigation were – 19 kPa and – 1189 kPa, respectively, for the 85% and 25% TAW levels. Total irrigation amounts varied between 570 mm and 850 mm, the recommended amount being 600 mm of water. A significant linear increase in fruit circumference growth with an increase in TAW level was observed for phenological phases 2 and 3. The main part of total growth was completed during phase 2. The tendency for fruit growth to decrease over years was probably due to increased yield loads. Most shoot extension growth was completed during phase 1. More vigorous shoot growth took place during phase 2 for an 85% TAW level as compared to a 25% TAW level. Trunk growth was completed mainly at the end of phase 2 for the higher TAW levels (85% and 65%), b.
Dissolved inorganic nitrogen cycling in a river receiving wastewater: the response to changes in wastewater treatment effluent

iii Acknowledgements.vi List of Tables.xii List of Figures.xv CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION.1 Nitrogen . 1 Wastewater treatment plants as nutrients point sources.4 The Grand River watershed.5 Stable isotopes as environmental tracers.9 Thesis outline . 11 CHAPTER 2 -THE ROLE OF PERIPHYTON ON THE NITROGEN CYCLING DOWNSTREAM OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT . 14 INTRODUCTION . 12 MATERIAL AND METHODS . 16 In situ biomass estimation . 16 Growth of biomass in tiles.17 Chlorophyll estimation . 18 Description of the experiment . 18 Statistical analyses . 20 RESULTS . 21 Epilithon biomass estimates . 21 Ammonium uptake . 22 Nitrate uptake . 23 Changes in the total inorganic nitrogen . 24 The interaction of NO3 and NH4 . 25 Ammonium and nitrate uptake velocity . 26
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Chronic Total Occlusion of Coronary Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries constitutes a substantial clinical challenge and has historically been managed through medical management and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, with the advancement in interventional technology, the success rate of percutaneous treatment has been significantly improved, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as a primary mode of treatment for CTOs, demonstrating remarkable clinical efficacy. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate and contrast the outcomes of PCI and CABG in patients with CTO. Methods and Results A systematic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary endpoints evaluated in this meta-analysis were the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death, and the need for repeat revascularization. Nine studies, encompassing a total of 8,674 patients, were found to meet the criteria for inclusion and had a mean follow-up duration of 4.3 years. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that compared to CABG, PCI was associated with a lower incidence of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.92; P = 0.003) and cardiac death (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31–0.96; P < 0.05), but an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) (RR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.07–3.62; P < 0.05) and repeat revascularization (RR: 7.13; 95% CI: 5.69–8.94; P < 0.00001). There was no statistically significant difference in MACE (RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69–1.81; P = 0.66) between the PCI and CABG groups. Conclusion In the present meta-analysis comparing PCI and CABG in patients with chronic total occlusion of the coronary arteries, the results indicated that PCI was superior to CABG in reducing all-cause mortality and cardiac death but inferior in decreasing myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization. There was no statistically significant difference in MACE between the two groups.
THE IMPACT PF PERSONNEL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL ON PRODUCTIVITY IN ORGANISATIONS

: This research assesses the impact of personnel performance appraisal on productivity in organisation. It is geared towards examining the relationship between self-evaluation apparatus, behavioural checklists, degree of feedback mechanisms, and management by objectives and employees’ productivity of organisation. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The structured research questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 331employees and customers from various organisations. The organisations were chosen randomly within Birnin Kebbi metropolis. The research data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis result showed that there was a statistical difference on factors motivating different levels of management on employee loyalty and employee retention. When comparing Employee loyalty factors at low/middle level and at low/high level, the significant value is 0.001 while at middle /high level the significant level is 0.206. It further shows that comparing Employee retention factors at low/high level the significant value is 0.00, at middle/high level is 0.037 while low/middle is 0.066. These indicate that perception at different level varies and based on these findings it is recommended that management should take into consideration the motivating factors at different levels to enable them retain their employee and ensure their loyalty At the end of this work the researcher was able to conclude that personnel performance appraisal has significant impact on employee’s productivity through their self-evaluation, behavioural checklist mechanisms, degree of feedbacks and management by objectives mechanisms. It is also concluded that this can lead to improve employee’s performance, motivate and fairly used for reward system in
A MACHINE-LEARNING APPROACH TO CHANGE DETECTION USING MULTI-SCALE IMAGERY

The USDA Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are collaborating on a statewide change detection program to identify landcover change across all ownerships within five-year time periods. This program uses Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite imagery to derive landcover change and aid in assessing its cause. Landscape changes are initially detected using a multi-temporal Kauth-Thomas transform. Unsupervised classification of the transformed imagery creates a preliminary landscape-level change map portraying change classes with multiple levels of vegetation increase, decrease, and no change. Using a stratified random sampling scheme, this preliminary change map facilitates selection of field sites for collecting vegetation canopy cover measurements. Ground truth for the classifier is obtained by estimating canopy cover change over the 5-year timeframe using color-IR digital photos, digital orthophoto quads, and aerial photography. Canopy cover estimates from the second date of photography are calibrated using transect measurements of canopy cover from a sample of field sites. Attributes such as species and vegetative cover are also noted. A machine learning classifier approach is then employed. The classifier uses an inductive learning algorithm to generate production rules from training data, including the transformed change data and other ancillary data layers. The resultant knowledge base is then used by an expert classifier to produce classes of crown closure change. Approximately half of the field sites are reserved for accuracy assessment.
Comparative Study on Student’s Critical Thinking Ability using POGIL, PBL, and TCL Models

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether or not there were differences in the learning model between Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), Problem Based Learning (PBL), and Teacher-Centered Learning (TCL) with the application of HOTS questions in their learning on students' critical thinking skills. This study used a quasi-experimental research design with the static group pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique used the cluster random sampling technique. The population of this research is the students of class XI MIPA SMA Negeri Gondangrejo in the academic year 2021/2022. The results showed that there were differences in students' critical thinking skills in the POGIL and PBL learning models with conventional learning, all three of which used the application of HOTS questions in their learning. This is based on the significant value of the One-Way ANOVA test, a significance value of <0.05 is obtained, which is 0.000, which means that H0 was rejected. Then, based on the calculation of the N-gain score for each POGIL, PBL, and TCL learning model, the results obtained are 0.71 in the high category; 0.54 in the medium category; and 0.39 in the medium category. However, based on the results of the Post Hoc-Scheefe test between the POGIL and PBL learning models, a significance value of > 0.05 was obtained, which was 0.098, so it could be concluded that there was no significant difference between the POGIL and PBL learning models on critical thinking skills. Therefore, both POGIL and PBL learning models can help improve students' critical thinking skills. The average critical thinking ability in the POGIL experimental class, PBL experimental class, and control class after treatment was 69.44%, 68.54%, and 59.72%.
The effects of environmental parameters on diffuse degassing at Stromboli volcano : 31 insights from joint monitoring of soil CO 2 flux and radon activity

42 Soil CO2 flux and 222 Rn activity measurements may positively contribute to the geochemical 43 monitoring of active volcanoes. The influence of several environmental parameters on the gas 44 signals has been substantially demonstrated. Therefore, the implementation of tools capable of 45 removing (or minimizing) the contribution of the atmospheric effects from the acquired 46 timeseries is a challenge in volcano surveillance. Here, we present four years-long continuous 47 monitoring (from April 2007 to September 2011) of radon activity and soil CO2 flux collected on 48 the NE flank of Stromboli volcano. Both gases record higher emissions during fall-winter (up to 49 2700 Bq*m -3 for radon and 750 g m -2 day -1 for CO2) than during spring-summer seasons. Short50 time variations on 222 Rn activity are modulated by changes in soil humidity (rainfall), and 51 changes in soil CO2 flux that may be ascribed to variations in wind speed and direction. The 52 spectral analyses reveal diurnal and semi-diurnal cycles on both gases, outlining that atmospheric 53 variations are capable to modify the gas release rate from the soil. The long-term soil CO2 flux 54