Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of selected soil properties, soil management practices and socio‐economic variables on relative weed density in a hand hoe‐based conservation agriculture system

Weeds are problematic to the smallholder farmers, who practise conservation agriculture (CA) in sub‐Saharan Africa, owing to an apparent lack of appropriate weed management strategies. We investigated weed dynamics under the planting basin (PB) system (hand hoe‐based CA) to assist the design of appropriate weed management options. On‐farm experiments were conducted under semi‐arid conditions in Zimbabwe to determine the effects of 11 selected soil properties, four socio‐economic variables and two soil management practices on relative weed density. Weed counts were made according to species at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after crop emergence. Multivariate ordination techniques and a quadratic model, developed with partial least squares, showed that Richardia scabra increased with sand content in the soil. Density of R. scabra and Melinis repens also increased with topsoil potassium content. When ranked according to importance, relative weed density was most dependent on sand content followed by topsoil potassium, nitrate, clay and silt content, and training related to crop production. Soil physico‐chemical properties, therefore, had greater influence on relative weed density than socio‐economic variables and soil management practices. We concluded that variability in weed density under the PB system was not necessarily determined by tillage alone, but was also a consequence of soil properties and to a lesser extent of socio‐economic variables and soil management practices. Understanding soil properties and management practices, which determine weed variability, helps in the design of general weed management recommendations that can be used by smallholders, most of whom do not have access to field‐specific advice.
Effect of Organic Waste Addition into Animal Manure on Biogas Production Using Anaerobic Digestion Method

One biomass form with a high potential to replace fossil fuels is biogas. Biogas yield production depends on the raw material or substrate used. This research was aimed to investigate a biogas production technique using an anaerobic digestion process based on a substrate mixture of a starter, cow dung, chicken manure, tofu liquid waste, and cabbage waste. The anaerobic digestion is a promised process to reduce waste while it is also producing renewable energy. Moreover, the process can digest high nutrients in the waste. The anaerobic digestion results showed that the combination producing the highest biogas amount was 200 mg starter mixed with a ratio of 70% cow dung, 15% chicken manure, and 15% tofu liquid waste. The larger the amount of cabbage waste, the lower the biogas production. The quadratic regression analysis was obtained for the variable with the highest yield and the estimated kinetic parameters based on the Gompertz equations revealed that the value of P∞ = 2,795.142 mL/gr.Ts, Rm = 113, 983.777 mL/gr.Ts, and t = 10.2 days. The results also concluded that the use of tofu liquid waste produced more biogas than cabbage waste. This study also successfully showed significant development in terms of the amount of biogas produced by adding organic waste to animal manure as the substrate used.
Refractive index sensing using ultrasonically crushed polymer optical fibers

We demonstrate power-based refractive index (RI) sensing using an ultrasonically crushed polymer optical fiber (POF). This structure can be easily and cost-effectively fabricated within a short time (i.e., ∼1 s) without the need to employ external heat sources or chemicals. The only requirement is to simply press a horn connected to an ultrasonic transducer against part of the POF. The RI dependence of the transmitted power shows linear trends in RI ranges of ∼1.32 to ∼1.36 [coefficient: −62 dB/RIU (RI unit)] and ∼1.40 to ∼1.44 (coefficient: −257 dB/RIU). The temperature dependence of the transmitted power is also investigated.
Ag(I) complexes of benzimidazol-2-ylidene ligands: a study of catalytic efficiency towards three-component coupling reactions

The $N$-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)--Ag(I) complexes 3a-c were synthesized from benzimidazolium chlorides (2a-c = NHC.HCl), incorporating benzyl derivatives and a 2-methoxyethyl group (a: $^{3}$N = 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl; b: $^{3}$N = 2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzyl; c: $^{3}$N = pentamethylbenzyl). The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The synthesized NHC-Ag(I) complexes (3a-c) were tested as catalysts for the catalytic three-component coupling reaction of aldehyde, alkyne, and amine to propargylamines in various solvents. All complexes were active catalysts for catalytic three-component coupling reactions with good yields under neat and mild conditions (after 4 h, yields of up to 94%).
The 2020 Eruption and Large Lateral Dike Emplacement at Taal Volcano, Philippines: Insights From Satellite Radar Data

On January 12, 2020, Taal volcano, Philippines, erupted after 43 years of repose, affecting more than 500,000 people. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data, we present the pre‐ to post‐eruption analyses of the deformation of Taal. We find that: (1) prior to eruption, the volcano experienced long‐term deflation followed by short‐term inflation, reflecting the depressurization‐pressurization of its ∼5 km depth magma reservoir; (2) during the eruption, the magma reservoir lost a volume of 0.531 ± 0.004 km3 while a 0.643 ± 0.001 km3 lateral dike was emplaced; and (3) post‐eruption analyses reveal that the magma reservoir started recovery approximately 3 weeks after the main eruptive phase. We propose a conceptual analysis explaining the eruption and address why, despite the large volume of magma emplaced, the dike remained at depth. We also report the unique and significant contribution of InSAR data during the peak of the crisis.
Local Landscape Position Impacts Demographic Rates in a Widespread North American Steppe Bunchgrass

[this article now published at Ecosphere: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3351] Understanding the environmental drivers of demographic rates and population dynamics over space and time is critical for anticipating how species will respond to climate change. While the influence of temporal environmental variation and large environmental gradients are well recognized, less is known about how local topography and landscape position influence demography over small spatial scales. Here, we investigate how local landscape position (north- vs. south-facing aspects) influence the demographic rates and population growth of a common bunchgrass in western North America, bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), using 6 annual censuses measuring growth, survival, and reproductive output. We found notably lower survival on south facing slopes, particularly among smaller individuals. In contrast, south-facing slopes maintained comparatively high reproductive output in most years, measured both as spikes per plant and spikelets per spike. When we combined these data in demographic models, we found that lower survival among small individuals and greater reliance on reproduction mean south-facing slopes would generally have to maintain higher recruitment for a stable population. Our results highlight the important influence that landscape position and local topography can have in driving population trends. As conditions warm and dry with climate change (north-faces becoming similar to current south-facing slope conditions), bluebunch wheatgrass may become more reliant on reproduction to maintain viable populations and more sensitive to variability in recruitment.
Influence of planting date and bulb size on yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) seed production

Abstract Constraints are reported for the low productivity and quality of onion seed production in Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Kobo sub-center research station and Libso investment farm to study the influence of planting date and onion bulb size on yield and quality of onion seed. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and involved three levels of onion bulb sizes and four levels of planting dates. The results of the study revealed that significant interactions between planting date and mother bulb size on seed yield ton ha-1, germination percentage, seed vigor index I and seed vigor index II. The highest seed yield (2.8 tons ha−1) was recorded from large onion bulbs of a size planted at Kobo early—October. Planted onion bulbs early-October increased seed yield (ton ha−1 by 21.7%) than planted early-November. Regarding onion bulb size, large bulbs increased seed yield (ton ha−1 by 40%) than the small bulbs. The highest (97.3) germination percentage was recorded from large onion bulbs planted at Kobo in early-October. Therefore, for the production of better yield and quality of onion seeds, early-October planting and large onion bulbs (4.1–5 cm) can be recommended in the study areas and other similar agro-ecology areas of the country.
Intermediate Aerosol Loading Enhances Photosynthetic Activity of Croplands

Aerosols can affect crop photosynthesis by altering radiation and meteorological conditions. By combining field observations, mechanistic modeling, and satellite‐retrieved solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), we assessed aerosols' impacts on crop photosynthesis from leaf to regional scale. We found that the initial increase in aerosol optical depth (AOD) enhanced photosynthesis of sun leaves, shade leaves, and canopy, which reached their maximum at AOD = 0.76, 1.13, and 0.93, respectively, and then decreased. Aerosol‐induced changes in radiation regime and the concurrent high relative humidity led to such nonlinear responses. Similarly, the SIF of croplands in the North China Plain (NCP) also showed a bell‐shaped response to aerosols. The optimal AOD level at which SIF reached the maximum value varied from 0.56 to 1.04, depending on the background meteorological conditions. Approximately 76%–90% of the NCP exceeded the optimal AOD level, suggesting that stringent aerosol pollution control could promote cropland productivity in this region.
Blood calcium as a prognostic indicator of success after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

Graphical Abstract Summary: Subclinical hypocalcemia is a prevalent disease of postpartum dairy cows and is associated with an increased risk of left displaced abomasum (LDA). No work has investigated the association of total calcium (tCa) concentration at the time of LDA correction with subsequent milk yield and herd survival; therefore, our objective was to determine these associations in the 60 d after correction. Immediately following LDA diagnosis and before surgical correction, blood samples were collected from 152 cows within the first 30 d in milk for serum tCa determination. The association of tCa with milk yield and herd removal was analyzed controlling for parity, days in milk at LDA surgical correction, and herd or practitioner. We found no evidence to support an association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis with subsequent milk yield or the odds of herd removal during the 8 wk after correction. However, tCa concentrations were low to extremely low in cows with LDA.
Reflection of Down Syndrome Children on Cartoons: Cases of ‘My Brother Ozi’ and ‘Punky’

In several shows prepared for children and adults in the media, the representation of “individuals with special needs” can ensure that other members of the society empathize with disability and the characteristics of disabled people, and make it easier that prejudices are replaced by social acceptance through gaining information. Finding a place frequently used in children’s literature, children’s reality satisfies the curiosity and experience-gaining demands of children about the cases they encounter for the first time using various examples, and helps them internalize the information and experience they gain. Children’s shows and cartoons have an effective power in influencing the viewpoint of children as target group for disabled people within the framework of “children’s reality” by means of the representation of children with special needs who are socially disadvantaged. In this context, the purpose of this study is to evaluate and examine in terms of various factors the social representation style of main characters with Down Syndrome represented in “My Brother Ozi” and “Punky” cartoons broadcasted on local children television channels and internet sites where cartoons for children can be found. 51 episodes of both cartoons (26 and 25) were viewed in the framework of the study and findings were analyzed using “document analysis” method which is a qualitative research method.
Geochemistry and Zircon U‐Pb Dates of Felsic‐Intermediate Members of the Late Cretaceous Yüksekova Arc Basin: Constraints on the Evolution of the Bitlis–Zagros Branch of Neotethys (Elazığ, E Turkey)

During the Late Cretaceous in the Eastern Mediterranean, the northern branch of the southern Neotethys was closed by multiple northward subductions. Of these, the most northerly located subduction created the Baskil continental arc at around 82–84 Ma. The more southerly and intra‐oceanic subduction, on the other hand, produced an arc‐basin system, the Yüksekova Complex, as early as the late Cenomanian–early Turonian. The abundant and relatively well‐studied basaltic rocks of this complex were intruded by dykes, sills and small stocks of felsic–intermediate rocks, not previously studied in detail. The intrusives collected from five different localities in the Elazığ region of eastern Turkey are all subalkaline, with low Nb/Y values. Most of them have been chemically classified as rhyodacites/dacites, whereas a small number appear to be andesites. In normal mid‐ocean‐ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐normalised plots, the intrusives are characterised by relative enrichments in Th and La over Nb, Zr, Hf, Ti and high field strength elements (HREEs), indicating their derivation from a subduction‐modified source. While their relatively high, positive εNd(i) values (+6.4 and +7.2) might suggest a depleted mantle source for their ultimate origin, somewhat radiogenic Pb values indicate a sedimentary contribution to the source of the rocks. The overall geochemical characteristics indicate their generation in an oceanic arc setting. The zircon U‐Pb Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) data obtained from five felsic‐intermediate rock samples yielded intrusion dates of 80–88 Ma. This suggests that the Elazığ oceanic arc‐related intrusives are slightly younger than those of the Yüksekova arc‐basin system, but coeval with the Baskil continental arc. However, the felsic–intermediate intrusives show different geochemical characteristics (oceanic arc‐type, with a lack of crustal contamination) to those of the Baskil continental arc. This indicates that these two igneous systems are unrelated and likely developed in different tectonic settings. This, in turn, supports a geodynamic model in which the northern strand of the southern Neotethys was consumed by multiple northward subductions.
Phytochemical analysis of four herbal seed extract and their use in poultry ration

Hydroalcoholic extract from four herbal seeds namely, thyme (Thymus vulgaris), fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ), Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum ) and fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum graecum ) were prepared using soxhlet apparatus and concentrated under reduced pr essure in a rotary evaporator. The hydroalcoholic extract of above sel ected seeds were analysed for comparative studies on presence of var ious phyto-constituents . The qualitative phyto-chemical analysis of above fo ur seed extracts revealed the presence of tannin, phenol, steroids, terpenoids, amino acids, glycosides and cardiac glycosides. Saponins and fla vonoids are present in all seed extracts except cumin, while hydrolysable tannins are present only in cumin. Volatile oils are present in thyme and fe nugreek seed extract. The above extracts were subjected for the measurement o f total phenolic content (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteu method using gallic acid s tandard and the results revealed the presence of total phenol content of 0. 577mg gallic acid equivalent per gm dry weight of thyme extract, 0.52 8mg per gm dry weight of cumin extract, 1.563mg per gm dry weight fenugreek extract, 1.463mg per gm dry weight of fennel extract. It can be conc luded that these phytobiotics can be used as a feed additive in poul try ration.
Single phase based study of Ag-Cu/EO Williamson hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching surface with shape factor

Hybrid nanofluids is the suspension of two different types of nanoparticles in the base fluid. This enhances the heat transfer capabilities of the ordinary fluids and prove to better heat exponent as compare to the nanofluids. In this research, we investigate the nanofluid for its flow and heat transport features by subjecting it to a slippery surface. The fluid motion disturbance is achieved by with the utilization of non-linear, uniform horizontal porous stretching of the surface with in a Darcy type porous media. The effect of nanoparticle shapes, porous medium, variable thermal conductivity and thermal radiation are also included in this analysis. A numerical method, Keller box is used to find the self-similar solution of equations. Two different types of nanoparticles, Copper(Cu) and Silver(Ag) with non-Newtonian Engine Oil (EO) based fluid have been taken into consideration for our analysis. The valuable finding of this study is that the comparative heat transfer rate of Williamson hybrid nanofluids (Ag − Cu/EO) gradually more increases as compared to conventional nanofluids (Cu − EO). Moreover, Lamina-shaped particles result in the most significant temperature in the boundary layer, while the lowest temperature is observed in spherical-shaped nanoparticles. Finally entropy of the system exaggerates with the incorporation of nanoparticle percentage by volume, thermal radiation, variable thermal conductivity and Williamson variable.
How do university students of different ethnic backgrounds perceive factors that hinder learning in STEM and non-STEM majors?

ABSTRACT This study explores university students’ perceptions of factors that hinder student learning with particular attention to students’ discipline (STEM vs non-STEM) and ethnicity. A sample of 1684 university students in New Zealand participated in this study. Students’ responses to an open-ended question were first inductively coded and then quantitatively analyzed using Chi-square independence test and logistic regression. The findings identified several situational, dispositional, and institutional factors that hinder student learning, among them financial difficulties and work commitments, health, and family issues were more dominant. These factors are perceived differently by students of different disciplines and ethnicities. For instance, Asian students were less likely to refer to financial difficulties and work commitments compared to the other ethnicities, whereas Pasifika and then Māori students perceived family issues more than other ethnic groups. STEM major students were more likely to believe the teaching quality restricts their learning than their non-STEM counterparts. The study findings have several educational and well-being implications for diverse bodies of students in tertiary education.
Pattern of Use Unlicensed Medication in Pediatrics: A Retrospective Study at Major Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: Unlicensed medication use (off label use) is common in pediatrics practice. There are more than 75% of drugs which approved for using in adults, data of efficacy and safety in pediatric population is not completely available, and missed data might be due to some reasons mainly ethical consideration. Our study aimed to assess practicing of using of unlicensed medication in pediatrics at major tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Original Research Article Alolayan et al.; JPRI, 33(19A): 61-68, 2021; Article no.JPRI. 66684 62 Methods: A retrospective review of pediatrics prescriptions that were prescribed as unlicensed medication use by collection of all unlicensed use forms that known as form B which approved by pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) committee at Prince Sultan Military Medical city (PSMMC). Data collection stared from January 2018 until the end of 2020. Children up to 14 years of age and administered at least one medication were eligible to participate in the study. Results: The total collected off label prescriptions (both in and out patients) was 128 from January 2018 till end of 2020. Prescription for females were 39.84% while their male counterparts were 60.16%. Ophthalmology, Oncology and both Otorhinolaryngology and general pediatrics were the most frequent specialties prescribed unlicensed medications by 34.38%, 19.53% and 8.59% respectively. Overall, unlicensed medicine use was highest (33.6%) for products belong to monoclonal antibodies class. Surgical intervention was the commonest indication for using unlicensed medication (35.94%) followed by infectious diseases treatment (14.06%). Represented as the cumulative off-label frequency percentage, the most common reason of off-label use was by indication (35.94%), frequency (33.18%), Dose (19.82%), while for the route was almost (11.06%). The highest frequency of off label prescriptions according to pharmacological class split by gender and age category showed significance level of 0.045 in males and 0.001 in infants respectively. Conclusion: Class variability of unlicensed medications in this study, sought us to confirm that physician using this therapeutic option yet ethically, but in a disorganized manner. Thus, prescribing unlicensed drugs specifically in pediatric needs to be better validated by current and new evidence. The findings of this study call for further research across the kingdom to start off label legislation process under SFDA authority. Current off-label dosage amounts pose concerns about drug safety exceptionally in children.
Device simulation of lead-free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite solar cells with high efficiency*

The lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn a great deal of research interest due to the Pb toxicity of the lead halide perovskite. CH3NH3SnI3 is a viable alternative to CH3NH3PbX3, because it has a narrower band gap of 1.3 eV and a wider visible absorption spectrum than the lead halide perovskite. The progress of fabricating tin iodide PSCs with good stability has stimulated the studies of these CH3NH3SnI3 based cells greatly. In the paper, we study the influences of various parameters on the solar cell performance through theoretical analysis and device simulation. It is found in the simulation that the solar cell performance can be improved to some extent by adjusting the doping concentration of the perovskite absorption layer and the electron affinity of the buffer and HTM, while the reduction of the defect density of the perovskite absorption layer significantly improves the cell performance. By further optimizing the parameters of the doping concentration (1.3× 1016 cm−3) and the defect density (1× 1015 cm−3) of perovskite absorption layer, and the electron affinity of buffer (4.0 eV) and HTM (2.6 eV), we finally obtain some encouraging results of the J sc of 31.59 mA/cm2, V oc of 0.92 V, FF of 79.99%, and PCE of 23.36%. The results show that the lead-free CH3NH3SnI3 PSC is a potential environmentally friendly solar cell with high efficiency. Improving the Sn2 + stability and reducing the defect density of CH3NH3SnI3 are key issues for the future research, which can be solved by improving the fabrication and encapsulation process of the cell.