Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Product Innovation as a Predictor of Organizational Performance among Micro Finance Banks in Mombasa County, Kenya

: The microfinance industry in Kenya is rapidly expanding and has established itself as an important subsector of the official financial market. The performance of microfinance banks, however, has declined, according to the Central Bank of Kenya study. The purpose of this paper was to determine how product innovation influences microfinance bank performance in Mombasa County, Kenya. The explanatory research design was utilized. Thirteen microfinance banks in Mombasa County were the study's target population. Five managers from each organization's sales, finance, planning, logistics, and information technology departments were the target respondents. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that product innovation had a positive and significant influence on microfinance bank performance (β= 0.647, p<0.05). The study concluded that product innovation significantly contributes towards the performance of microfinance banks. The recommendations were that microfinance banks’ management should review policies relating to product innovation. In particular, the following aspects of product innovation should be strengthened: diversification, quality improvement and technical specification.
Improved period of a slowly rotating cool magnetic CP star HD188 041

The ephemeris of variations of the cool magnetic CP star HD188041 was newly determined using all photometric, magnetic and spectroscopic observations available. The improved period P=(223.826+-0.040)d is common for all type of variations observed, the other ever mentioned periods were definitely eliminated. The origin of phase counting M0 = 2,444,981.8+-0.6 was put in the center of v light minimum. The effective magnetic field maximum lies at the phase 0.002+-0.019. The slightly asymmetric curve of Gd II line intensity has its maximum at -0.031+-0.012.
Three-dimensional printing in maxillofacial surgery: A quantum leap in future

Although application of three-dimensional (3D) printing in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) was first reported almost 30 years back, reduction in its manufacturing cost and availability of affordable 3D printing devices have popularized its use over the past few years. The 3D-printed objects include anatomical models, occlusal splints, drilling, or cutting guides and patient-specific implants (custom made plates and reconstruction devices). The anatomical model not only assists the surgeon in better understanding of the deformity or pathology but also aids in explaining the same to the patient and relatives. Mock surgery carried out on these models improve precision and thereby reduce the operating time. The guiding splints provide an exact design and fit for the graft, thus replicating form and function of the jawbone. The patient specific implants manufactured through computer-assisted designing help in superior replication of original anatomical form. This paper intends to highlight the current applications of 3D printing in field of maxillofacial surgery in the management of facial deformity, esthetic disturbances, and jaw pathologies. Cases of condylar hyperplasia, jaw tumor, facial asymmetry secondary to joint deformity, apertognathia, and chin augmentation managed with the application of 3D printing have been described in this paper. It also discusses the history, techniques, advantages, limitations, and future scope of 3D printing technology in OMFS.
“Risk assessment for periodontal disease associated tooth loss among rural and urban population of 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65-74 years age groups of Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India: An epidemiological study

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the risk for periodontal disease-associated tooth loss among rural and urban population of Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 1200 urban and rural adults (632 males and 568 females) aged 35–74 years. Data were collected, followed by clinical examination for missing teeth. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc test, Chi-square test, and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean number of periodontal disease-associated tooth loss in the study population was 4.2 ± 7.4. A significant association was found between the place of residence and tooth loss (3.5 ± 6.8 urban; 4.7 ± 7.8 rural), with rural adults showing greater tooth loss compared to urban adults (P < 0.01). Tooth loss increased significantly with age, ranging from mean number of 1.2 teeth in 35–44 years old to 11.5 teeth among 65–74 years old (P < 0.001). Gender showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) in tooth loss between males (4.7 ± 7.7) and females (3.6 ± 6.9). A significant association for tooth loss was also found with respect to the level of education and socioeconomic status (P < 0.001). A decrease in the mean number of missing teeth with increasing education and better socioeconomic status was observed, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The insights gained illustrate that tooth loss was 57% in rural and urban Barabanki district population, and the significant risks identified were age, illiterate, marital status, and low socioeconomic status.
A study on predictors of nomophobia among undergraduate medical students of a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute in Kolkata, West Bengal

Background and Objectives: Undergraduate medical students are more prone to develop stress, anxiety, and depression; and COVID-19 is an additional source of pressure for them. The present study was conducted with the objectives to estimate the proportion of nomophobia among undergraduate medical students of a tertiary care teaching institute in Kolkata and to find the factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: An observational study, cross-sectional in design, was conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute in Kolkata among 395 undergraduate medical students for a period of 8 weeks. Nomophobia Questionnaire scale was used to measure nomophobia. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 25.0. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was performed to find the predictors of moderate and severe nomophobia. Results: All the medical students had some degree of nomophobia. About 26.8% of them had severe nomophobia, 61.3% had moderate nomophobia, and 11.9% had mild nomophobia. Age up to 20 years and the presence of addiction had statistically significant higher odds of severe nomophobia. Age up to 20 years, the presence of addiction, and up to 6 h' time spent per day with smart phone had significantly higher odds of moderate nomophobia. Conclusion: There was a high proportion of nomophobia among young budding doctors. Those who have already got moderate nomophobia should use smart phones more wisely and judiciously and avoid downloading addictive applications.
Mathematical models in biology

Part I. Discrete Process in Biology: 1. The theory of linear difference equations applied to population growth 2. Nonlinear difference equations 3. Applications of nonlinear difference equations to population biology Part II. Continuous Processes and Ordinary Differential Equations: 4. An introduction to continuous models 5. Phase-plane methods and qualitative solutions 6. Applications of continuous models to population dynamics 7. Models for molecular events 8. Limit cycles, oscillations, and excitable systems Part III. Spatially Distributed Systems and Partial Differential Equation Models: 9. An introduction to partial differential equations and diffusion in biological settings 10. Partial differential equation models in biology 11. Models for development and pattern formation in biological systems Selected answers Author index Subject index.
Hexagonal vs Circular Cell Shape: A Comparative Analysis and Evaluation of the Two Popular Modeling Approximations

Recent years have witnessed an explosion in wireless communications. In the last decades, the development of wireless communication systems and networks is taking us from a world where communications were mostly carried over PSTN, packet-switched and high speed LAN networks to one where the wireless transmission dominates. Nowadays, high data rates carry multimedia communications, real-time services for delay-sensitive applications are added and networks are asked to deal with a traffic mix of voice, data and video. Next generation mobile systems will further include a variety of heterogeneous access technologies, support multimedia applications and provide end-to-end IP connectivity (Bolton et al., 2007; Xylomenos et al., 2008; Demestichas et al., 2010). Undoubtedly, new possibilities are created for both telcos and users and important design and traffic issues emerge. This revolution has spurred scientists toward the development of reliable and computationally efficient models for evaluating the performance of wireless networks. A crucial parameter in the modeling of a cellular communication system is the shape of the cells. In real life, cells are irregular and complex shapes influenced by terrain features and artificial structures. However, for the sake of conceptual and computational simplicity, we often adopt approximate approaches for their design and modeling. In the published literature, cells are usually assumed hexagons or circles. The hexagonal approximation is frequently employed in planning and analysis of wireless networks due to its flexibility and convenience (Jan et al., 2004; Goldsmith, 2005; Pirinen, 2006; Chan & Liew, 2007; Hoymann et al., 2007; Baltzis, 2008, 2010a; Choi & You, 2008; Dou et al., 2008; Xiao et al., 2008; Baltzis & Sahalos, 2010). However, since this geometry is only an idealization of the irregular cell shape, simpler models are often used. In particular, the circular–cell approximation is very popular due to its low computational complexity (Petrus et al., 1998; Baltzis & Sahalos, 2005, 2009b; Goldsmith, 2005; Pirinen, 2006; Bharucha & Haas, 2008; Xiao et al., 2008; Baltzis, 2010b). Among various performance degradation factors, co-channel interference (CCI) is quite significant since the cells in cellular networks tend to become denser in order to increase system capacity (Stavroulakis, 2003). The development of models that describe CCI generates great interest at the moment. Several reliable models can be found in the
Exocrine and Endocrine Inflammation Increases Cellular Replication in the Pancreatic Duct Compartment in Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract Context We recently demonstrated increased cellular proliferation in the pancreatic ductal gland (PDG) compartment of organ donors with type 1 diabetes, suggesting that PDGs may harbor progenitor cells capable of pancreatic regeneration. Objective We evaluated the impact of diabetes and pancreatic inflammation on PDG and interlobular duct (ILD) cellular proliferation and profiles. Methods Endocrine hormone expression (insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide) and proliferating Ki67+ cells were localized within the PDG and ILD compartments by multicolor immunohistochemistry in cross-sections from the head, body, and tail regions of pancreata from those with (n = 31) or without type 1 diabetes (n = 43). Whole-slide scanned images were analyzed using digital pathology. Results Type 1 diabetes donors with insulitis or histologically identified pancreatitis had increased cellular replication in the ILD and PDG compartments. Interestingly, while cellular proliferation within the pancreatic ductal tree was significantly increased in type 1 diabetes (PDG mean = 3.36%, SEM = 1.06; ILD mean = 2.78%, SEM = 0.97) vs nondiabetes(ND) subjects without pancreatic inflammation (PDG mean = 1.18%, SEM = 0.42; ILD mean = 0.74%, SEM = 0.15, P < 0.05), robust replication was also observed in ND donors with pancreatitis (PDG mean = 3.52%, SEM = 1.33; ILD mean = 2.18%, SEM = 0.54, P < 0.05). Few polyhormonal cells were present in the ILD (type 1 diabetes = 0.04 ± 0.02%; ND = 0.08 ± 0.03%, P = 0.40) or PDG compartment (type 1 diabetes = 0.02 ± 0.01%; ND = 0.08 ± 0.13%, P = 0.63). Conclusion These data suggest that increased pancreatic ductal cell replication is associated with sustained pancreatic inflammation; however, as replicating cells were hormone-negative, PDGs do not appear to represent a compelling endogenous source of hormone-positive endocrine cells.
The Adult Offending Outcomes of Adolescents Who Have Perpetrated a Sex Offense: Is Sexual Offending in Adolescence Indicative of Things to Come?

Being adjudicated for a sex offense carries significant social, legal, and penal implications that are almost unparalleled and adolescents are no exception to this differential treatment by the justice system. This highlights the relevance of providing criminal career information concerning future offending among adolescents who have a record for a sex offense as they age and become adults. Based on prospective longitudinal data collected from a sample of male adolescents enrolled in the Pathways to Desistance study (n = 1170), negative binomial regression models are conducted to investigate the relationship between having a juvenile record for a sex offense and the frequency of general offending in early adulthood (i.e., 18 years old and over). Results show that adolescents who have perpetrated a sex offense have significantly lower levels of involvement in offending during early adulthood, whether based on official or self-reported data. Findings are discussed in terms of policy and theoretical implications.
Hackathons as extracurricular activities: Unraveling the motivational orientation behind student participation

The education sector is constantly progressing its competency paradigm by establishing a nexus between practical, theoretical, and technical dimensions of teaching and learning. In the modern age of education, hackathons are becoming increasingly prominent in providing an optimal academic environment that connects classroom learnings to real‐life scenarios. This study explored the motivational orientation behind student participation in hackathons through the framework provided by self‐determination theory. Specifically, it investigated the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in encouraging initial and continuous hackathon participation. The partial least squares‐structural equation modeling method was used to analyze data collected from 437 students in 12 countries. According to the findings, although intrinsic motivation influences participation intention, extrinsic motivation drives continuance participation. When intrinsic and extrinsic motivational constructs were analyzed individually, it was found that continuance participation demands both motivational orientations. Comparisons of demographic characteristics indicate that older students with more extensive educational experience may have higher intentions to participate and continue participating in these events. This study offers insights into how the education sector can increase hackathon participation by tapping on students’ motivational orientation. From a methodological point of view, it is apparent to recommend the promotion of hackathons as a core extracurricular activity at a school level, and more indispensably, as pedagogy at a classroom level. In a world where students are encouraged to fail early, fast, and often, participating in hackathons is a tactical preparation for eventual success.
Taro raphide‐associated proteins: Allergens and crystal growth

Abstract Calcium oxalate raphide crystals are found in bundles in intravacuolar membrane chambers of specialized idioblasts cells of most plant families. Aroid raphides are proposed to cause acridity in crops such as taro ( Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott). Acridity is irritation that causes itchiness and pain when raw/insufficiently cooked tissues are eaten. Since raphides do not always cause acridity and since acridity can be inactivated by cooking and/or protease treatment, it is possible that a toxin or allergen‐like compound is associated with the crystals. Using two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) peptide sequencing of selected peptides from purified raphides and taro apex transcriptome sequencing, we showed the presence on the raphides of peptides normally associated with mitochrondria (ATP synthase), chloroplasts (chaperonin ~60 kDa), cytoplasm (actin, profilin), and vacuole (V‐type ATPase) that indicates a multistage biocrystallation process ending with possible invagination of the tonoplast and addition of mucilage that may be derived from the Golgi. Actin might play a crucial role in the generation of the needle‐like raphides. One of the five raphide profilins genes was highly expressed in the apex and had a 17‐amino acid insert that significantly increased that profilin's antigenic epitope peak. A second profilin had a 2‐amino acid insert and also had a greater B‐cell epitope prediction. Taro profilins showed 83% to 92% similarity to known characterized profilins. Further, commercial allergen test strips for hazelnuts, where profilin is a secondary allergen, have potential for screening in a taro germplasm to reduce acridity and during food processing to avoid overcooking.
Higher gauge theory I: 2-Bundles

I categorify the definition of fibre bundle, replacing smooth manifolds with differentiable categories, Lie groups with coherent Lie 2-groups, and bundles with a suitable notion of 2-bundle. To link this with previous work, I show that certain 2-categories of principal 2-bundles are equivalent to certain 2-categories of (nonabelian) gerbes. This relationship can be (and has been) extended to connections on 2-bundles and gerbes. The main theorem, from a perspective internal to this paper, is that the 2-category of 2-bundles over a given 2-space under a given 2-group is (up to equivalence) independent of the fibre and can be expressed in terms of cohomological data (called 2-transitions). From the perspective of linking to previous work on gerbes, the main theorem is that when the 2-space is the 2-space corresponding to a given space and the 2-group is the automorphism 2-group of a given group, then this 2-category is equivalent to the 2-category of gerbes over that space under that group (being described by the same cohomological data).
Gravity from the ground up

Preface 1. Gravity on Earth: the inescapable force 2. And then came Newton: gravity takes center stage 3. Satellites: what goes up doesn't always come down 4. The Solar System: a triumph for Newtonian gravity 5. Tides and tidal forces: the real signature of gravity 6. Interplanetary travel: the cosmic roller-coaster 7. Atmospheres: keeping planets covered 8. Gravity in the Sun: keeping the heat on 9. Reaching for the stars: the emptiness of outer space 10. The colors of stars: why they are black (bodies) 11. Stars at work: factories for the Universe 12. Birth to death: the life cycle of the stars 13. Binary stars: tidal forces on a huge scale 14. Galaxies: atoms in the Universe 15. Physics near the speed of light: Einstein stands on Galileo's shoulders 16. Relating to Einstein: logic and experiment in relativity 17. Spacetime geometry: finding out what is not relative 18. Einstein's gravity: the curvature of spacetime in the Solar System 19. Einstein's recipe: fashioning the geometry of gravity 20. Neutron stars: laboratories of strong gravity 21. Black holes: gravity's one-way street 22. Gravitational waves: gravity speaks 23. Gravitational lenses: bringing the Universe into focus 24. Cosmology: the study of everything 25. Big Bang: the seed from which we grew 26. Einstein's Universe: the geometry of cosmology 27. Ask the Universe: cosmic questions at the frontiers of gravity Appendix A. Useful constants: values used in this book Appendix B. Background: what you need to know before you start.
Chromosome 3A harbors several pleiotropic and stable drought‐responsive alleles for photosynthetic efficiency selected through wheat breeding

Abstract Water deficit is the most severe stress factor in crop production threatening global food security. In this study, we evaluated the genetic variation in photosynthetic traits among 200 wheat cultivars evaluated under drought and rainfed conditions. Significant genotypic, treatments, and their interaction effects were detected for chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Drought stress reduced the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (YII) from the anthesis growth stage on. Leaf chlorophyll content measured at anthesis growth stages was significantly correlated with YII and non‐photochemical quenching under drought conditions, suggesting that high throughput chlorophyll content screening can serve as a good indicator of plant drought tolerance status in wheat. Breeding significantly increased the photosynthetic efficiency as newer released genotypes had higher YII and chlorophyll content than the older ones. GWAS identified a stable drought‐responsive QTL on chromosome 3A for YII, while under rainfed conditions, it detected another QTL on chromosome 7A for chlorophyll content across both growing seasons. Molecular analysis revealed that the associated alleles of AX‐158576783 (515.889 Mbp) on 3A co‐segregates with the NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase (TraesCS3A02G287600) gene involved in ATP synthesis coupled electron transport and is proximal to WKRY transcription factor locus. This allele on 3A has been positively selected through breeding and has contributed to increasing the grain yield.
3D terrain estimation from a single landscape image

This article presents the first technique to estimate a 3D terrain model from a single landscape image. Although monocular depth estimation also offers single‐image 3D reconstruction, it assigns depth only to pixels visible in the input image, resulting in an incomplete 3D terrain output. Our method generates a complete 3D terrain model as a textured height map via a three‐stage framework using deep neural networks. First, to exploit the performance of pixel‐aligned estimation, we estimate terrain's per‐pixel depth and color free from shadows or lights in the perspective view. Second, we triangulate the RGB‐D data generated in the first stage and rasterize the triangular mesh from the top view to obtain an incomplete textured height map. Finally, we inpaint the depth and color in the missing regions. Because there are many possible ways to complete the missing regions, we synthesize diverse shapes and textures during inpainting using a variational autoencoder. Qualitative and quantitative experiments reveal that our method outperforms existing methods applying a direct perspective‐to‐top view transform as image‐to‐image translation.