Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organic Mulching- A Water Saving Technique to Increase the Production of Fruits and Vegetables

In the present situation of globalization and health awareness demand of the virtuous horticultural crops has increased worldwide. The increasing demand for the fruits and vegetables and market competition has forced the farmers to produce more and high-quality fruits and vegetables for sustaining in the international market. Use of organic mulching is one of the suitable methods which could help the horticultural growers to increase the production with good quality of produce. Looking to the water scarcity and the challenges that arise due to climate change, adoption of organic mulching at large scale by the Indian farmers would help the farmers to overcome several problems considering the advantages of organic mulching. From the findings of the several studies shown that mulching with organic materials increases the soil nutrients, maintains the optimum soil temperature, restricts the rate of evaporation from the soil surface, restricts the weed growth and prevents the soil erosion. It also helps to improve the soil health. Organic mulches are cheap materials; therefore, the cost of mulching is also economical. In this paper, an attempt has been made to overview on the various types of mulching, mulching techniques, benefits and limitations of mulching. Article History Received: 15 March 2017 Accepted: 20 October 2017
The Role of Patriarchy in Family Settings and its Implications to Girls and Women in South Africa

ABSTRACT This study aims at empowering women to take control over their sexuality in order to change the unrelenting poverty cycle among girls and women in South Africa. Qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty-five (35) participants from Tshikhudini area in Thulamela Municipality. The study used both primary and secondary data collection methods. At the core of the debates on the system of patriarchy are notions that perpetuate women’s suppression around the world and outdated practices that suggest that a woman’s role in the family is subordinate to that of a man. It was found that due to patriarchy women were controlled even in the reproductive process. It was revealed that women were not allowed to use contraceptives due to the belief that it makes men feel sick after sleeping with them. Findings revealed that the role of patriarchy deprived women from advancing educationally. Therefore, this study calls for redress so that women would be empowered; in addition to seeking to promote gender equality.
A Robust Docking Strategy for a Mobile Robot using Flow Field Divergence

We present a robust strategy for docking a mobile robot in close proximity with an upright surface using optical flow field divergence. Unlike previous approaches, we achieve this without the need for explicit segmentation of the surface in the image, and using complete optical estimation (i.e. no affine models) in the control loop. A simple proportional control law is used to regulate the vehicle's velocity, using only the raw, unfiltered flow divergence as input. Central to the robustness of our approach is the derivation of a time-to-contact estimator that accounts for small rotations of the robot during ego-motion. We present both analytical and experimental results showing that through tracking of the focus of expansion to a looming surface, we may compensate for such rotations, thereby significantly improving the robustness of the time-to-contact estimate. This is demonstrated using an off-board natural image sequence, and in closed-loop control of a mobile robot
Coupled ocean‐atmosphere loss of marine refractory dissolved organic carbon

The oceans hold a massive quantity of organic carbon, nearly all of which is dissolved and more than 95% is refractory, cycling through the oceans several times before complete removal. The vast reservoir of refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC) is a critical component of the global carbon cycle that is relevant to our understanding of fundamental marine biogeochemical processes and the role of the oceans in climate change with respect to long‐term storage and sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Here we show that RDOC includes surface‐active organic matter that can be incorporated into primary marine aerosol produced by bursting bubbles at the sea surface. We propose that this process will deliver RDOC from the sea surface to the atmosphere wherein its photochemical oxidation corresponds to a potentially important and hitherto unknown removal mechanism for marine RDOC.
Simple yet effective methods for cross-lingual link discovery ( CLLD )-KMI @ NTCIR-10 CrossLink-2 Conference or Workshop Item

Cross-Lingual Link Discovery (CLLD) aims to automatically find links between documents written in different languages. In this paper, we first present a relatively simple yet effective methods for CLLD in Wiki collections, explaining the findings that motivated their design. Our methods (team KMI) achieved in the NTCIR-10 CrossLink-2 evaluation the best overall results in the English to Chinese, Japanese and Korean (E2CJK) task and were the top performers in the Chinese, Japanese, Korean to English task (CJK2E) [Tang et al.,2013]. Though tested on these language combinations, the methods are language agnostic and can be easily applied to any other language combination with sufficient corpora and available pre-processing tools. In the second part of the paper, we provide an in-depth analysis of the nature of the task, the evaluation metrics and the impact of the system components on the overall CLLD performance. We believe a good understanding of these aspects is the key to improving CLLD systems in the future.
Automatic Verb Classi(cid:12)cation Using Multilingual Resources

We propose the use of multilingual corpora in the automatic classi(cid:12)cation of verbs. We extend the work of (Merlo and Stevenson, 2001), in which statistics over simple syntactic features extracted from textual corpora were used to train an automatic classi(cid:12)er for three lexical semantic classes of English verbs. We hypothesize that some lexical semantic features that are di(cid:14)cult to detect super(cid:12)cially in English may manifest themselves as easily extractable surface syntactic features in another language. Our experimental results combining English and Chinese features show that a small bilingual corpus may provide a useful alternative to using a large monolingual corpus for verb classi(cid:12)cation.
Expression Patterns and Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Drought Tolerance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Conferred by Transcription Factor Gene GmNAC19

NAC transcription factors are commonly involved in the plant response to drought stress. A transcriptome analysis of root samples of the soybean variety ‘Jiyu47’ under drought stress revealed the evidently up-regulated expression of GmNAC19, consistent with the expression pattern revealed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The overexpression of GmNAC19 enhanced drought tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1. The seed germination percentage and root growth of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana were improved in comparison with those of the wild type, while the transgenic soybean composite line showed improved chlorophyll content. The altered contents of physiological and biochemical indices (i.e., soluble protein, soluble sugar, proline, and malondialdehyde) related to drought stress and the activities of three antioxidant enzymes (i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) revealed enhanced drought tolerance in both transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean. The expressions of three genes (i.e., P5CS, OAT, and P5CR) involved in proline synthesis were decreased in the transgenic soybean hairy roots, while the expression of ProDH involved in the breakdown of proline was increased. This study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance enhanced by GmNAC19 via regulation of the contents of soluble protein and soluble sugar and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, providing a candidate gene for the molecular breeding of drought-tolerant crop plants.
The Role of Cannabidiol in Liver Disease: A Systemic Review

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid abundant in Cannabis sativa, has gained considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. It exhibits the potential to prevent or slow the progression of various diseases, ranging from malignant tumors and viral infections to neurodegenerative disorders and ischemic diseases. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis stand as prominent causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic liver diseases globally. The literature has substantiated CBD’s potential therapeutic effects across diverse liver diseases in in vivo and in vitro models. However, the precise mechanism of action remains elusive, and an absence of evidence hinders its translation into clinical practice. This comprehensive review emphasizes the wealth of data linking CBD to liver diseases. Importantly, we delve into a detailed discussion of the receptors through which CBD might exert its effects, including cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and their intricate connections with liver diseases. In conclusion, we address new questions that warrant further investigation in this evolving field.
Long-Term Functional Limitations on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Emotion-Triggered Takotsubo Syndrome

Background: In patients with prior Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), long-lasting functional cardiac limitations were described as compared with normal subjects. Emotion-triggered Takotsubo syndrome (E-TTS) has more favorable outcomes than TTS preceded by a physical trigger or by no identifiable factors. The aim of the present study was to assess long-term cardiac functional limitations in a cohort of asymptomatic E-TTS patients. Methods: We enrolled n = 40 asymptomatic patients with a diagnosis of E-TTS. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) were performed at 30 (12–40) months median follow-up from the acute event. A cohort of n = 40 individuals matched for age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities served as control. Results: Despite recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction, patients with prior E-TTS had lower peak VO2 and percentage of predicted peak VO2 (17.8 ± 3.6 vs. 22.1 ± 6.5; p < 0.001 and 75.2 ± 14.1% vs. 100.6 ± 17.1%, p < 0.001), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (AT) (11.5 [10.1–12.9] vs. 14.4 [12.5–18.7]; p < 0.001), peak O2 pulse (9.8 ± 2.5 vs. 12.9 ± 3.5; p < 0.001) and higher VE/VCO2 slope (30.5 ± 3.7 vs. 27.3 ± 3.5; p < 0.001) compared with matched controls. We found no statistically significant differences in heart rate reserve (HRR), respiratory equivalent ratio (RER), mean blood pressure and peak PetCO2 between patients and controls. Conclusions: Despite its favorable outcome, patients with E-TTS in our population were found to have subclinical long-term functional cardiac limitations as compared with a control cohort.
Evolution géodynamique des bassins albo-santoniens du sud-ouest du fossé de la Bénoué (Nigéria) : apports à la connaissance du domaine équatorial de l'Atlantique Sud

La serie sedimentaire albo-coniacienne du sw du fosse de la benoue est constituee de six formations definies sur la base de donnees de biostratigraphie et de sedimentologie fines. On montre l'existence de deux cycles de sedimentation majeurs. Le premier a l'albien est caracterise par la dynamique gravitaire de mise en place de slumps et de turbidites. La subsidence rapide localisee dans le bassin profond se ralentit au cenomanien inferieur avec l'apparition de facies de comblement par ailleurs synchrones d'une regression eustatique. Le deuxieme cycle sedimentaire du cenomanien superieur au coniacien correspond a l'evolution d'une plate-forme sedimentaire affectee d'une subsidence differentielle. Niveaux condenses, tempestites, et tidalites accompagnent la montee eustatique du cretace superieur lors de la double invasion marine convergente dans le fosse de la benoue, tethysienne (trans-saharienne) et sud-atlantique
Current Status and Future Prospects of Stem Cell Therapy for Infertile Patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure, signifies the partial or complete loss of ovarian endocrine function and fertility before 40 years of age. This condition affects approximately 1% of women of childbearing age. Although 5–10% of patients may conceive naturally, conventional infertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technology, often prove ineffective for the majority. For infertile patients with POI, oocyte donation or adoption exist, although a prevalent desire persists among them to have biological children. Stem cells, which are characterized by their undifferentiated nature, self-renewal capability, and potential to differentiate into various cell types, have emerged as promising avenues for treating POI. Stem cell therapy can potentially reverse the diminished ovarian endocrine function and restore fertility. Beyond direct POI therapy, stem cells show promise in supplementary applications such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation and tissue engineering. However, technological and ethical challenges hinder the widespread clinical application of stem cells. This review examines the current landscape of stem cell therapy for POI, underscoring the importance of comprehensive assessments that acknowledge the diversity of cell types and functions. Additionally, this review scrutinizes the limitations and prospects associated with the clinical implementation of stem cell treatments for POI.
Improvement in the Stability and Enzymatic Activity of Pleurotus sapidus Lipoxygenase Dissolved in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs)

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) can serve as solvents for enzymes, are biodegradable, and have low toxicities. Eight NADESs with different hydrogen bond acceptors and donors were tested to improve the stability and activity of a lipoxygenase from Basidiomycete Pleurotus sapidus (LOXPSA). Betaine:sorbitol:water (1:1:3, BSorbW) and betaine:ethylene glycol (1:3, BEtGly) had the best impact on the peroxidation of linoleic acid and the side reaction of piperine to the vanilla-like scented compound piperonal. The yield of piperonal in NADESs increased by 43% in BSorbW and 40% in BEtGly compared to the control. The addition of BSorbW also enhanced the enzyme’s stability at various temperatures and increased its activity during incubation at 60 °C. The demonstrated improvement in lipoxygenase activity and stability indicates versatile applications in industry, expanding the potential uses of the enzyme.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Nosocomial Infections in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been increasingly used as a valid option to improve the prognosis and reduce the symptoms of end-stage heart failure. However, long-term complications, mostly infections and coagulation disorders, are frequent. We described the epidemiology and risk factors for nosocomial infections (NIs) in a cohort of adult patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implant between January 2010 and December 2017 in Turin, Italy. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and mortality. Results: Overall, 64 LVADs were implanted. A total of 32 (50%) patients experienced at least one episode of NI, with a total of 46 infectious events. VAD-related infections occurred in 22 patients (68.8%). Non VAD-related NIs occurred in 12 patients (37.5%), mainly low respiratory tract infections. Length of intensive care unit admission was a risk factor for NI (OR 1.224, 95%CI; 1.049, 1.429). Gram-negative bacilli were responsible for 58.8% of VAD-related infections and 79.5% of non-VAD related infections. In sixteen patients (50%), at least one episode of infection was related to an MDR strain. INTERMACS class and length of MV were independent risk factors for NIs by MDR strains (respectively, OR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.08, 6.80; p = 0.02 and OR 1.46, 95%CI: 1.07, 5.52, p = 0.047). In-hospital mortality was 6.3%. No differences in mortality were observed between infected and non-infected patients (p = 0.61) even when caused by MDR strains (p = 0.143). Conclusion: the rate of nosocomial infections in LVAD patients is associated with the length of ICU admission, and the etiology of nosocomial infection after LVAD implant is mainly due to GNB, including a high rate of MDR strains, especially KPC-KP and MDR PA.
Cardiac Arrest After Adenosine Administration in Compensatory Tachycardia: A Case Report

Compensatory tachycardia, an increased heart rate responding to stressors, requires careful consideration in treatment. This case report outlines a scenario where emergency medical services (EMS) misinterpreted a patient’s electrocardiogram (EKG) as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and administered adenosine, resulting in sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the rarity of deaths post-adenosine, this case highlights the potential risks of its use in inappropriate clinical scenarios. The patient, later diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, had a compensatory heart rate that was disrupted after adenosine administration. While adenosine remains a safe and effective treatment for PSVT, this case report serves as a warning to EMS systems about the risks associated with its increased misuse, especially given the trends of prehospital EKG misinterpretation.
Aggregate Shocks and Enrollment Rates over a Decade in Malawi

In this paper we report the impact of shocks of different nature and their impact on child schooling. The study is based on Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) project, which provide information on seven different types of shocks and along with information on schooling of boys and girls from 2008 to 2019. We found that all shocks climatic nature or otherwise have negative effect on child enrollment except in case of damage to the house substitution effect dominate and we found evidence that girls of 7–12 years of age and boys in 13–17 years of age cohort have positive correlation with this specific shock. We also found that frequency of two shocks i.e., poor crop yield and price shock have significantly deceased as compared to other types of shocks over last 10 years. However, unemployment, business failure, divorces and damages to houses remain quite persistent over last decade. Study support suggest the social protection programs for children to address the vulnerabilities faced by households of rural Malawi.
Lower fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography maximum standardized uptake value may show a better response to stereotactic body radiotherapy of adrenals in oligometastatic disease

Introduction Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is well established for oligometastatic disease, and it is increasingly used to treat adrenal metastases. Material and methods In this retrospective study we performed an analysis of 75 metastatic adrenal lesions in 64 patients with oligometastatic disease. According to the fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of adrenal metastases, patients were categorized into three groups: low, intermediate, and high SUVmax. Results For all clinicopathological characteristics we found significant relationships for levels of SUVmax and objective response rate (Kendall Tau-c = 0.290; p = 0.017). Patients who responded to SBRT had a significantly lower SUVmax value than those who did not respond (7.6 ±2.4 vs. 9.7 ±3.8; p = 0.015). At the appropriate SUVmax cut-off values, the biomarker distinguished between patients with and without a response significantly and moderately (area under the curve = 0.670, 95% confidence intervals: 0.540–0.790; p = 0.015). Conclusions Lower SUVmax is associated with a better response to SBRT in patients whose disease progressed mainly in the adrenal glands.
Pulsed Hyperoxia Acts on Plasmatic Advanced Glycation End Products and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Modulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Pilot Study on the “Normobaric Oxygen Paradox”

The “normobaric oxygen paradox” (NOP) describes the response to the return to normoxia after a hyperoxic event, sensed by tissues as an oxygen shortage, up-regulating redox-sensitive transcription factors. We have previously characterized the time trend of oxygen-sensitive transcription factors in human PBMCs, in which the return to normoxia after 30% oxygen is sensed as a hypoxic trigger, characterized by hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1) activation. On the contrary, 100% and 140% oxygen induce a shift toward an oxidative stress response, characterized by NRF2 and NF-kB activation in the first 24 h post exposure. Herein, we investigate whether this paradigm triggers Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPPs) as circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress. Secondly, we studied if mitochondrial biogenesis was involved to link the cellular response to oxidative stress in human PBMCs. Our results show that AGEs and AOPPs increase in a different manner according to oxygen dose. Mitochondrial levels of peroxiredoxin (PRX3) supported the cellular response to oxidative stress and increased at 24 h after mild hyperoxia, MH (30% O2), and high hyperoxia, HH (100% O2), while during very high hyperoxia, VHH (140% O2), the activation was significantly high only at 3 h after oxygen exposure. Mitochondrial biogenesis was activated through nuclear translocation of PGC-1α in all the experimental conditions. However, the consequent release of nuclear Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM) was observed only after MH exposure. Conversely, HH and VHH are associated with a progressive loss of NOP response in the ability to induce TFAM expression despite a nuclear translocation of PGC-1α also occurring in these conditions. This study confirms that pulsed high oxygen treatment elicits specific cellular responses, according to its partial pressure and time of administration, and further emphasizes the importance of targeting the use of oxygen to activate specific effects on the whole organism.